Final Award in Quick Composing TT-139 | Окончательные итоги блицконкурса TT-139

All in two moves | Всё в 2 хода

Theme | Тема

37 entries were received from 19 authors representing 9 countries | На конкурс поступило 37 композиций от 19 авторов из 9 стран

EN <-> RU

From the tireless director Alexey Oganesjan I received not less than 37 anonymous problems, with full solutions and the authors’ comments in English. The reaction of composers to the set theme was a very pleasant surprise, not only in quantity, but in quality, too!
Some composers may have been confused by the name of this tourney "All in two moves". Thematic condition asked for #2 and h#2 in the same position. It was allowed to use additional two-move genres, but the tourney wasn’t looking for multiple twins or records in this respect: they belong to the past. There was a big TT for so called “Argentinean twins”, almost half century ago: Osmo Kaila 80 JT, 1966/67. What interested me was to see how composers would link #2 and h#2 contents, and how would they overcome all technical difficulties on the way.
The condition was a constructional one, aimed to stimulate young and inexperienced composers. It offered two generally different approaches: A) adjusting position to the initial author’s idea, and B) adjusting content (and choice of twins) to the possibilities of a certain position. Naturally, most entries combined both methods.
Method B doesn’t promise much, if not applied with great imagination. We may call it “duty-free” method: you enter a duty-free shop and you often buy what you didn’t want to buy, just because of a tempting discount. Computer may tell you the position offers many dual-free solutions or twins, but such phases could hardly create a unity. However, the Method B may create colourful mixtures, and interesting cacophonies for a joy of a solver and a “reader”.

With more than half of the problems competing for the award, it was much easier to eliminate some:
- No 2 (Ka3-Ka1) aside from anticipated – yacpdb/351045;
- No 5 (Ka1-Ka3), No 14 (Ke3-Ke5), No 22 (Ka1-Ka3) were excluded because they used non-thematic twins;
- No 19 (Kc5-Ke8) achieves not less than 5 twins, but there is no variety of play, and one of the twins ends with a major dual.
Some combinations were simply unlucky:
- No 10 (Ke8-Kg6) has a perfect S#2 twin, but the main thematic twins contain weaknesses: checking key in #2 and unused WR in h#2.
- Having in mind overall quality of entries, No 6 (Ke1-Kg3), No 8 (Ka4-Ka2), No 15 (Kh2-Kh5), No 21 (Kf6 Kd5), No 32 (Ke1-Kg3), No 34 (Kf1-Kd5), No 36 (Kf1-Kh5) and No 37 (Ka4-Kb7) were eliminated as less successful in comparison with others;
- No 1 (Ke1-Kc3), No 12 (Ke1-Kh4), No 16 (Ke1-Ka4) and No 18 (Ke1-Kg3) presented white castling in #2 twin, and retro proof to avoid it in h#2. I found no significant novelties in the compositions using this well-known method;
- Miniature No 11 (Kf1-Kg8) is a case of careless construction: if one of only 6 pieces proves to be unnecessary, it is a big fault;
- No 23 (Ke5-Ke7) presents an interesting triple, but the content hardly deserves all 24 pieces;
- The contents of No 34 (Kf1-Kd5), No 35 (Kh1-Kh5) and No 36 (Kf1-Kh5), as well as the extensive comments given to them, seem to be by the same author who left judge to choose: not only between 3 diagrams with similar starting positions, but also between offered twins inside each diagram. At the end, I accepted the role of selector, choosing No 35 (Kh1-Kh5), and only two out of its five twins, but this left me with confusion in my head: if a composer isn’t sure about his preferences, it makes judge even less convinced about the author’s idea. The same kind of remark is to be given to NoNo 3A, 3B and 3C (all – Kh5-Kh8).

Finally, let me turn to the best part of this exciting adventure. Not less than 17 problems are in the award. The Prizes present variety of well pointed ideas, and a lot of imagination:

Award is the following | Отличия распределились следующим образом

1st Prize, 1st Place - No 26
Evgeni Bourd
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
2R5/1p2p3/bP1pP3/rNpk1K2/p1r1N3/B1Pp4/B2P4/8
#2b) h#2(10+10)
2nd Prize, 2nd Place - No 27
Evgeni Bourd
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
6K1/6Pp/4Np1P/4BkNB/2P1R3/8/2P2P2/8
#2b) h#2(11+3)
3rd Prize, 3rd Place - No 24
Evgeni Bourd
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
1B6/6N1/4N3/1P1kp1P1/3P4/K2Bp3/1P2P3/8
#2b) h#2(10+3)

1st Prize, 1st Place - No 26, Evgeni Bourd (Israel)

a) #2: 1.Sbxd6! Bb5 2.Rxc5#, 1...Rb5 2.Bxc4#, 1...exd6 2.Sf6#
b) h#2, 2.1.. : 1.Rxb5 Bb4 2.cxb4 Bxc4#, 1.Bxb5 Bxc5 2.dxc5 Rxc5#
Grimshaw in #2 and a kind of Novotny in h#2 phase – a perfect combination allowed by the mixture of genres! Note the twist in the strategy: Grimshaw moves allow mates, while Novotny moves prevent them. Both phases involve different sacrifices of WSb5, complemented by different sacrifices of WBa3 in h#2 phase. We see a “real”#2 and a “real”h#2, linked by an inspired idea that asked for a lot of material.
EN <-> RU

2nd Prize, 2nd Place - No 27, Evgeni Bourd (Israel)

a) #2: 1.Re3! fxe5 2.Rf3#, 1...fxg5 2.Sd4#
b) h#2, 2.1.. :1.fxg5 Kf8 2.Kxe6 Bg4#, 1.fxe5 Sf7 2.Kxe4 Sd6#
Another original link between #2 and h#2 phases. The mating pieces from #2 twin become victims in h#2 – after the same black moves. This “half-Zilahi” contains additional pair of passive sacrifices, self-blocks, and Model mates in h#2. The picture is somewhat spoiled by the side WPs in #2 phase, but I couldn’t find a way to avoid it.
EN <-> RU

3rd Prize, 3rd Place - No 24, Evgeni Bourd (Israel)

a) #2:
1.Kb4!
1...exd4 [a] 2.Sf4 [A] #
1...e4 [b] 2.Bc4 [B] #
b) h#2, 2.1..
1.exd4 [a] Bc4 [B] 2.Ke4 Sc5#
1.e4 [b] Sf4 [A] 2.Kxd4 Sge6#
A concept similar in execution to the previous one, offering a different thematic link: reciprocal change of white moves after the same black self-blocks. The play is simpler, but the use of white officers is equally impressive. The plug on e3 (to avoid cook in h#2 1.e4 & 2.e3) prevents a lighter construction.
EN <-> RU
4th Prize - No 20
Ivan Antipin
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/3p4/3p4/2Np4/1Q1P4/2PpP3/pP1P4/rk1K4
#2b) h#2; c) s#2(8+7)
Special Prize - No 30
Ingemar Lind
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/2P5/8/3N4/1P1P4/4p3/p7/k1K5
#2b-d) h#2,r#2,ser-r#2(5+3)
1st Honorable mention - No 35
Nikola Predrag
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/7N/8/5BBk/6p1/8/6PP/7K
#2b) h#2(6+2)

4th Prize - No 20, Ivan Antipin (Russia)

a) #2: 1.Sb3! Kxb2+ 2.Sc1#
b) h#2: 1.dxc5 b3 2.c4 bxc4#
c) s#2: 1.Se4! dxe4 2.Qxd6 Kxb2#
Impressive linking of 3 different genres. Each phase ends with different battery mate, including S, P & K as the front pieces. A couple of Pawns could be saved with a less surprising S# solution, but I believe it was a good choice to sacrifice economy for the sake of overall dynamics.
EN <-> RU

Special Prize - No 30, Ingemar Lind (Sweden)

a) #2: 1.c8Q e2 2.Qc3#
b) h#2, 1.2.1.1: 1.e2 Se3 2.e1B Sc2#, 1.e2 c8Q 2.e1S Qc3#
c) r#2: 1.c8R e2 2.Rc2 e1Q#
d) ser-r#2: 1.Sc3 2.Sb1 axb1Q#
The most successful use of the “duty-free” method. The author compiled all available twins and solutions to present a surprising record: complete mixed AUW + 2 more Queens! There are many points to criticize, like repetition of moves, partially unemployed white thematic pieces (S&P), and incomplete use of reflex and series reflex conditions. However, 6 different promotions in a light setting make quite a success.
EN <-> RU

1st Honorable mention - No 35, Nikola Predrag (Croatia)

a) #2:
1.h3? g3!
1.h4! g3 (~) 2.Sf6# 1…gxh3 e.p. 2.g4#
b) h#2
1.g3 Kg1? 2.gxh2+ g4?
1.g3 Bg6+ 2.Kg4 h3
In tries and solutions, WPh2 is sacrificed on 3 different squares, and finally he becomes the mating piece. Two Model mates and excellent role of WK. The author added three more conditions in brackets, and let me decide if they needed or not.
EN <-> RU
2nd Honorable mention - No 4
Dragan Stojnić
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/8/8/2N3Pp/5pR1/4pNpQ/4kprp/2K2brn
#2b) h#2(6+11)
3rd Honorable mention - No 13
Igor Agapov
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
Q7/8/8/1PP5/bpB5/k7/1p6/1K6
#2b) h#2; c) s#2(5+4)
4th Honorable mention - No 31
Ingemar Lind
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/8/8/B7/8/2p1p3/pP2P3/k1K5
#2b) h#2; c) r#2(5+3)

2nd Honorable mention - No 4, Dragan Stojnić (Serbia)

a) #2: 1.Qxh5! Kxf3 2.Rh4#
1.Rh4? Kxf3! (2.Qxh5#)
b) h#2: 1.h4 Rxh4 2.Kxf3 Qg4# (Qh5#?)
1.Kxf3? Qxh5 2. ?? Rh4#
Elements of Vladimirov and Urania themes shared between #2 and h#2 phases, each containing thematic tries.
EN <-> RU

3rd Honorable mention - No 13, Igor Agapov (Russia)

a) #2: 1.c6! b3 2.Qf8#
b) h#2: 1.b3 Qf3 2.Bxb5 Qxb3#
c) s#2: 1.Ba2! b3 2.Qa5 bxa2#
Three well balanced phases, with elegant white moves and pointed use of the pinned black bishop.
EN <-> RU

4th Honorable mention - No 31, Ingemar Lind (Sweden)

a) #2: 1.b3 c2 2.Bc3#
b) h#2: 1.cxb2+ Kd1 2.b1B Bc3#
c) r#2: 1.Kc2 cxb2 2.Kd1 b1Q#
(1.Kd1? c2+ 2.Ke1 c1Q#, 1... Kb1!)
Presence of the neat white tries connects all three twins. As in No 30 (Special Prize), it was more appropriate to use the semi-reflex conditions for the c) twin, since there are no possible mates to Black.
EN <-> RU
5th Honorable mention - No 9
Karol Mlynka
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
b2N4/k1P5/8/1K1p4/3P4/8/8/8
#2b) h#2; c) =2(4+3)
6th Honorable mention - No 29
Ingemar Lind
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/6P1/8/8/pp3P2/k7/p7/K7
#2b) h#2; c) s#2(3+4)
7th Honorable mention - No 33
Ingemar Lind
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/1PPPP1P1/8/8/pp4P1/k7/p7/K7
#2b-e)h#2,s#2,h=2,ser-#2(7+4)

5th Honorable mention - No 9, Karol Mlynka (Slovakia)

a) #2:
1.c8S+? Kb8!
1.c8Q! (A) zz Bb7 (a) 2.Qxb7# (C), 1...Bc6+ (b) 2.S*c6# (B)
b) h#2, 2.1..
1.Bb7 (a) c8Q (A) 2.Bxc6+ (b) Sxc6# (B)
1.Bxc6+ (b) Sxc6+ (B) 2.Ka8 c8Q# (A)

c) =2
1.c8Q! (A) zz Bb7 (a) 2.Sxb7= (D), 1...Bc6+ (b) 2.K*c6= (E)
This Miniature presents 3 pairs of continuations. A nice achievement, in spite of some repetitions.
EN <-> RU

6th Honorable mention - No 29, Ingemar Lind (Sweden)

A) diagram:
a) #2: 1.g8Q b3 2.Qf8#
b) h#2: 1.Kb3 g8Q+ 2.Ka3 Qxa2#
c) s#2: 1.g8Q b3 2.Qc4 b2#
B) Pf4->b3:
a) #2: 1.g8Q axb3 2.Qa8#
b) h#2: 1.Kxb3 g8Q+ 2.Ka3 Qxa2#
c) s#2: 1.g8Q axb3 2.Qe8 b2#
Two triplets in a Miniature, but b) solution remains the same.
EN <-> RU

7th Honorable mention - No 33, Ingemar Lind (Sweden)

a) #2: 1.d8Q b3/Kb3 2.Qd6/Qd3#
b) h#2, 2.1.. : 1.Kb3 g8Q+ 2.Ka3 Qxa2#, 1.b3 b8Q 2.b2+ Qxb2#
c) s#2: 1.g8Q b3 2.Qc4 b2#
d) h=2, 2.1.. : 1.Kb3 c8Q 2.a3 Qc6=, 1.b3 b8R 2.b2+ Rxb2=
e) ser-#2: 1.g8Q 2.Qxa2#
Five white promotions. I would rather exclude e) twin, since it repeats the play from b).
EN <-> RU
Special Honorable mention - No 28
Ingemar Lind
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/8/8/8/8/4p3/p5N1/k1K5
#2b) h#2(2+3)
Commendation - No 3
Branislav Djurasevic
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
7k/5p1B/5N1P/5PpK/5N2/8/8/8
#2b) h#2(6+3)
Commendation - No 7
Karol Mlynka
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/8/8/2K5/8/8/k1P5/rbQ5
#2b) h#2(3+3)

Special Honorable mention - No 28, Ingemar Lind (Sweden)

a) #2: 1.Se1 (Sxe3? pat) e2 2.Sc2#
b) h#2: 1.e2 Se3 (Se1? pat) 2.e1B Sc2#
Reciprocal anti-duals with only 5 pieces!
EN <-> RU

Commendation - No 3, Branislav Djurasevic (Serbia)

a) #2: 1.fxg6 e.p.! fxg6+ 2.Sxg6#
b) h#2: 1.g4 Se6 2.g3 Bg7#
The e.p. capture is legal with White to move. In the helpmate phase it serves as the theoretical set-play that may not be realized. Out of 3 versions offered by the author, this was the only one with different mating moves.
EN <-> RU

Commendation - No 7, Karol Mlynka (Slovakia)

a) #2: 1.Kb4! (A) – 2.Qa3# (B), 1...Bxc2 (a) 2.Qxc2#
b) h#2: 1.Bxc2 (a) Kb4 (A) 2.Bb1 Qa3# (B)
A kind of Dombrovskis effect in Miniature: 1…Bxc2 prevents the threat 2.Qa3#, while in the helpmate phase it leads to 2.Qa3# at the end.
EN <-> RU
Commendation - No 17
Pietro Pitton
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/1P6/8/8/1p6/k7/p7/K2B4
#2b) h#2*; c) s#2(3+3)
Commendation - No 25
Evgeni Bourd
TT-139, SuperProblem, 15-06-2015
8/3p4/1P1P4/P2B1p1p/4qpbP/2pRrk1p/2Pp1P1R/1Q1K4
#2b) h#2(11+11)

Commendation - No 17, Pietro Pitton (Italy)

a) #2: 1.b8Q! – 2.Qa8#/Qa7#, 1...b3 2.Qxb3#
b) h#2*: *1...b8Q! 2.b3 Qxb3#. 1.b3 b8Q 2.b2+ Qxb2#
c) s#2: 1.b8Q! b3 2.Qf4 b2#
A 6-piece Miniature with 3 twins. Unfortunately, the first white move is always the same.
EN <-> RU

Commendation - No 25, Evgeni Bourd (Israel)

a) #2: 1.Qb5! Qxd5 2.Qxd5#, 1...Rxd3 2.Qxd3#
b) h#2, 2.1.. : 1.Rxd3 Qb5 2.Rd4 Qe2#, 1.Qxd5 b7 2.Qxb7 Qxb7#
The Commendation is for the bold concept of 2x2 pin-mates, while the execution leaves somewhat bitter taste.
EN <-> RU
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Sections | Разделы

#2 (twomovers | двухходовки) | H#2 (helpmates in two | коопматы в два хода) | S#2 (selfmates in two | самоматы в два хода)

Participants | Участники

Agapov I. – No 13
Antipin I. – No 20
Arestov P. – No 11, 12
Bidlen A. – No 19
Bourd I. – No 24, 25, 26, 27
Djurasevic D. – No 1, 2, 3
Klipachev V. – No 5, 6, 22
Kochulov I. – No 18
Lind I. – No 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33
Luce S. – No 10
Mlynka K. – No 7, 8, 9
Navon E. – No 14
Pitton P. – No 16, 17
Predrag N. – No 34, 35, 36
Retter I. – No 23
Russkih V. – No 15
Serafimović I. – No 21
Stojnić D. – No 4
Vinokurov V. – No 37

The Winner Is | Победитель

Evgeni Bourd
Congrats! | Поздравляем!

Judge | Арбитр

Marjan Kovačević

Translation | Перевод

Aleksey Oganesjan

Editor | Редактор

Aleksey Oganesjan
alexeioganesyan@gmail.com