The cover problem is one of the first chess positions published in Finland. It was published in 1863 in a children's magazine called Eos. The position was used as an illustration of a game called chess, so no further details were given. If we assume that the position is a composed problem, we miss the name of the composer, source, stipulation and intended solution.
In his book Ruutulaudan lumoissa Eero Saarenheimo describes, among other topics, the history of chess problems in Finland. The position published in Eos is the oldest chess diagram published in Finland that Saarenheimo has been able to locate. He found out that the position might be a mate in five, with a dualistic solution starting with 1.Te8, though there are many other solutions as well.
Recently Henry Tanner came across the position and checked whether the problem may be a conditional problem, i.e. with a restrictive condition. And as Henry writes on pp. 172-173, the problem is a correct 5# with the condition that the black King is mated on d5. Furthermore, the mating position is most appealing, see position B in his article. It seems very probable that the intended stipulation has been found, but questions still remain: who is the composer and what is the source of this problem? We hope that our readers can help us to find answers to these questions.
The next annual meeting of our society takes place on Saturday, February 21, 2004. The Finnish Championship in solving of chess problems is held before the meeting. The competition starts at 13.00 and consists of two parts. The first part includes 2#, 3# and studies. The second part with helpmates, moremovers and selfmates starts after a short break. The competition is open for everyone, for more details please contact the editor in chief.
This issue includes the awards of two ST competitions. The long helpmates award of 2000-2001 is on pp. 176-180. On the following five pages there is the award of fairy problems, including retros, published in 2001.
The traditional ST autumn meeting was held near Tampere in October. The chess program consisted of solving, composing, a problem chess quiz and lectures, see p. 186.
The originals columns offer a wide selection, something for every taste, we hope. Please keep in mind that original problems of good quality are always welcome, see p. 187-196 for the addresses of column editors.
Neal Turner continues his series of Paha Pähkinä, which consist of difficult and interesting problems. This time he pays tribute to the recently deceased Alexander Toger, who was known for fiendishly difficult helpmates. Turn to p. 196 and test your skills!
The Selected Helpmates by Marko Ylijoki is on pp. 198-200. This time Marko presents the subject of anticipations, ranging from almost complete ones to less grave examples.
Henry Tanner continues both the column Small Is Beautiful and the Four Corner Project, see pp. 201-205 and 206-210 respectively.
This issue and the year 2003 close with a Christmas competition, unfortunately for foreigners only in Finnish.
ST 1/2004 is due to appear in February. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2004!
Published 16th December l 2003