What is so special about the cover problem? It seems to be a simple affair,
and one may be excused for wondering why it has been composed and published.
A closer inspection shows that the mating positions of set play and solution
are pseudo-identical, as the white rooks have switched places. An ingenious
idea, which is topical for two reasons. Firstly, the current theme tourney of
Die Schwalbe requires for such helpmate or stalemate problems, seriesmovers
allowed. Secondly, the composer Pentti Sola, one of most important Finnish problemists
ever, was born 100 years ago, on May 28, 1907.
In order to honour Pentti Sola, Suomen tehtäväniekat announces an
international composing competition on p. 41
- please reprint and participate!
On p. 36 we have dedication problems, and more of those in the columns for original
problems.
The traditional spring meeting of ST took place in Espoo, near Helsinki, but
in rural environment. The weekend´s program consisted of lectures, composing
and solving competitions. The composing theme required for problems in which
a move is instantly followed by a move of similar length and direction. This
may be important in understanding the problems on p. 37.
In ST 1/2007, there were a few mistakes especially regarding the stipulations
and piece numbers of ISC problems. The corrections are on p. 38.
For the first time, Neal Turner has received a proposal for his series of difficult
problems. And who would be more qualified than legendary Pauli Perkonoja to
make this proposal, a 4# by Ramutis Juozenas on p. 39? On the same page we have
another positive thing to report - Hans Gruber has temporarily settled on Finnish
soil because of his professional work at the University of Turku.
As is well known, Greece will host this year´s PCCC meeting instead of
Bulgaria, as originally planned. We look forward to Rhodes - basic information
on p. 40.
On the following page we have the announcement of Pentti Sola 100 MT, followed
by originals columns. There have been a few changes in the editorial team. We
are glad to welcome Pauli Perkonoja as the studies editor and Steven B. Dowd
as the helpmates editor!
There is not likely to be many problemists who have not seen a problem by Christer
Jonsson. He is one of the most prolific contemporary composers, and continues
to produce high-class problems. Christer is introduced on pp. 56-60, with 20
problems showing his versatility and skill.
Kari Valtonen adds another important part on his article series on problem chess
themes and concepts. This time he researches the change of function of white
moves in two-movers. There is plenty of food for thought on pp. 61-71.
The next ST is due to appear in summertime, which we hope to be reasonably warm
and full of productive composing ideas for each and everyone!
Published 28th May 2007