The cover problem is a recent prize winner, see the award of Kenneth Solja
50 JT in this issue. The competition was for helpmates in four or more moves,
see pp.72–77. There were 37 problems to be judged by the jubilee.
Another award is on pages 78–82: the helpmates published in ST in 2005–2006.
The judge, Francesco Simoni, had 42 problems to consider and his award includes
16 of them. If you wish to see your problem in future awards of our informal
competitions, you should know what to do: send your best efforts to our original
problems editors, see pp. 86–95.
The traditional Paha pähkinä, A Hard Nut To Crack, is selected by
Neal Turner. This time there is a topical helpmate in three from a book on the
problems of a GM in composing. Turn to p. 83 and test your skills in solving
this beautiful helpmate.
The time of congress in Rio de Janeiro is approaching, but the number of Finnish
participants is surprisingly low. For the first time ever, Finland will not
have a solver in the WCSC. See p. 83.
Recently the FIDE Album 1998–2000 Annexe has seen the light of the day.
This book contains the problems, which nearly – but not quite – made
it to the FIDE Album. Henry Tanner has studied this book and listed Finnish
problems in all Annexes published so far, see pp. 84–85.
In total, 12 Finnish composers are represented with 59 problems. It is no surprise
to see Grandmaster Unto Heinonen to have the highest number of problems, 34,5,
of these problems. Finally, there are three examples from the latest Annexe
on p. 85.
The originals columns start from p. 86 and we have once again a nice range of
problems from orthodox mates to more or less exotic fairies. We appreciate your
contributions and so do our solvers and readers! In addition to the problems
and solutions, the mistakes from the previous issue are listed in English on
p. 89.
The next ST is due to appear within a few months. We wish you a nice autumn!
Published 1st September 2009