The cover problem of this issue, the last one of 2013, shows a problem illustrating a Christmas Kettle, popular at least in Finland during the Christmas season. The problem itself should not be too difficult to solve, but other problems with similar kind of a visual pattern may present more challenges. See the article by Henry Tanner on pp. 204–210.
This Tehtäväniekka starts with an article by Kari Valtonen discussing the evergreen Novotny theme. Or actually themes, as several ways of presenting or refining the basic idea have been found. In Kari´s article there are examples of Finnish / Rumanian / English Novotnys, among other possibilities. Worthwhile reading on pp. 192–199!
Neal Turner turned 65 on December 19, 2013, and his traditional Paha pähkinä, A Tough Nut to Crack, is this time accompanied with a dedication problem, see p. 199. Congratulations!
The situation with the awards of our magazine is a constant source of worry. Too many awards of annual competitions have not been completed. Luckily we were able to get valuable assistance from probably the most active judge of our time, Hans Gruber. He has produced quickly and with expertise the awards of two 3#-competitions, the first one for the years 2008–2009 and the second one for the next two-year period. See pp. 200–203 for the awards.
The development of computer technology and solving programs has made it possible to check problems, which were previously beyond the reach of complete computer testing. This can be seen as a double-edged sword: on one hand some beautiful problems have been found to be faulty, but on the other hand we are able to know for certain whether a problem is correct or not. In addition, it is immeasurably easier to correct problems. In doing so, the original idea should be preserved. One of the best tools available is the solving program Gustav, developed by Olaf Jenkner. Gustav found a cook to a s#14 by Henry Tanner & Jorma Pitkänen, published in 2001, and with the help of Gustav, a sound version of the problem is now on p. 203.
The annual meeting of our society will take place in the Chess Arena, Helsinki, on February 22, 2014. The day´s program starts at 13 with the Finnish Quick Solving Championship. There will be a set of problems to be solved within three hours. The tournament director is Neal Turner. The annual meeting starts at 17.00. For general information on this competition and ISC, please contact Neal, contact information on p. 223.
Then we have the pleasure of reading two short essays on composing by Leo Valve, a Finnish composer who passed away in 1952. These essays make enjoyable reading, but are not easy to translate into English.
The originals section starts at p. 212. We continue with the solving ladder, see p. 223, and you are most welcome to participate and/ to send your comments! Obviously your original problems are most welcome, too.
The next WCCC will take place in Bern, Switzerland on August 23.-30.
The ISC, International Solving Contest, takes place on January 26 at the same time on different parts of the world and in Finland at the Chess Arena in Helsinki.
We thank all our readers for the year 2013 and wish you a prosperous year 2014!
Published 24th December 2013