Our cover problem is a fresh first prize winner by the outstanding Finnish composer Unto Heinonen. The ST Summer Tourney was for orthodox problems with any stipulation (n#, h#, s#, eg) showing abandoning of an active battery.
In Unto’s problem, the activity of the battery is shown in the set play 1.-c5/f6 2.Re6/Rd5#. The thematic try 1.Qf5? is defeated by 1.-f6! The key abandons the battery and leads to a reciprocal change of mating moves. The complete award by Mikael Grönroos is on p. 10.
A list of Finnish problemists with anniversaries during 2003 can be found on p. 4. On the same page there is information on the annual meeting of our society. Regarding ST subscriptions abroad, please pay attention to the notice on this page.
The Pirkanmaa Chess Problem Society has celebrated their 35th anniversary. Pirkanmaa is a region centred around Tampere. Well known problemists living in Pirkanmaa are Jan Hannelius, Kari Valtonen, Kauko Virtanen and Marko Ylijoki. The program started with a solving competition, directed by GM Kari Valtonen and Marko Ylijoki. The competition turned out to be a rather difficult one. Twelve problems were set to be solved in three hours; the results and an example problem can be found on p. 5.
On pp. 6-9 there are 17 dedication problems to the Pirkanmaa Society. The problems
vary from orthodox mates to interesting fairy stipulations.
The column “Paha Pähkinä” (A Hard Nut To Crack ) by Neal
Turner continues on p. 9. This time he presents an innocent-looking h#3, which
may not be so simple to solve after all...
The award of h#3 helpmates published in 1993 is on pp. 11-15. The award is translated into English and will also be published on ST web pages, which are well worth following, see the url on p. 2. The judge Henry Tanner included eleven problems into his carefully considered award. The first prize winner has already found its way to the FIDE-Album 1992-1994.
Our originals column starts on p. 16 and consists of the customary sections: orthodox mates, studies, helpmates, selfmates and fairies. Please note that starting with the next issue, the helpmate editor of ST will change. The new editor is Mikael Grönroos, see p. 24 for his contact information.
Mikael will be the third editor of the ST helpmate column, which was initiated by Kari Valtonen. Marko Ylijoki took over five years ago and has continued with enthusiasm and dedication. Luckily for us, Marko has promised to continue with Selected Helpmates, also in this issue on pp. 30-32.
The first issue of 2003 ends with a large presentation of composing competition announcements on pp. 32-35.
ST 2/2003 is due to appear in the spring.
Published 14th February 2003