Die Schwalbe

88 problem(s) found in 4421 milliseconds (displaying 88 problem(s)). [COMMENTDATE>=20200919 AND NOT A='Dikussarow, Andrej N.' AND K='Scherzaufgabe'] [download as LaTeX]

1 - P0001141
George Hume
Jamaica Gleaner 12/1891
Weihnachtsturnier 1891
1. Preis
P0001141
(9+9)
Auf welche Gedanken kommen Sie bei dieser Stellung?

Der Ld6 ist keine UWF und der sBg7 wurde auf seinem Ausgangsfeld geschlagen. Nach dem Autor muss der letzte Zug also Lf8-d6 gewesen sein, also illegale Stellung.
Datum der Originalpublikation nicht 100% sicher, laut ACM aus der "Jamaica Gleaner Christmas column".

Originalforderung: How has the position been arrived at and who is the winner, and in how many moves?

From the Jamaica Gleaner: "White mates in two moves. The last move made was by Black playing his Bishop and announcing mate. As it can be demonstrated that the Bishop is not a promoted Pawn and that Black's King's Knight's Pawn was captured on its original square by White's Queen's Knight's Pawn the Black Bishop must have been played from Bishop's square (f8) to Q3 (d6). This being an illegal move, White enforces the penalty of compelling Black to retract it and move his King whereupon White plays 1 PXB(Q) ch (1.gxf8=Q+) and mates next move by 2 Q-B4 (Qf4#). The following is a brief but pointed analysis, demonstrating the false move: White's Pawns have made six captures all on black squares. The Q Kt P (Pb2) made five of these and consequently captured the Kt P on the square upon which it now stands (g7). They could not have captured the Q B which is also lost. The White Bishop is the QRP (Pa2) promoted, the original KB having been captured on its own square as the unmoved Pawns show. To allow this promotion Black's QRP (Pa7) made two captures, the QKtP (Pb7) one, and the QBP (Pc7) two. The KRP (Ph7) has also made a capture, which accounts for the seven pieces White has lost. The Black Bishop is not a promoted Pawn, as if the Black KBP (Pf7) had played to the 7 th square (f2) and then captured a White piece on K or Kt square (e1 or g1) the captures by White Pawns cannot be accounted for without including the Black QB or KRP neither of which is available. As it can be demonstrated, then that the Black Bishop is not a promoted one, and that the KKtP was captured by the White Pawn which now stands on that square, in order to reach Q3 the Black Bishop must have an impossible move.

Der Kolumnist des ACM merkt aber zurecht an:
ACM: The above is a very fine piece of analytical work; but there is a slight flaw in connection with the minor condition, 'mate in two'. In a position of this kind we believe only that which can be proved; thus we do not think that White has any right to enact a penalty, as neither the analysis nor the conditions show that the Black Bishop came from Bishop's square on his last move; indeed, that Bishop may have played outside the Pawns on the very first move of the game which, being played, brought about the position.
HBae: White plays 1 PXB(Q) ch (1.gxf8=Q+). Muß der sK nicht auf f5 stehen? (2019-10-22)
Henrik Juel: Last move (supposedly) was Lf8-d6#, which is obviously impossible and hence illegal
The penalty for this is that Black must replace Ld6 on f8 AND instead make an arbitrary move with his king
So the forward play is
0... Kf5,Kf6,Kh6 1.gxf8=D+ Kg5,Ke5 2.Df4# (2019-10-22)
A.Buchanan: One long-standing approach to resolving illegal diagram jokes is to suppose that only the last move was illegal, with all prior play legal. The illegal move is then retracted, and play continues. Of course, the “illegal move” might in principle be from *any* legal position (even the game array!). So for sanity, we say the illegal move is a simple but somehow illegal shift of a single piece.

So here, candidates for the last move include Pe5-a4+, Sf4-e1+, Ke5-g5+ & B?-d6+. For all of these, White has 6 visible pawn captures, all on dark squares, so Black light-squared bishop is excluded. wPa must have promoted to light-squared bishop, so if the three Black pawns on a-file remain, there is only one unaccounted capture. Thus bPh could not promote, and must be bPg6 now. Thus bPg7 was captured at home, and bBf8 was thus locked in.

So Bf8-d6 is certainly a possible illegal move, but so are e.g. Be8-d6 (as the light-squared bishop is otherwise unexplained) and Pe5-a~. This is an example of an "implausible" joke according to Dawson & Hundsdorfer, because there is more than one retraction to the current position, and one just has to arbitrarily pick the one that makes the forward logic work. (2023-04-02)
A.Buchanan: Another issue is that according to the 1883 laws, White cannot force Black to move their king. The 1883 rules stated:
- If a player touches a piece or Pawn of his own he must move it.
- If he touches one of his adversary's he must take can be taken.
- If he touches plurality of pieces or Pawns of the same colour, in either of these instances his adversary may elect which such piece or Pawn he will call upon him to play or to take, as the case may be.
- If the rules governing the moves of pieces do not admit of the adversary exacting penalty as above, the player must move his King, but may not Castle. If the King cannot be moved without exposure to check, no penalty can then be exacted
So according to this, Black must play Bf8xPg7 as the penalty move.
Was there another revision to the rules between 1883 & 1891? (2023-04-02)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Illegal position, Joke, Retract illegal move (stuck at home), Touch Move, Volet Pawn, Obvious promotion (L)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 6B1/4p1P1/p2b2p1/p5kq/p7/4P1K1/2PPP1PP/3n4
Reprints: American Chess Monthly 1, p. 11, 03/1892
Jamaica Gleaner 30/04/1892
17 Europe Echecs 14 10/1959
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-04-02 more...
2 - P0001924
Bedrich Formanek
Ass. Slovaque 1966
3. Preis
P0001924
(8+2)
#1 (-:
2 Lösungen
1) 1. gxh8=G# justified by history R: 1. Kg6xGh5 & e.g. Gf5-h5+
2) 1. g8=CM# justified by history R: 1. Kg6xCMh5 & e.g. CMe4-h5+
play all play one stop play next play all
Im orthodoxen Schach hat Schwarz keinen letzten Zug. Schwarz muß deshalb im letzten Zug eine Märchenfigur entschlagen haben. Und sehen P1390927
Henrik Juel: something is wrong here: the claimed mates are not even checks
also, the stipulation should probably be something like
Black and White retract, then #1 (2021-04-30)
A.Buchanan: Yes the problem was the word "dann" which indicates help retractor. The retro is just justification for the forward moves, showing that the relevant fairy piece existed earlier in the game so can be promoted to. What's the name of that principle? (2021-05-01)
Henrik Juel: Thanks for the clarification, Andrew
I think that this principle should remain unnamed and just stay in the joke realm (2021-05-01)
A.Buchanan: Sorry not to be clear: I am talking about the standard fairy principle that if you want to promote to a Princess, there should be one on the problem diagram. Not talking about the joke extension which riffs off this. I thought this was called "Bartel Theme", but it turns out that is something different. (2021-05-01)
Henrik Juel: I see; that principle probably was established soon after the invention of grasshoppers and nightriders
I do not think it has a name, but it is so well established that it should be in the Codex (2021-05-01)
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comment
Keywords: Joke, Last Moves?, Minimal
Pieces: du = Grasshopper (G), lu = Camel (CM)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: 7b/6P1/7B/6Pk/2P5/3B3K/2P1P3/8
Reprints: (17) diagrammes 97 04-06/1991
MatPlus.net Forum 6/4/2021
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-06-19 more...
3 - P0002006
Benjamin Glover Laws
Leeds Mercury 12/12/1891
P0002006
(4+7)
#1
Beide Könige stehen im Schach. Schwarz hat zuletzt gezogen, nimmt seinen illegalen Zug zurück und muß stattdessen einen Strafzug mit dem König machen, worauf W mattsetzt.

R: 1. ... d2xSe1=S, dann 1. Kxc3 Dh8#
play all play one stop play next play all
Lösung gemäß 'Retrograde Analysis':
"... both Kings are in check, and we are obviously confronted with something decidedly illegal.
...
In No. 7A Black has just played Pd2xS=S. Replace the move and exact the King move penalty. Then Qh8 mate."
Henrik Juel: Accprding to Retrograde Analysis, 1915, the intended solution does not involve adding pieces as such, rather:
Black retracts the illegal move Pd2xSe1=S+ (exposing Kb2 to a selfcheck from Dh2)
and instead pays the penalty of a king move, Kxc3 (only possibility)
Then White mates by 1.Dh8# (2023-04-13)
Mario Richter: @Andrew: Why did you remove the "illegal position" keyword?
Instead of removing this keyword, I suggest to remove the "Add pieces" KW ... (2023-04-14)
A.Buchanan: Hi Mario, yes good question. I removed "Illegal position" from some genuine "Add pieces" compositions, because it suggests some error in the composition. But on reflection, I think I will put the "Illegal position" back for these, and instead edit the description for the keyword.

Now this problem was in fact incorrectly marked as Add pieces. It's one of Dawson & Hundsdorfer's canonical examples of an "implausible" joke. I.e there is no reason why the intended retraction is the right one, except that it works. These too should be marked as illegal position. Sorry for all confusion (2023-04-14)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Retract illegal move, Illegal position
Genre: Retro
FEN: 6B1/8/8/8/1n3p2/b1N2K2/1k5Q/r1q1n3
Reprints: 7A Retrograde Analysis 1915
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-04-14 more...
4 - P0004346
Gerhard Paul Latzel
Die Schwalbe 1950
P0004346
(10+3)
#1,5
-sBg5 1. Lxb5,Lxb3 Ta8#
play all play one stop play next play all
-sBg5 (=Vollendung e.p.- Schlag). Nicht Ta1-d1 (=Vollendung w0-0-0), denn Schwarz hätte keinen letzten Zug
Henrik Juel: a slight flaw is that we cannot say whether the entire move was fxg6ep or hxg6ep (2022-07-05)
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comment
Keywords: Castling (wg), Complete an unfinished move, En passant, Joke
Genre: Retro, h#
FEN: 7k/7P/2P1PPPP/1P4p1/b7/1P6/8/R1K5
Reprints: Problem 101-102 09/1966
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-07-10 more...
5 - P0004870
Hans Apholte
Mannheimer Morgen 1961
P0004870
(5+3)
#0
R: 1. 0-0?
play all play one stop play next play all
See P1388763
James Malcom: Black has no last move, so they must have castled illegally out of checkmate. (2021-04-18)
A.Buchanan: “dann” is used in retractor animation when shifting from retro to forward moves (2021-04-19)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Retract illegal move, Castling
Genre: Retro
FEN: 3R1rk1/5N1n/4KB1P/8/8/8/8/8
Reprints: (XV) Die Schwalbe 8 04/1971
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-19 more...
6 - P0005585
Hieronymus Fischer
56 Fern vom Alltag 1925
P0005585
(5+12)
#0
Einer der sTT muß nach a8 zurückgestellt werden.
play all play one stop play next play all
Lösung aus '64 Schach-Scherze': "Da noch sämtliche schwarze Bauern vorhanden sind, kann keiner der beiden schwarzen Türme durch Umwandlung entstanden sein.
Nun kann aber der schwarze Turm von a8 unmöglich 'herausgekommen' sein. Mithin ist einer der beiden schwarzen Türme nach a8 (oder a7 oder b8) zurückzustellen.
Nach dieser Korrektur ist Schwarz von selbst matt."
in '64 Schach-Scherze' nachgedruckt mit der Forderung "Matt in gar keinem Zug"

vgl. P1309484
Erich Bartel: weiterer Nachdruck (oder Erstquelle?!):
3) 28) 64 Schachscherze 1916 (in dieser Quelle ist kein
Hinweis ob Urdruck oder Nachdruck) (2007-10-30)
Alain Brobecker: Same position and stipulation as P1265678, except the latter one is dated 1910. (2022-11-15)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Illegal position (can't leave home)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2b5/1pppR1p1/p4p2/3p3p/4r3/4kr1R/2P1N3/4K3
Reprints: 28 64 Schach-Scherze 1915
Das Geheimnis des schwarzen Königs 1960
(III) Die Schwalbe 22 08/1973
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-05
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2019-10-22 more...
7 - P0006092
Bedrich Formanek
Breyer Gedenkturnier 1973
3. Preis
P0006092
(4+5)
h#1
1. "cxd6"ep b5 2. axb6"ep"#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: Quite cute: the two 'half' white moves add up to one white move
First White removes a black pawn, and after b7-b5 he does not (2021-04-30)
comment
Keywords: Joke, En passant, Complete an unfinished move, Start a move but do not finish it
Genre: h#, Retro
FEN: 8/kpK5/p2P4/P2p4/8/8/8/1r5B
Reprints: (28) diagrammes 97 04-06/1991
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-07-17
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-02-10 more...
8 - P0008793
Andrej N. Kornilow
Shakhmaty v SSSR 1978
P0008793
(15+8)
#1.5
a) 1. "Ta1-d1+?" ... Td4 2. Txd4# (Completing the illegal castling!)
b) 1. "xc5ep+?" ... Tb5 2. Txb5# (Completing the illegal e.p.!)
c) 1. "xe8=S+?" ... e6 2. Sf6# (Completing the illegal promotion!)

0) 1. Sxe7+! Lxe7 2. f8=B# (Truncating the promotion move!)
play all play one stop play next play all
n in directmate stipulation #n means that White has n moves to do the job. With n=1.5, therefore, one of the White moves is fractional, so we know we are in the realm of jokes, ho ho!

If White's first move is the fractional one, there are three retro tries which attempt to complete: castling, ep & promotion. However all are illegal:
castling: 8 white pawns, so wTa5 came from h1, dislodging wK.
ep: retracting sBc5 to c7 means wLb8 is promoted, but 8 white pawns.
promotion: white made 7 pawn captures, while sBgh were waylaid.

So we consider that White's second move was the fractional one, by omitting the replacement of wBf8 by an officer.
Henrik Juel: Completing the key isn't legal, 1.'Rd1'/'-bPc5'/'e8S'+, but omitting the promotion in the mating move is, 1.Sxe7+ Bxe7 2.'f8'#. Excellent joke. (2003-09-19)
James Malcom: A very witty joke Valladao! (2020-09-24)
A.Buchanan: Really like this joke (2020-09-25)
Henrik Juel: To see the illegality of completing 1.fxe8=S+?, note the captures:
Black captured fxDe, so [Pg7,h7] were captured on their files, while the other six missing black men were captured by white pawns
The illegality of completing 1.0-0-0,bxc6ep? is rather obvious (2020-09-26)
James Malcom: And for those you don't find it obvious: If the White king hasn't moved, then where did wRa5, and wBb8 if bPb5 has just done a double-step, come from? Neither can be promoted pieces, as White still has all eight pawns. Trying to finish castling and en passant therefore both produce illegal positions and thus cannot be the solution. (2020-09-26)
Henrik Juel: Continuing beating the dead horse...
How does the white player actually perform an entire move?
1.0-0-0+: Ke1-c1 and Ta1-d1
1.bxc6ep+: Pb5-c6 and remove sPc5
1.fxe8=S+: remove sYe8 and Pf7-e8 and replace wPe8 with wSe8 (three fractional actions)
2.f8=Y#: Pf7-f8 and replace wPf8 with wYf8
So a marginally better stipulation might be: 'White to move mates in less than 2 moves' (2020-09-26)
A.Buchanan: Hurray I've got the animation working! I agree with Henrik's stipulation. There is a dummy pawn on f8, but not by the Dummy Pawn rule. Instead it's the joke that does it. If Dummy Rule applied, the move would be full length! :) (2022-02-09)
more ...
comment
Keywords: En passant, Start a move but do not finish it, Castling, Promotion (S,B), Valladao Task (half!), Joke (End move, Start move), Dummy Pawn (not! Start move), Complete an unfinished move, waylaid (sBgh)
Genre: Retro, 2#
FEN: 1B1N1bB1/p2ppP2/2P5/R1pk1N2/1r2p3/1P2P1P1/4PP1P/R1K5
Reprints: (III) Quartz 4 1997
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1997-06-21
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-04-08 more...
9 - P1066829
Imants Dulbergs
The Ural's Problemist 04-06/2004
2. Thematurnier
Spezielle ehrende Erwähnung
P1066829
(8+6)
s#4.75
a) 1. dxe6ep Tb2 2. Sxe8 g5 3. Sd6 g4 4. Se4 g3 5. Sf2 gxf2#
play all play one stop play next play all
Beide Könige im Schach - wie entstand die Stellung? Zulaetzt geschah 0. Td4-d1+ Be7-e5
Mario Richter: Shouldn't this rather be a "s#4.75"? (2010-08-13)
Mario Richter: What was the theme of that tourney? (2010-08-13)
A.Buchanan: I think the theme was retro selfmates (2021-02-15)
A.Buchanan: What does wLg8 do? (2021-02-15)
comment
Keywords: En passant, Complete an unfinished move, Joke
Genre: Retro, s#
FEN: 1r2r1BB/2N5/6p1/3P4/8/8/p5P1/kn1RKN2
Input: Frank Müller, 2004-11-01
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-02-15 more...
10 - P1108458
Werner Keym
Main-Post 1968
P1108458
(14+0)
Ergänze den sK, dann #1
a) +sKd3 1. 0-0-0? Castling rights lost
b) +sKf7 1. g8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
+sKd3? und 1.0-0-0# macht nicht, veil die Stellung ist illegal (saB & sbB).
Das Brett wird um 180° gedreht, dann +sKf7 und 1. g7-g8=D#
Henrik Juel: I believe that the try is
add sK on d3 and 1.0-0-0#
This addition is illegal, however:
the white h-pawns captured all 15 missing black men, but [Pa7,b7] need three captures to promote, and only two white men are missing (2023-04-13)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Board Rotation (180), Add pieces (sK), Cant Castler
Genre: Retro
FEN: 6B1/4R2P/P6P/B6P/7P/7P/1P5P/R3K1N1
Input: Gerd Wilts, 2010-06-23
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-04-15 more...
11 - P1135717
Knud H. Hannemann
Skakbladet 1972
P1135717
(2+1)
#2
1. ... Ka7 2. b8=D+ Ka6 3. Db6#
1. b8=D#? BTM
play all play one stop play next play all
BUD20 AS-2
A.Buchanan: While it's true that there is no legal last move for Black, does this make the problem a "Retro"? The reasoning is hyper-trivial. Was this intended as a joke? Or is there some context for the composition? If only I knew a Danish person who might have some knowledge of the culture at the time... :) (2021-10-07)
Henrik Juel: Ha-ha, here goes
Knud Hannemann was the best danish composer in his prime, but this is surely a joke
Possibly the try 1.g8=D#?? was intended
Skakbladet 1972 is not available for me, but it might throw some light on the problem (2021-10-07)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Miniature Collection (0013220), No legal last move for Black (check), Joke, Kindergarten Problem, Minimal, Miniature
Genre: 2#
FEN: k7/1PK5/8/8/8/8/8/8
Input: Felber, Volker, 2010-09-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-12-05 more...
12 - P1146960
Benjamin Glover Laws
No. 3 The Pleasure Hour , p. 362, 02/1901
P1146960
(4+2)
#2
1. Kc1! (0-0-0) c6 2. Ta3#
play all play one stop play next play all
Weiß hat den Damenturm vorgegeben und ist berechtigt, ohne den Turm mit Ke1-c1 zu rochieren. Der auf a1 stehende Turm ist vom Königsflügel herübergekommen.
James Malcom: Wrong source and author!

C. Planck merely got it from a friend and it was reprinted in The British Chess Magazine in his letter to the editor in the March 23, 1901 issue-https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_British_Chess_Magazine/mZlJAAAAYAAJ?hl

Quote: "This afternoon the following curiosity was submitted for my examination. I unfortunately omitted to learn where my friend got it from."

The 1910 books, is indeed in there, gives the wrong information0https://www.google.com/books/edition/150_Schachkuriosit%C3%A4ten/NVzzAAAAMAAJ?hl

Luckily, in a short afternote on May 7, Planck mentions that the solution has recently been given in The Pleasure Hour. It can be found here-https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015068398471

I found the solution on page 544 in April, not surprising that it was mentioned in May due the the "slowness" of the day. It gives the solutions for the February problems.

Jumping back to page 362, it appears as an original problem by B. G. Laws.

Mystery resolved! (2021-01-02)
comment
Keywords: Miniature Collection (0019086), Joke, Odds game, Castling, Miniature, Minimal
Genre: 2#
FEN: 8/2p5/8/2Q5/2P5/1k6/8/R3K3
Reprints: British Chess Magazine , p. 196, 23/03/1901
117 150 Schachkuriositäten 1910
Input: Felber, Volker, 2010-09-11
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-07-17 more...
13 - P1147215
R. J. Barnes
The Leader 1907
P1147215
(6+1)
#3
1. De6+! Kf3 2. Ke1-g1! (0-0!) Kxg3 3. Dg4#
1. ... Kd3 2. Ke1-c1! (0-0-0!) Kxc3 3. Dc4#
play all play one stop play next play all
Reprint: https://books.google.com/books?id=ACYCAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA122&lpg=PA122&dq=%22promotion+key%22+chess&source=bl&ots=uYaOEpaiPB&sig=ACfU3U1Flw3DtB4u1vLJm4tdBJ5NYVzIOg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9x_eukd_pAhUCAp0JHWuOBsoQ6AEwB3oECAMQAQ#v=onepage&q=castling&f=false
James Malcom: Does anyone know any tricks that would animate odds castling? (2020-12-23)
comment
Keywords: Miniature Collection (0052137), Odds game, Joke
Genre: 3#
FEN: 8/8/3Q4/8/4k3/1PP3PP/8/4K3
Reprints: 32 Terms and Themes , p. 38, 1907
Input: Felber, Volker, 2010-09-11
Last update: Rainer Staudte, 2023-08-19 more...
14 - P1182118
Frank J. Marshall
Marshall's Chess "Swindles" , p. 129, 1914
P1182118
(6+3) C+
#2 mit dem Sg6
1. f7 Kxg6 2. f8=S#
play all play one stop play next play all
Der gerade geschlagene wSg6 kommt durch die UW wieder aufs Brett und setzt matt; deshalb auch der wSb1.
Originalforderung: White mates in two - with the Knight at KKt6.
Motto: "A La Napier"
A.Buchanan: It's easy to make a miniature ideal mate version of this cheeky problem, e.g. 8/6pk/3N1PN1/6P1/7K/8/8/8 but the charm of Marshall's original is the apparently pointless wSb1 (2020-10-21)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Constrained problem, Joke promotion (recycle wS), Phoenix
Genre: 2#
Computer test: Popeye v4.85. The only #2 happens to satisfy the constraint
FEN: 8/6pk/4KPN1/6Pp/7P/8/8/1N6
Input: Mario Richter, 2010-12-11
Last update: Rainer Staudte, 2022-09-01 more...
15 - P1184603
Frank Melville Teed
891 Dubuque Chess Journal 05/1874
P1184603
(5+5)
s# in wieviel Zügen?
In einen eineinhalb Zügen.
Weiß komplettiert die Rochade mit Kc1, dann Da1,Db1,Tb1#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: Of course, the correct way of castling is K to c1 and then T to d1 (2022-03-03)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Complete an unfinished move
Genre: s#, Retro
FEN: 8/8/8/8/p7/kp2Q3/qrPB4/3RK3
Reprints: CS9 Maryland Chess Review 08/1874
Input: Frank Müller, 2011-01-10
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-03-03 more...
16 - P1217768
John Frederick Keeble
3084 British Chess Magazine 07/1932
P1217768
(6+5)
#2
1. Dc4-g8!
play all play one stop play next play all
Mario Richter: Cook: Schwarz hat keinen legalen letzten Zug (2014-05-25)
A.Buchanan: This is not a retro problem. If we grant Black first move, then 0. ... Txb7! refutes. It's just a technical oversight. I can find no correction in PDB or WinChloe. Observe that sBb6 serves no purpose. If we remove it, then wLb5 serves little purpose. Removing both units, and shifting wD to e1,e5,e6,g6 or h5 retains soundness, but gives Black a last move. All variations persist, including the minor dual after 1. ... Lxb7, where both mates are separately forced. I prefer wDe6, because the key defending Sc8 is otherwise too strong. Also note the try 1. Dg8? In summary therefore: correction krN5/pN6/b2KQ3/8/8/8/R7/8 #2. (2021-10-09)
A.Buchanan: WinChloe gives a different original source, Wiener Schach Zeitung, with the same year 1932, towards the end of Keeble's chess problem career. (2021-10-09)
Mario Richter: My guess is, that the publication in 'Wiener Schach-Zeitung' is only a reprint as part of what I call "a real solving competition" (since amongst the problems to be solved there were also [intentionally] some with severals cooks or with seemingly or real illegal positions):
"Aus dem diesjährigen internationalen Lösungswettkampf.
Diesem Turnier ... lagen zum Teil sehr knifflige Probleme zugrunde. Es sei für unsere Löser vorausgeschickt, daß die Aufgaben zum Teil mehrfach nebenlösig sind, mitunter eine partieunmögliche Stellung vortäuschen oder auch haben. Die Illegalität der Stellung ist zu beweisen." (2021-10-09)
A.Buchanan: Wow, thanks Mario! This is a great example then of how one can't understand a problem sometimes, without knowing the context in which it's composed. How should we classify this one here in PDB? (2021-10-09)
A.Buchanan: Since illegality is the intention, it's not cooked. And it's a joke. bBb6 is a weasel. So much is clear, but I am uncertain whether to use the descriptive keyword "illegal position" or "no legal last move for black" or something else. The latter is actually a retro-stalemate (defined as a one-sided illegal position). However, 'retro-stalemate' as a keyword it has the sense more of applying to retro compositions where a retro-stalemate is sought in the history of the game, not Article 15 cases where the diagram is already one-sidedly illegal. So I think we should keep the keyword 'no legal last move for black'. (2021-10-10)
comment
Keywords: No legal last move for Black (illegal), Joke
Genre: 2#
FEN: krN5/pN6/bp1K4/1B6/2Q5/8/R7/8
Reprints: 2196 Wiener Schach-Zeitung 15 08/1932
26 Deutsche Zeitung (Celje, Dravabanat) 23/10/1932
Input: Felber, Volker, 2011-11-08
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-12-05 more...
17 - P1227518
Rainer Ehlers
Carsten Ehlers

1772 Landeszeitung für die Lüneburger Heide 29/12/2001
P1227518
(5+15) C+
h#3
2 Lösungen streng nach FIDE-Regeln!
1) 1. Sxd7 Lxb5 2. f1=S Lg3 3. 0-0-0 La6#
2) 1. fxe1=T bxc5 2. Da5 Kxh2 3. 0-0-0-0-0-0! Lh3#
play all play one stop play next play all
Aus der Lösungsbesprechung (entnommen aus dem Jahrbuch 2001):
Sie haben sich nicht verguckt: 0-0-0-0 für eine überlange Rochade auf der Vertikalen. Frühere Fassungen der FIDE-Regeln ließen bei 'böswilliger' Auslegung diese Rochade mit einem Umwandlungsturm zu - aber natürlich nicht in der Praxis. Jedenfalls griffen einige Komponisten diese Möglichkeit für Scherzaufgaben auf. In der Nr. 1772 wurde sie m.W. erstmals im Hilfsmatt eingebaut. Die gegenwärtigen FIDE-Regeln lassen die Scherz-Rochade aber nicht mehr zu, wie unsere Experten denn vehement reklamierten: Der König kann nur mit einem Turm auf der gleichen Reihe rochieren. Streng genommen ist damit die 2. Lösung inkorrekt. Als Silvesterscherz war sie dennoch ein geeigneter Probierstein des Punschgeistes!
A.Buchanan: WinChloe rokagogo has 220 solutions - but 218 of these are fake: with either Tc1-e1 or Tc1xe1 followed by castling, legal under rokagogo but not P-K. Need to filter the 220 solutions using Excel, but there is no doubt that the problem is sound (2021-01-06)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Staugaard castling, Promotion (s,t), Promotion key (t)
Genre: h#, Fairies
Computer test: Henrik Juel: First solution is C+ by Popeye 4.61 Only 2 real solutions with WinChloe rokagogo, 218 are fake duals due to rokagogo... 0 real duals.
FEN: rn2k3/3N1np1/8/1ppp4/bP6/8/2pq1p1p/b1r1BB1K
Input: Felber, Volker, 2011-12-19
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
18 - P1241210

589 Hartford Weekly Times 13/02/1879
Problem No. 589 By Editor Of Ayr Argus and Express
P1241210
(10+8)
#9

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Z8CpXElfgm4C&dat=18790213&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

[story continued from P1381572]

The Eye begs to submit to Derbyshire the following problem in reply. We confess to being fairly out-generaled by the wonderful maneuvers disclosed in the three mover. We have no doubt that its talented author will find little effort much more easy. We respectfully dedicate it to him. The art of problem composition will now, no doubt, undergo considerable change. For instance, you might slip the Black king into your pocket, or knock your adversary down-all admirable methods of mating in one. Our problem has been composed in anticipation of a new era.
Olaf Jenkner: Die Aufgabe ist unlösbar.
Stimmt die Stellung? (2012-06-10)
James Malcom: The position is correct-see https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Z8CpXElfgm4C&dat=18790213&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

However, the reprint in itself is perhaps a huge error. The paper seems to give the solution to each problem the next week, but I found that they skipped the number 589 in their next issue. (2020-11-06)
A.Buchanan: What about later issues? (2020-11-06)
James Malcom: I checked the whole of February and March already, and nothing is there, but it may be that I missed it, I admit. (2020-11-06)
James Malcom: Wait, I did miss something! In the Feb. 27th issue: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Z8CpXElfgm4C&dat=18790227&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

Under "Waterbury Owns Up" in which there is an address to 588, the correction of an earlier publication, this is said "I hope that 9-move hoax (No. 589) will plague the inventor. Yours truly, C.H. Waterbury"

And "Ayrshire Argus and Express" is actually not the original source, as the 2/13 issue says "Problem No. 589 By Editor Of Ayrshire Argus and Express." I've corrected this, and tagged this as a joke for now. (2020-11-06)
A.Buchanan: Ha! I echo Mr Waterbury’s sentiments! But was it originally published in April or Christmas issues? The letter does seem to imply some other dialogue which acknowledges the composition is a hoax. Mr Waterbury does seem to know it’s a spoof. And is there any meaning to the position? Very easy to make a diagram which doesn’t have a #9 (e.g. game array) (2020-11-06)
James Malcom: The #9 seems to have been made for the issue give in, as an after spoof of the far, far more interesting Christmas Joke above it, which I shall add soon! (2020-11-06)
James Malcom: Now see: P1381572 (2020-11-06)
comment
Keywords: Joke
Genre: n#
FEN: 8/PPPPPPPP/3b4/4r3/2K1n1kN/1r4n1/b7/7q
Reprints: Ayrshire Argus and Express
Input: Frank Müller, 2012-06-10
Last update: James Malcom, 2020-11-06 more...
19 - P1260207
Charles Henry Wheeler
892 Dubuque Chess Journal 05/1874
P1260207
(4+7)
s# in wieviel Zügen?
1) R: 1. ... 0-0-0, dann 1. Txg6#
2) R: 1. ... 0-0-0, dann 1. Df7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Weiß kann Selbstmatt ohne einen eigenen Zug erzwingen.
Schwarz rochierte im letzten Zug, obwohl er im Schachstand und ignorierte dabei auch das Schach auf d8. Beides ist illegal. Er muss diesen Zug zurücknehmen und statt dessen Df7# oder Txg6# spielen.
A.Buchanan: No retro analysis to show that last move was in fact castling. Position is not illegal. (2019-10-21)
James Malcom: Perhaps that's why it labeled as a joke then. Andrew. (2020-10-20)
A.Buchanan: Yes it’s a joke but there is an existing species of problem where the position Is illegal. This is kind of like Conan Doyle vs Agatha Christie: here we are only told the key clue after the fact. I am sadly interested in classifying the main families of jokes, identifying which ones are fairies as well etc. This one is not fairy I think. In constraint promotion into foreign units can be joke depending on stipulation, but is definitely fairy (2020-10-21)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Retract illegal move (castling)
Genre: s#, Retro
FEN: 2kr1b2/p3p3/4K1Br/B3R3/8/5q2/8/8
Input: Frank Müller, 2013-01-19
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2019-10-22 more...
20 - P1268434
Charles Dealtry Locock
No. 2. Knowledge Volume 21, p. 24, 01/01/1898
P1268434
(4+4)
h#2 durch Schwarz
1. bxa8=sT! 0-0-0 2. Tc5 Le8#
play all play one stop play next play all
AZW: Weiß zieht und wird unter Mithilfe von Schwarz im zweiten Zug (Selbst)matt. Der sK hat noch nicht gezogen, hingegen hat der sT bereits gezogen. Schachjünger seid gewarnt, es ist ein arger Hereinfall!

Capriccio
James Malcom: Found the original sources!: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Knowledge/T59AAQAAMAAJ?hl (2021-01-02)
comment
Keywords: Joke promotion (t), Castling (sg), Joke
Genre: h#
FEN: r3k3/1P1b4/2nKP3/1R6/8/8/8/8
Reprints: 42 64 Schach-Scherze 1915
Arbeiter-Zeitung (Wien) 30/07/1933
Input: Mario Richter, 2013-04-25
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-01-02 more...
21 - P1277303
Tim Krabbé
Schaakbulletin 1972
P1277303
(9+6) C+
#3
1. e7! droht 2. e8=D,T+ Kd3,Kxf3 3. De2#,0-0#,0-0-0#
1. ... Kxf3 2. e8=T! d4 3. 0-0#
2. ... Kg2 3. 0-0-0-0-0-0#!
2. e8=D? Kg2!
1. ... Kd3 2. e8=D gxf3 3. 0-0-0#
2. ... d4 3. De4#,De2#,0-0-0#
1. ... gxf3 2. e8=D,T+ Kd3 3. 0-0-0#
play all play one stop play next play all
Die Idee dieser "Pam-Krabbe-Rochade" ist vorweggenommen durch P1277302 - die Aufgabe hat aber wegen der in ihr vereinigten drei verschiedenen Rochaden durchaus einen eigenen Wert.
more ...
comment
Keywords: Castling (wk, wl), Joke, Staugaard castling, under-promotion (T), Promotion (D,T), Castling as mating move
Genre: 3#, Fairies
Computer test: WinChloe with rokagogo is a sufficient test that this is sound.
FEN: 8/8/4P3/3p4/2p3p1/1pP1kPPp/1P5P/R3K2R
Reprints: 12 Chess Curiosities [Krabbé] 1 1987
Input: Mario Richter, 2013-09-05
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
22 - P1322154
Antoine Huberty
AJEC (Belgischer Fernschachbund) 01/10/1935
P1322154
(13+12)
#1 (Wer?)
1. Dc4#
play all play one stop play next play all
Mit Weiß von unten nach oben spielend wäre die Stellung illegal, also spielt Weiß von oben nach unten (Drehung um 180°) und kann mit 1. Dc4 (oder präziser 1. Df5 beim richtig orientierten Brett) mattsetzen.
eingebettet in eine Geschichte "Un peu de fantaisie - qui fait mat en un coup"
Henrik Juel: The reason for illegality is too many white pawn captures
axb, bxcxd, hxg need four missing black men, which is indeed the case, but [Lc8] was captured at home by an officer (2016-07-10)
A.Buchanan: 1.Sg3#? is the thematic try (2023-04-03)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Illegal position, Whose move?, Board Rotation
Genre: Retro
FEN: 1rn5/NpQp2b1/1P2p1P1/p2P1p2/1k2P2p/5P2/R1PP2P1/1N1K1n1r
Input: Mario Richter, 2016-07-10
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-04-03 more...
23 - P1323509
Lord Dunsany
6751 The Fairy Chess Review 5 04/1946
P1323509
(3+3)
h#1
Damesteine a7,b8

1. DMa7-b6 White huffs b8 for not capturing R, when Pb8Q, a mischievous morsel.
A.Buchanan: original diagram have draught counters in it?
@Joost (resident checkers expert): Is incurring a huff regarded as illegal? There are many cases where this sacrificial play might be the only winning line? Do any checkers engines include huffing? (2023-08-11)
Joost de Heer: See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_draughts, huffing might've been allowed at one time, but it isn't in the rules now, and I doubt it was in the official rules in 1946. (2023-08-11)
Joost de Heer: Alls FCR issues can be found on the BCPS website (https://www.theproblemist.org/mags.pl?type=fcr). 6751 was published in issue 100 in the Smallwares section, without diagram.
No. 6751. Lord Dunasy, Dunasy Castle: WKf7, Rc7, Pb7; Bl. Kd8, draughts men a7, b8. Black helps White mate in 1. (2023-08-11)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke (draughts huffing), Draughts / Checkers (English)
Pieces: bu = Draughts Man (DM)
Genre: Fairies, h#
FEN: 1*2p1k4/*2pPR2K2/8/8/8/8/8/8
Input: Mario Richter, 2016-08-05
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-08-11 more...
24 - P1325229
Charles Dealtry Locock
No. 1. Knowledge Volume 21, p. 24, 01/01/1898
P1325229
(6+3)
s#2
1. Tb7+! Kg7 2. fxe8=sS+! Sc7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Capriccio
James Malcom: Found the original sources!: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Knowledge/T59AAQAAMAAJ?hl (2021-01-02)
comment
Keywords: Joke promotion (s), Joke
Genre: s#
FEN: K3bk1r/P3RP1P/3Q4/8/8/8/8/8
Reprints: 41 64 Schach-Scherze 1915
Input: Mario Richter, 2016-09-14
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-01-02 more...
25 - P1339059
Julius Wallenrath
458 Schachzeitung , p. 418, 11/1852
P1339059
(11+9) C+
#4
1. exd6ep+! Kd3 2. 0-0-0+ Ke2 3. Tde1+ Kd3 4. Le4#
play all play one stop play next play all
'(Endstellung einer gespielten Partie)'.
Frank Müller: Die korrekte Lösung lautet:
1. exd6ep+ Kd3 2. 0-0-0+ Ke2 3. Tde1+ Kd3 4. Le4#
Der ep-Schlag ist freilich nicht begründbar. (2017-09-09)
A.Buchanan: In 1852 there was not a single sound retro in the world (see P0002092 & P0001360). This makes no attempt at retro analysis. Maybe there was a story that went with this problem, as with P0002092, but at this stage who knows. I would describe this as joke, rather than cooked or no solution. (2017-09-09)
Henrik Juel: White can mate in four only if last move was d7-d5
if so, C+ by Popeye 4.61 (2017-09-09)
James Malcom: If a German reader/speaker may the original source is cataloged here: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Schachzeitung/U61AAAAAcAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

Perchance you can read it to translate whether or not this problem is described as a joke? (2022-06-29)
athulin: No joke problem. (And no story.) And if the editors had any particular ideas in mind, they do not appear to have been expressed; the solution just prints the moves. This suggests that it was more a question of finding the move, not of justifying it beyond being a position in an actual game, and that any reader would get it from the solution alone.

A kind of proto-retro. (2022-06-30)
comment
Keywords: En passant, Joke (en passant)
Genre: n#
FEN: r2r3b/1B6/4p2Q/3pPn1N/2p1kP2/2P4q/1P3B2/R3KR2
Input: Felber, Volker, 2017-09-09
Last update: James Malcom, 2020-09-30 more...
26 - P1340386
Georges Emile Barbier
Recreationist 06/1873
P1340386
(6+8)
#2
1) R: 1. ... 0-0, dann 1. Kxd8 Lf6+ 2. Ke8 De4#,bxc8=D/T
1. ... bxc8=D/T+ 2. Kxc8 Da8#
2) R: 1. ... 0-0, dann 1. Tg8,Tf8 De4+ 2. Kxd8 De7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Heft 7 (08/1873) S.91: The position being one occuring in actual play with White to move, the question is 'What was Black's last move?'. Clearly not a pawn or bishop. Neither could it have been the Kt, for it must have moved from B4 or Kt5, and from either square it would have checked the White K, which must consequently have moved, and therefore could not occupy K 3, as given on the diagram. Nor could the Rook have moved from K square for a similiar reason, the check requiring one of the white pieces to cover it, or the King to move. Then the Black King must have moved - but from where? Not from B or R squares, which are guarded by two pieces. It must have moved therefore from K square, which necessitates the placing of the Rook on its square. Black therefore Castled on his last move, which by the Chess law was an illegal move, and he must pay the penalty by replacing the King and Rook on their original squares, and move one of the pieces touched.
Originalforderung: How is it possible for White to effect mate in two moves by strict chess?

'Recreationist': "A CHESS PUZZLE. We give below an interesting position which is to be looked upon as an end game occuring in actual play. It is calculated to test the ingenuity of those of our subscribers who delight in unravelling mysteries."

Erinnert von der Machart her an P1323153 und ähnlich gelagerte Probleme.

Interessanter Leserbrief von F. Dunne Okt. 1873 S.121: "It appears to me (albeit I amone of the solvers), that Mr. Barber's 'logical' solution of his Chess Puzzle is 'il'-logical, and I believe the following will clearly prove it so. Mr. Barbier says, 'What was Black's last move? Clearly not a pawn or bishop'; and he proceeds to prove that Black 'must' have made a false move with his King, 'because' he could not legally have moved it or any other piece into the position it or they now occupy.
Now surely that is not 'logically' proving that he 'must' have moved his King! For by the same 'logic' I can prove that he must have made a false move with, say, the Knight or any other piece.
'What was Black's last move? Clearly not the King, for all the squares from he could have reached the one he now occupies, are already occupied, either by his own, or by his opponet's pieces, or under the range of the latter's pieces; and he could not have Castled, as the square over which he would have to pass is commanded by one of the adverse pieces.
It is quite evident the pawns have not been moved, and, therefore also, not the bishop. The Rook cannot have been move last, or the White King would not occupy the square he now does. The he 'must' have moved the Kt, and as he could not legally have moved this piece to the square it now occupies, he must have made a false move with it.
Now, one conclusion is as logically arrived at as the other, and by parity of reasoning any other of Black's pieces can be proved to be te one last moved, as Castling across check is no more strict Chess, than wrongly moving a piece."

Gedanken dieser Art haben vermutlich Roberto Osorio & Co. zur Einführung des Begriffs MDR (Minimum Deviation from the Rules) inspiriert (s. Hinweis P0005584)

Antwort vom Autor im 'Recreationist 12/1873 S.154: "In reply to Mr. Dunne's letter in No.9 I beg to say that the solution of the Puzzle cannot be taken apart from the conditions attached to it. Any solution means the solution of something or other, and must be taken inconnection with that something.
The question is to find a way in which White mates in two moves. I agree that if, saying nothing about a mate in two moves as a condition, I endeavoured merely to prove Black's last move, Mr. Dunne's argument would be perfectly sound. But the fact of Black's castling is not an absolute fact; it is only relative. He castled because thereby I can mate him in two moves which Mr. Dunne's move does not do, and which is the very thing that is required to be done.
Henrik Juel: So even if one accepts the dubious retro reasoning intended, the problem is cooked by 0... Kxd8 1.bxc8=DT,Lf6+ (2017-09-30)
A.Buchanan: Dubious or not, retract-and-replay *is* one of the canonical chess problem jokes that our great-great-grandparents must have split their sides laughing over. I am pretty sure there is a typo in the diagram. sLc8 should be b8. This restores soundness and adds a retro try. wBb7 is still necessary to cover c8. (2017-09-30)
A.Buchanan: Have pushed sLc8 to b8, to remove the obvious typo. (2018-10-06)
A.Buchanan: I would classify these problems as jokes, not because the positions are illegal, but because imprecise reasoning is required to determine the illegal move. This is a particularly nice example though. Any thoughts? (2018-10-06)
SP: Your "obvious typo" is imaginary; the intended solution after Kd8: is
explicitly stated to be 1.bc8:=Q+ Kc8: 2.Qa8# (p. 91, viii/1873), quite
impossible with a bBb8. Please correct the position. (2023-02-18)
A.Buchanan: Hi SP. thanks for your research. Have you got a link to this material - that would be very helpful for checking similar situations. Otherwise our discussions here are often speculative. Bad news for the composer though: what I had thought was a typo turns out to be a cook. It would be good to know the version of the touch move rules applying in 1873, as the rook penalty move is clearly thematic. (2023-04-03)
A.Buchanan: The stuff about bS having just made an illegal move is basically Dawson & Hundsdorfer's distinction between plausibility & implausibility. This is an implausible composition, and having said that, one need agonize no longer, and just enjoy it for the best it can be at this silly idea (2023-04-03)
comment
Keywords: Illegal position, Joke, Retract illegal move (castling), Touch Move, Castling
Genre: Retro, 2#
FEN: 2bN1rk1/1Ppp1pBp/6Nn/8/8/4K3/8/7Q
Reprints: 617 Dubuque Chess Journal 08/1873
Input: Mario Richter, 2017-09-30
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-04-03 more...
27 - P1346371
Tomislav Petrovic
H3 Problemkiste (159-160) 07/2005
P1346371
(9+4)
h#0,5
3 Lösungen
1) 0,5 ... -sBb5# (Teil von axb6ep)
2) 0,5 ... -sBf5# (Teil von gxf6ep)
3) 0,5 ... Tad1# (2. Teil von 0-0-0)
play all play one stop play next play all
A.Buchanan: This is definitely not h#0.5 rather it's h#0.25 or #0.5.
This is retro joke not fairy, imho (2022-03-03)
comment
Keywords: Half-moves, Castling, En passant, Complete an unfinished move, Joke
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/7Q/BP3P2/1p2Rp2/3p4/1P1k4/1P6/R1K5
Input: Erich Bartel, 2018-01-31
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-03-03 more...
28 - P1370911
James Malcom
Andrew Buchanan

(4) MatPlus.net Forum Retro/Math 21/12/2019
P1370911
(12+14)
PG in 12.5
(-:
1. e4 d5 2. e5 Dd6 3. exd6 Kd7 4. dxe7 Kc6 5. Lb5+ Kxb5 6. c4+ Kxc4 7. e8=T Kd3 8. Df3+ Kc2 9. d3 Lh3 10. Ld2 Lxg2 11. Lb4 Lxh1 12. Sc3 Lg2 13. 0-0-0-0-0-0#
play all play one stop play next play all
http://matplus.net/start.php?px=1609818957&app=forum&act=posts&fid=xshowr&tid=2402&pid=20379#n20379
Objective: Staugaard (Pam-Krabbé) castling as mating move.
more ...
comment
Keywords: Unique Proof Game, Staugaard castling, Joke, Prenix, Promotion (T), Castling as mating move, Superseded by (P1385595)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: C+ Natch 3.1 has no solutions in 12.5 moves & 1 solution for first 12.0 moves. (H.Juel)
FEN: rn3bnr/ppp2ppp/8/3p4/1B6/2NPKQ2/PPk1RPbP/R5N1
Input: A.Buchanan, 2019-12-23
Last update: James Malcom, 2022-02-26 more...
29 - P1372243
Gyula Breyer
Magyar Sakkvilag 1918
P1372243
(10+14) cooked
Gewinn
1. exf8=D+? Kxf8 2. Sd7+ Kg7! Remiss
1. exf8=sS+? Sxe6! Schwarz gewinnt!
1. exf8=sL+? Lf8-e7! 2. Sd7 patt
1. exf8=sT+? Ld8-e7! 2. Kxc7 patt
1. exf8=sD+! De7 2. Sd7 Dxe6+ 3. fxe6 Ke7 4. Sf5+ Kxe6 5. Lg4!
1. ... Le7 2. Kxc7 Dg7 3. Sxe4 Dg6 4. fxg6
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: 1. exf8=D+ Kxf8 2. Kd7! Zugzwang!
Reprints: Outrageous Chess Problems, Burt Hochberg, Page 84

Superproblem.ru: http://superproblem.ru/archive/raznoe/S_umor-1.html (Most of the moves are taken from here)

chessstackexchange.com: https://chess.stackexchange.com/questions/21489/how-likely-is-it-that-a-non-orthodox-promotion-is-optimal/26958#26958
James Malcom: How do you add in the author name exactly? It's Gyula Breyer. After about a month of not using my editing powers, here is the first problem I have chosen to enter in! I will be adding more joke promotion problems in here soon and classify them a little bit more. (2020-01-28)
Mario Richter: Fritz 6 gives
1. exf8=N+ Kxf8 2. Kd7 Ng5 3. Nc6 Bxe6+ 4. fxe6 Nxe6 5. Kxe6 Rg8 6. Nxd8 f5 7. Kf6 Rg6+ 8. Bxg6 hxg6 9. Ne6+ Ke8 10. Kxg6 f4 11. exf4 exf4 12. Nxf4
as a win for White (+7.44)
Can somebody with a stronger chess program find a better defense for Black? (2020-02-11)
James Malcom: It seems that 2. Kd7! is the one move that cooks this problem. The Black knight can’t move to release Black’s pieces as then Black will lose their bishop. 2. Nd7+ merely draws. (2020-02-12)
Peter Wong: Not only is there a cook, but the intention doesn't seem to work either. If you manually set up the position after 1.exf8=black queen for the Stockfish engine, it finds no clear win for White. (2020-02-12)
James Malcom: Well in the intention, if 1... Be7? then 2. Kc7 Qg7 3. Nxe4 Qg2 4. Nd6+ Kf8 5. Nd7+ Kg7 6. Ne8#. It's only after 1... Qe7 2. Nd7 Qex6 3. fxe6 Ke7 does it become a draw. It seems that all known tasks with White promoting to a Black queen are cooked. It should not be surprising, but it is indeed sad. Not even Bengston's draw study P1372297 is correct. It shouldn't be to hard to make a new, correct draw study, whether or not it's based on Bengston's work, but now a winning one seems further elusive as this seems to be the only way work of it's kind. (2020-02-13)
SP: After "1... Qe7 2. Nd7 Qex6 3. fxe6 Ke7" instead of a draw there is a mate in 5:
4.Sf5+ Ke6: 5.Lg4 Sd6,Sg5 6.Sc5+ & 7.Lh5+ or
4.-- Ke8 5.Kb7 (6.Kc8 & 7.e7) etc.
Did you perhaps mean 3.-- Le7? Breyer intended 4.Kc7: for that.
Further reprint: LXV p. 52 Boros / Lindner 1939 Anthology. (2022-05-17)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion, Checking key
Genre: Studies
FEN: 1N1bknbr/2p1Pn1p/2K1Rp1p/4pP1B/p3p3/p3P1N1/P6P/8
Reprints: 102 Outrageous Chess Problems , p. 84, 2005
SuperProblem (Website) 08/08/2013
Input: James Malcom, 2020-01-28
Last update: James Malcom, 2023-09-04 more...
30 - P1372814
Per Olin
?
P1372814
(2+1) C+
h#4
1. Kf7 e8=T! 2. Kg6 0-0-0-0-0-0! 3. Kh5 Kf4 4. Kh4 Th2#
play all play one stop play next play all
The origins of this joke h#4, which utilizes Pam-Krabbe castling in a minimal form, was a mystery conjured by Per Olin, so far the only person who seems to actually know of it.

On the Internet, help was asked. On February 17, 2009, they sent a request for help on the Retro mailing list-ttps://pairlist1.pair.net/pipermail/retros/2009-February/002826.html This is what they said.

"Supercastling means castling with a promoted rook. Due to changed FIDE
rules it is nowadays illegal. It is said to have been invented by Max Pam, which inspired Tim Krabbe in 1972 (Hesse gives a different year) to compose a threemover including three different white castlings:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joke_chess
_problem#Offbeat_interpretations_of_the_rules_of_chess

With the same supermove I composed a twomover (Stella Polaris 1975), Bengt Ingre has published a twomover (Mora Tidning 1993) and we have recently even seen an endgame study with this speciality.

Back in the good old seventies I was informed that there is a helpmate fourmover Ke1 pe7 - Ke8 (2+1) with the supercastling: 1.Kf7 e8T 2.Kg6 0000 3.Kh5 Kf4 4.Kh4 Th2#. Could be that as composer was mentioned Dawson, could be that it was somebody else. Could be that this is the first supercastling, could be that I have dreamt the whole problem.

Can anybody trace this problem?
Best regards
Per Olin"

It went unanswered. A decade later, on June 8th in the Matplus.net forums, they tried their luck again, but also to no avail-http://matplus.net/start.php?px=1582139891&app=forum&act=posts&fid=anti&tid=2302

Olin wrote: "Time wise this could have been inspired by the Krabbe problem. I have no memory of seeing that, but it could have been showed / mentioned in some meeting of the Finnish Chess Problem Society. What I vaguely remember is the following: (diagram) h#4

In an article in the magazine Suomen Tehtäväniekat, January 1994 I asked for author (Dawson?) and publication details, no response. The same question has been asked around one decade ago, probably here in Mat Plus Forum, no response. Question: can anybody trace the helpmate? - The solutions of both problems are obvious. - The chess rules of today say that castling is a move of the king and either rook of the same color along the player’s first rank; this was not the wording in the 70ies and earlier."

On January 4, 2021, a year and a half later, a reply was posted in the same thread to point exactly where they had asked a decade earlier (as aforementioned). Olin's reply, which currently stands as accepted, finally brings closure to this mystery: "Thanks! If the problem is nowhere to be found, then I must have dreamt it and attributed it by mistake to somebody else. Can I claim authorship?"

Now Per Olin has been credited as the author, properly and at long last. An exact source, if not the drifting memories of Olin's 1970's lost in time, is still quite the enigma, unless the 1994 reprint was the first time, which it likely may not be.
Hobacle: The problem of the last century! (2021-10-30)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Staugaard castling, under-promotion (T), Kindergarten Problem, Minimal, Miniature, Homebase (s), Rex solus (s), Oneliner, Home-and-Away-Base
Genre: h#, Fairies
Computer test: C+ WinChloe for Rokagogo + reflection that this is sufficient evidence
FEN: 4k3/4P3/8/8/8/8/8/4K3
Reprints: Suomen Tehtäväniekat 01/1994
Retros mailing list 17/02/2009
(2) Mat Plus 8/6/19
Input: James Malcom, 2020-02-19
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
31 - P1374103
James Malcom
MatPlus.net Forum 26/12/2019
“A Tripley For The Holidays”
P1374103
(7+12) C+
h#3
(-:
3.1
1) 1. Se7 Lxh4 2. 0-0 Lxf6 3. Tf7 Th8#

2) 1. La7 b6 2. 0-0-0 bxa7 3. Td7 a8=D#

3) 1. e1=T Lf1 2. 0-0-0-0-0-0! Lxd3 3. Kd5 Lc4#
play all play one stop play next play all
All three castlings in a helpmate on the same move. Compare to P1227518.

http://matplus.net/start.php?px=1609949816&app=forum&act=posts&fid=gen&tid=2409
A.Buchanan: WinChloe rokagogo only finds the intended solutions, no real P-M duals and no fake rokagogo duals:
1.Cé7 F×h4 2.Rg8(Tf8) F×f6 3.Tf7 Th8‡
1.é1=T Ff1 2.Ré6(Té7) F×d3 3.Rd5 Fç4‡
1.Fa7 b6 2.Rç8(Td8) b×a7 3.Td7 a8=D‡ (2021-01-06)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Staugaard castling, Castling, Promotion in the mating move (D), under-promotion key (T), Castling as mating move
Genre: h#, Fairies
Computer test: Henrik Juel: Solutions 1 and 2 are C+ by Popeye 4.61 C+ WinChloe Rokagogo: no real P-M duals and no fake Rokagogo duals
FEN: rb2k1nr/2p5/3p1p2/1P3p2/5P1p/1K1p1P1R/4pBB1/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-04-02
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
32 - P1374643
James Malcom
PDB Website 14/4/2020
“Egg Five”
P1374643
(5+2)
s#1
(-:
1. hxg8=sB! g7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: Here the extra joke is that the (dummy) pawn can move (2020-04-14)
James Malcom: The newly born black pawn is not a dummy pawn, in my opinion. Unlike the dummy, it still has the right to move foward in principal. Since it is new and has never moved, it sill has the right to make a double-step if allowed, as in Horde Chess (https://lichess.org/variant/horde). (2020-04-14)
Henrik Juel: I see your point, James (2020-04-15)
James Malcom: Seems that Gerd might have missed including pawns promoting to opposite color pawns the new update. I'll email him tomorrow morning. With accordance to the rules, they have 4 first moves as a 7th rank pawn does. (2020-05-03)
Gerd Wilts: Promotions to pawns are now also supported. (2020-05-03)
James Malcom: Many thanks Gerd! (2020-05-03)
A.Buchanan: I had missed these 6 miniatures: they are terrific! Can I ask to replace Sg8 in this one with L so that it's not giving check in the starting position. I guess it's kind of crass though economical to replace with pawn! (2020-10-13)
A.Buchanan: Dummy pawns can in principle move imho: it's just that they're usually blocked by the edge of the board. If one was teleported somewhere else on the board by some mechanism, then they would just start moving. So completely different kind of animal from a dummy, which genuinely cannot move :D (2020-10-13)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion, under-promotion (b)
Genre: s#
FEN: 6nk/7P/6PK/6PP/8/8/8/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-04-14
Last update: James Malcom, 2020-06-02 more...
33 - P1374801
Wladimir G. Schkryl
9 Polshisni sa Konja 2005
P1374801
(4+2) cooked
h#2
1. Ka2 e8=T! 2. a3 0-0-0-0-0-0#!
play all play one stop play next play all
Page 123, No. 9: http://superproblem.ru/doc/E-books/Skryl-2013.pdf

http://superproblem.ru/archive/raznoe/Skryl-umor-h2-1.gif
Cook: 1. Kb2/Ka2 e8=T 2. Kc1,Kb1,Kxa1/a3,Kb1,Kxa1 0-0-0-0-0-0#
Henrik Juel: Popeye 4.61 found no non-joke solutions (2020-04-18)
A.Buchanan: What's the intention here? There are 6 variants under P-K, and any dual is fatal for P-K soundness. (2021-01-07)
James Malcom: A weird fallacy indeed. More information is in lacking, however. (2021-01-08)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Staugaard castling, under-promotion (T), Miniature, Castling as mating move, Minimal
Genre: h#, Fairies
Computer test: WinChloe rokagogo sufficient to identify 6 solutions with P-K, so looks cooked: 1.Rb2 é8=T 2.Rç1 Ré3(Té2)‡ 1.Rb2 é8=T 2.R×a1 Ré3(Té2)‡ 1.Rb2 é8=T 2.Rb1 Ré3(Té2)‡ 1.Ra2 é8=T 2.a3 Ré3(Té2)‡ 1.Ra2 é8=T 2.Rb1 Ré3(Té2)‡ 1.Ra2 é8=T 2.R×a1 Ré3(Té2)‡
FEN: 8/4P3/8/8/p7/k7/8/N3K1R1
Input: James Malcom, 2020-04-18
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
34 - P1375286
Andrew Buchanan
James Malcom

PDB Website 30/4/2020
P1375286
(6+3)
#2
(-:
1. dxc7ep! b4 2. c8=D,T#

R: 1. ... c8-c6?! and earlier c8=sB?!
play all play one stop play next play all
Supersession of P1380851

Superseded by P1380851

The 2018 FIDE laws state: "3.7.2 on its first move the pawn may move as in 3.7.1 or alternatively it may advance two squares along the same file, provided that both squares are unoccupied."

Hence Black's newborn 8th rank pawn, which has never been moved before, reserves the right to commence a double-step on its first move, and likewise White receives the right to capture it en passant as they do with a 7th rank pawn.
Henrik Juel: This un-dummy-pawn is like a pawn created on c8 by the Einstein condition
The retroplay looks wrong, what about 1... d8-d6!? 2.d7-d8=sB!? c6xYb5 (2020-04-30)
James Malcom: That makes much more sense Henrik. I have edited it accordingly. (2020-04-30)
A.Buchanan: You don't like Adrian's (: haha? What about :) then? In heraldic terms, it would be described as "regardant". See 270 on https://www.heraldica.org/cgi-bin/atlas.pl?12. I don't know the word for "non-regardant", which is the default direction for the head, e.g. most of the others on that page.
We could replace wBa6a7 with wSa6, but alas having the 3rd knight is non-thematic & distracting. The other thing I would've liked to do is empty b2 so the promotion is forced to be to D. Such a tiny problem should have precision promotion. Needs more thinking. (2020-05-01)
James Malcom: UPDATE: The position has been edited to have one less piece and a precise queen promotion. (2020-10-12)
A.Buchanan: There is dialogue here which is now orphaned by a change of diagram with new matrix. Suggest we revert to the older diagram and mark it superseded by a new PDB entry here (2020-10-12)
James Malcom: I agree-it is now done. (2020-10-12)
more ...
comment
Keywords: En passant as key, Joke, Joke promotion (b), Tolerated dual promotion (D/T), Promotion (D/T), Superseded by (P1380851)
Genre: 2#, Retro
FEN: k7/PN1N4/PKpP4/1p6/8/8/8/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-04-30
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-09-18 more...
35 - P1375431
James Malcom
PDB Website 3/4/2020
"A Midnight Ride"
Gewidmet Gerd Wilts
P1375431
(6+5)
#3
(-:
1. cxb8=sT! Ta8 2. c7 Tb8,Lb8 3. cxb8=sT#

1. ... bxc6? 2. Dxc6#!
play all play one stop play next play all
An old idea of mine finally realized between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Dedicated to Gerd Wilts for his initiation of the update that allows promotion to foreign pieces.
Henrik Juel: 1:00 AM, I guess
With 24 hour notation, between 24 and 01 (2022-02-26)
Henrik Juel: Nice double white promotion to sT (2022-02-26)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion (tt)
Genre: 3#
FEN: 1qk1K3/bpP5/1pP1N3/1P6/2Q5/8/8/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-05-03
Last update: James Malcom, 2022-02-26 more...
36 - P1375777
James Malcom
PDB Website 10/4/2020
nach Josef Cumpe
P1375777
(1+8)
Last two moves?
(-:
R: 1. 0-0-0# a7-a8=sT
play all play one stop play next play all
See P1234039
Henrik Juel: Missing Joke keyword, I guess (2020-05-11)
A.Buchanan: Curious that retro a7-a8=sT discomforts the animation still - maybe you should report to Gerd? (I trouble him with enough stuff already - don't want to be the only one emailing him! :-) (2020-05-11)
A.Buchanan: Maybe +sBe7f7 to refute R. ... e8=sK/fxe8=sK :-) Note this "cook" is actually prevented in the original. (2020-05-11)
A.Buchanan: Oops and a more major cook R: 1. Se8/g8-f6+ (2020-05-11)
James Malcom: This problem was only half-finished before I fell asleep. It’s fixed now. (2020-05-11)
A.Buchanan: Great! You could save another piece I think -sLg6, -sBf7, + sDf7. This also removes the obtrusive promotion (2020-05-11)
James Malcom: Yes, that is true. Position edited. (2020-05-11)
James Malcom: I see nothing wrong with fiddling if it improves economy. (2020-05-11)
A.Buchanan: If promotion to Bl unit is allowed, can’t Bl just have played e8xd7+ or g8xh7+? Can replace bPd7 with bR but eliminating bPh7 is more complicated. Need +wPh7 +bPg6h6. And also bRb7 to prevent discovered check by bPc8 prior to e7-e8=bK. I think that’s watertight now! :-) (2020-10-13)
A.Buchanan: The issue is that there are two or three levels of Bl promotion joke: this problem relies on the "basic" joke where black officers can be created. But where's the line to stop us promoting to Bl pawn or king? If we go that far, then a position like this 2kr3K/1r1r1qrR/7p/8/8/8/8/8 is required. Oh dear: sorry to have brought it up :( (2020-10-13)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Castling in the retro play, Promotion in the retro play (t), Rex solus (w), Joke, Joke promotion, Type C
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2kr3K/1p1ppqrp/8/8/8/8/8/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-05-11
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2020-10-14 more...
37 - P1377133
Robert Norman
Jens Kristiansen

Far off Chess 13/12/2008
RN, Version JK
P1377133
(3+6) C+
#4
1. Kf7! droht 2. Txh5#
1. ... Sd6+,Sd8+ 2. g7+ Kh7 3. g8=D+ Kh6 4. Dg7#
play all play one stop play next play all
A beautiful version of P1377131

http://faroffchess.blogspot.com/2008/12/in-twilight-zone-of-chess-rules.html

"Ok, you may say that this is all old stuff, very entertaining but with no relevance for nowadays chess. So? Well, look at this endgame study which circulated among the chess insiders in the 80s:

White to move and win - my version (from memory)

I believe I have read somewhere that the composer is from Dar-Es-Salaam, but I can not find sources for that.

The solution is: 1. Kf7, Nd6+ 2. g7+!, Kh7 3. g8D+ and mate next move.

Then you may object that white is in check, in fact a double check, when he unaffectedly moves his little pawn at the second move. Yes, he is in check BEFORE the move, but is he after? You see, at that time the rules stated that the king is in check "...when the square it occupies is threatened by one or TWO of the opponents pieces." So the check is elegantly parried by making the kings square threatened by THREE pieces!

Relax, nowadays the rules state that the square in question must be threatened by "... if one or more of the opponents pieces."
James Malcom: What is the Winchloe solution then, even with duals? Of course, as an endgame study, it is still correct. (2020-11-13)
A.Buchanan: As a #4, WinChloe gives: 1.Rf7! [2.T×h5‡]
1…Cd8+ 2.g7+ Rh7 3.g8=D+ Rh6 4.Dg7‡
1…Cd6+ 2.g7+ Rh7 3.g8=D+ Rh6 4.Dg7‡
Switchback blanc
Switchback de Pion
Echecs croisés
Guidelli
Echec double
Batterie noire
Auto-clouage indirect
Déclouage indirect
Promotion
Clé désampliative (2020-11-26)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Golden Age, Joke, Bosma, Promotion (D)
Genre: n#, Fairies
Computer test: C+ WinChloe v3.51
FEN: 7k/rn6/5KP1/p1p4b/8/8/8/7R
Input: James Malcom, 2020-06-20
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-02-01 more...
38 - P1377373
Isaak S. Birbrager
Fascinating Chess [Birbrager] 1961
P1377373
(2+3)
Gewinn (-:
1. DMe3! DMd4xf2 2. DKxg3xe5xc7#
1. ... DMf4xd2 2. DKxc3cxe5xc7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Checkers is being played with chess pieces
Henrik Juel: In Checkers the side to move must capture (Locust style) as long as he can (2021-05-01)
comment
Keywords: Joke (playing draughts), Kindergarten Problem, Draughts / Checkers (English), Minimal, Miniature, Homebase
Genre: Studies, Fairies
FEN: 8/8/3k4/8/3p1p2/8/3P4/4K3
Input: James Malcom, 2020-06-28
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
39 - P1377604
John Derek Beasley
14 Variant Chess 20, p. 215, 1996
P1377604
(3+4)
White to play and win
Grashopper Chess
b) wBa7->b7
wDU,sDU=Grashüpfer
a) 1. a8=G#
b) 1. b8=sG! Gh8 2. Kf1 Gf8 3. Ge8 Gd8 4. Gc8 Gb8 5. Ga8#
play all play one stop play next play all
A.Buchanan: Why not sBh3 on h2, removing sTh2? (2020-10-21)
Arnold Beine: Then there is a solution in b) without joke: 1.Kf1 Ga8 2.bxa8=L#. (2020-10-21)
A.Buchanan: Thanks Arnold - I had a blind spot there, but knew there had to be a reason. In a), 1. a8=sG! also wins but not so quickly. More interestingly, I think b) 1. Kf1 Ga8 2. b8=Q! Gc8 3. Qxc8! wins the pawn or 2. ... Rg7 3. Gxa8+! R~ 4. Qb7++! Maybe someone can check this indeed win for White. (2020-10-22)
Arnold Beine: There is no need for checking 2.b8=Q!??, because Q-promotions are not allowed in Grashopper Chess. (2020-10-23)
A.Buchanan: Thanks so now we’ve found an explanation of why it is defined to be grasshopper chess! A lot of time and effort can be saved in chess composition if the default format is “no-cook chess” - a fairy format in which all unintended solutions and defences are by definition illegal! :) (2020-10-24)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Grasshopper Chess, Joke, Joke promotion (sG)
Pieces: du = Grasshopper (G)
Genre: Fairies, Studies
FEN: 6*2Q1/P7/8/8/8/7p/6*2qr/4K2k
Reprints: 6.2 51 Flights Of Chess Fancy 2009
Input: James Malcom, 2020-07-06
Last update: James Malcom, 2020-10-22 more...
40 - P1378168

chessproblem.net 26/4/2008
P1378168
(7+4)
#2
Chess960
1. c8=T! ... 2. 0-0-0#! (wTc8->d1)
play all play one stop play next play all
Reprint+History Of The Idea-https://www.ecforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10857&p=246851#p246851
https://www.chessproblem.net/viewtopic.php?t=232

Created by the user mrmip

https://www.chessproblem.net/viewtopic.php?t=232

It still seems that there are castling loopholes in chess variants.

The rules for castling in Fischerrandom or 960-chess are:

" Castling, as in Orthodox chess, is an exceptional move involving both the King and Rook. Castling is a valid move under these circumstances:
Neither King nor Rook has moved.
The King is not in check before or after castling.
All squares between the castling King's initial and final squares (including the final square), and all of the squares between the castling Rook's initial and final squares (including the final square), must be vacant except for the King and Rook.
No square through which the King moves is under enemy attack.

The movement of the King and Rook during castling should be easily understood by players of Orthodox Chess:
When castling on the h-side (White's right side), the King ends on g1 (g8), and the rook on f1 (f8), just like the O-O move in Orthodox chess.
When castling on the a-side (White's left side), the King ends on c1 (c8), and the rook on d1 (d8), just like the O-O-O move in Orthodox chess.
Sometimes the King will not need to move; sometimes the Rook will not need to move. That's OK."

Now reading those rules as Devil reads the Bible the following seems possible:

(diagram)

Fischerrandom Chess, mate in 2. White king has not moved.
Solution 1.c8=R any 2.0-0-0 #

[White rook just moves to d1,all squares in the path c8-c1-d1 are free except for wK. The castling rook has not moved before ;)]
James Malcom: This is not Staugaard castling! It is another, far less known form of joke castling. I wrote about it here: https://www.ecforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=10857

See also P1378161, P1378167, P1373226, P1378169, and P1378170 (2021-11-02)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Castling, Chess960, Promotion (T), Promotion key (T)
Genre: 2#, Fairies
FEN: 8/2P5/3N4/1p6/1P6/3k1p1r/1P3P2/2K1R3
Input: James Malcom, 2020-07-23
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-11-02 more...
41 - P1378636
James Malcom
Facebook 22/07/2020
P1378636
(9+5)
Promotion to king or queen, depending on location (-:
#2
1. h8=DK!
1. ... Lxc3 2. DKxf6xd4xb2#
1. ... Lc5, L~ 2. Lxe5#
play all play one stop play next play all
A.Buchanan: Hi James, tiny point. Does 1. ... La7 allow both 2. GKxf6xd4# and 2. Lxe5# ? Can this be fixed by shifting wBc7 to b8? (2023-07-01)
comment
Keywords: Draughts / Checkers (Englisch), Joke, Joke promotion (draughts king)
Pieces: ku = Draughts King (DK)
Genre: 2#, Fairies
FEN: 8/2B3pP/6P1/4p3/3b4/2P1p2P/4P1Bk/5K1N
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 22/07/2020
Input: A.Buchanan, 2020-07-31
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-08-11 more...
42 - P1378638
Joost de Heer
MatPlus.net Forum 25/07/2020
P1378638
(4+5)
Unknown Russian composer
Promotion to king or queen, depending on location (-:
#1
Joost de Heer: In russian draughts, a piece promoting to a draughts king may continue the capture as a king if possible.
Solution: 1. e7# (double check by e7xd8=DKxb6xf2/g1 and e7xf8=DKxh6xd2/c1). (2022-01-19)
comment
Keywords: Draughts / Checkers (Russian), Joke, Joke promotion (DR)
Pieces: ku = Draughts King (DK)
Genre: Fairies
FEN: 3n1n2/2p3p1/4P3/8/8/4kP2/4P3/3K4
Input: A.Buchanan, 2020-07-31
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-08-11 more...
43 - P1380127
Nikola Predrag
(32) MatPlus.net Forum 15/8/2019
P1380127
(8+11)
-1(s+w), dann #3?
R: 1. c4xb3ep b2-b4, dann 1. Sc3+ Kc2 2. Dd3+ Kxd3 3. 0-0-0#?!
But castling is illegal! This is because Black's dark squared bishop is a promoted piece and White's king must have moved to let the promotion through.
play all play one stop play next play all
http://matplus.net/start.php?px=1600656376&app=forum&act=posts&tid=2343&fid=xshows&page=1
Henrik Juel: Removing wPh2 might help (2020-09-21)
James Malcom: The illegality of the castling is intentional. (2020-09-21)
A.Buchanan: I guess it is intended as a joke. There are numerous cooks e.g. R: 1. Dh1xDh5 Td6-b6 dann 1. Sb2-d2+! (2020-09-22)
James Malcom: Andrew, the White king is in check from the Black bishop. Ep is the only legal way to resolve it. Your suggestion is illegal. Did you forget to eat breakfast again? :) (2020-09-23)
A.Buchanan: Ha this is just like when I play chess otb - so hard to spot extraordinarily distant black pieces on dark squares :-) (2020-09-23)
James Malcom: Sounds fair enough to me! And the position is legal, not illegal, Andrew. (2020-09-23)
A.Buchanan: I meant "no solution" - and I've classified it as a joke which I think is the composer's intent (2020-09-24)
James Malcom: Quite simply, I agree. (2020-09-24)
Mario Richter: I think the "normal usage" of the keyword "no solution" in the PDB so far is to indicate, that the intended solution fails e.g. because of some hidden defense (which corresponds to the german "unlösbar").
This problem doen't fall into that category! In fact, it has as solution, namely that there is no mate in 3 after the (forced) retractions!
(There are 1064 cooked problems with the keyword "no solution", only 9 "no solution" problems with the label "C+", and for all of the latter either the "no solution" or the "C+" is wrongly attributed.
Perhaps the simplest way to handle the Pedrag-problem is to add "intended" to the KW "no solution". (2020-09-25)
James Malcom: I agree, Mario. It is now doe. (2020-09-25)
A.Buchanan: Yes that's fair. Most jokes follow a template, but this is quite original. (2020-09-25)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Belen Theme, Valladao Task, Help retractor, Castling as mating move, En passant in the retro play, Obvious promotion, Joke, no solution (Intentional), Cant Castler (wg)
Genre: Retro, 3#
FEN: 8/1pppp1p1/1R6/b6q/6N1/rp5Q/p5PP/RNk1K3
Input: James Malcom, 2020-09-21
Last update: Mario Richter, 2020-10-07 more...
44 - P1380523
Nels H. Nelson
760 Los Angeles Times , p. 30, 28/3/1937
"April Fool Joke"
P1380523
(9+5)
#3
1. gxh6ep+! Kxf7 2. 0-0xg1! Sf6 3. e8=sS#!
play all play one stop play next play all
28/3/1937-https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25408700/chess-by-herman-steiner/

"NELS NELSON

We have heretofore published many of Nelson's fine problems and should like to show any readers the more humorous side of his talent. This winter our distinguished friend is spending his vacation in Los Angles. It is with his kind permission that we are publishing this story and problem.

Nels Nelson, born in Denmark in 1871, emigrated to the United States when 12 years of age. He learned the moves of chess in Denmark and began solving and composing problems in 1894. He was chess editor of the Minneapolis State Chess Asccostion, 1911-1912, president of the Minnesota State Chess Asccostion, 19229-1930, and lives at Hopkins, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis.

AN APRIL FOOL JOKE

A certain celebrated chess master, who we will designate as Mr. "X," while on in the provinces happened into a tavern which was the mecca of the village chess players. Mr. "X," very fond of practical jokes, conceived a plan of springing on one of the unsuspecting natives. Professing ignorance of the game, the champion of the club offered to teach Mr. "X" its intricacies. After showing Mr. "X' all of the moves with the exception of pawn promotion, pawn takes pawn, etc., and castling, the champion said the following: ""I have purposely omitted three of the maneuvers in chess, which to the beginner are somewhat difficult to grasp. They are pawn promotion-when a pawn reaches the eight rank it ceases to be a pawn but may but it may be converted to any piece on the board and assumes its function at once. It is thus theoretically possible to have as many as nine queens on the board at once, and so on down the line." The champion then went to explain the castling on the king and queen side and emphasized the importance of moving the king first. The act of pawn takes pawn "en passant" was then thoroughly explained and the actual game started with the champion giving odds of queen to Mr. "X," who proved to be a very apt pupil! Mr. "X" lost the first game in short order-walking boldly into a mating net. In the second game he gave the champion quite the battle and won the approbation of that was worthy. In the third game, the champion managed to trap Mr. "X's" queen but had to give up two pieces for it and saw that he had a lost game but continued on in the hope that his experienced opponent would make some mistake. When the game has reached the position in the diagram the champion was dumbfounded to hear Mr. "X" announce mate in three moves. "Impossible!" exclaimed the champion. "You should win, of course, but mate in three cant be done." "Well, if you have interpreted the move and rules correctly, I am certain I see a mate in three," said Mr. "X." "Of course I have interpreted the rules correctly, exclaimed the now irate champion: and I will lay you a wager of dinner for the members of the club that you fail to mate in three moves." "Done!" cried Mr. "X." By this time nearly every member in the club was watching the game with interest. Now, who won this wager? It will be shown in the solution April 11."

11/4/1937-https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25408721/chess-by-herman-steiner/

"SOLUTION TO PROBLEM 760 by N. Nelson: "April Fool Joke."

White: K. on K1 R. on Q7, and KR1: Kt. on KB7 and KB8: B, on QB5: P. on K7, KKt5, and KKt2, Black: K. on KKt2: R. on KKt1: Kt. on K1: B. on KKt8: P. on KR4. (Wh. 9: BL. 5.)

Many members of the club were very fine players and felt their champion would win. Curiously, most of them were pulling for Mr. "X," as the champion was somewhat of a braggard and if he won they felt they would be hearing about it for a long time. They were, therefore, keenly alert when Mr. "X" started to proceed the game. "My first move is pawn takes en passant," said the smiling Mr. "x." "Of course, I anticipated that move," replied the champion, "and I shall meet it with king takes knight." Oh well then I shall make for my second move, castle: taking the bishop," continued Mr. "X." "This move is according to your definition of castling, perfectly legitimate, as the king moves first, and the bishop being on the knight square, certainly is subject to capture." "Well," replied the champion, "I must say your interpretation is far fetched, but I will grant you even this point as I fail to see how you mate on the next move: you evidently overlook the fact that when you promote the pawn the king will be able to capture it. Of course, I am forced to interpose my knight and it is pinned, but the king will still be able to take care of that promoted pawn. " Well," smiled Mr. "X," "I shall, however, mate you by pawn to king eight, discovering check, as I shall claim a black knight for the promoted pawn, which, according to your interpretation of pawn promotion, is perfectly legitimate. You stated I might choose any piece on the board and, of course, as the black knight is the only piece that will mate, I naturally selected it."
Exit champion.

We are publishing the best solution sent in my Ladderite L. A. Post, incidentally only two others solved this April Fool Problem.

Problem 760 to complete the tale that Mr. Nelson started to what I believe to be the logical solution according to the rules given by the local champion.
1. White: Pawn takes pawn "en passant" check.
The local champion then captured the white knight reposing on his "bishop two."
1. Black: king takes knight.
"Now," continued Mr. "X" "I understand to quote you, the king moves firstl in castling."
"That is correct," agreed the champion.
Thereupon Mr. "X" executed the move in the prescribed manner by first moving his king to his king knight square and removing the champion's bishop and then setting his rook down on his king bishop square calling check.
The champion was nonplussed, for in stating the rules for "castling" he had failed to forsee a circumstance of this kind. He was forced to admit that, according to his own statement, such a move was possible But seeing in spite of this that it was still impossible to checkmate on the next move, he conceded the point and interposed his knight.
2. Black: Knight to king bishop three.
"Did you not say," resumed Mr. "X," "that in 'pawn promotion' you could reclaim to any piece on the board?"
"That is correct," conceded the champion, "but since you insist on taking me literally I might add that there is no "queen' on the board you may claim in one."
"In that case," stated Mr. "X," "I will be equally generous and present you with a 'knight.'"Whereupon Mr. "X" removed the pawn at king seven and placed a black 'knight' at king eight discovering checkmate to the champion's "king."
"Such a thing is impossible !" cried the outraged champion.
"Not at all," replied Mr. "X," "for according to your statement that "upon reaching the eight rank a pawn be converted to any piece on the board and assumes its function at once.'"
To this the other members agreed. So the champion held a dinner in honor of Mr. "X," the most apt pupil he had ever taught.

Respectfully yours,

L.A. Post
Seaman, First Class, U.S. Navy,
U.S..S Texas, San Pedro, Cal."
Henrik Juel: Some help is needed here, James
At least for me (2020-10-01)
A.Buchanan: Hi Henrik I am guessing it’s a cheatyface Valladao:
1. gxh6ep+ Kxf7 2. 0-0+ Sf6 3. f8=sS#
No proof for the ep, castling with capture and promotion to black officer (2020-10-02)
James Malcom: Bingo Andrew! (2020-10-02)
Henrik Juel: Even though I ought to stand by my fellow danish author:
This is a most crude 'joke' problem, especially the 'castling' with capture (2020-10-02)
A.Buchanan: It's kind of a running gag: three silly jokettes which do combine relatively harmoniously (2020-10-02)
A.Buchanan: 1. ... Kf6 allows a short mate, robbing White of the Valladao. 4nNbn/3RP1kN/8/6Pp/8/8/8/4K1bR is the best I can find, fixing the problem, and with less material (2020-10-02)
A.Buchanan: I was hoping that someone would spot that I have shifted a unit to h7 - i.e. the e.p. is even more Foolish :-) I claim it "improves" the problem because currently the e.p. *might* be legal :-) If this is too crude for some, then 4nNr1/3RP1k1/6N1/4P1Pp/8/8/8/4K1bR works. Note you need sTg8 to prevent 2. Sh8#, but wSg6 is blocking g-file, so wBg2 is still free to find other duties on e5. (2020-10-03)
James Malcom: Excellent improvements, Andrew! (2020-10-06)
A.Buchanan: Thanks James: do you think the one with Sh7 is excessively silly? (2020-10-06)
James Malcom: Yes, 'd say a bit too silly. (2020-10-16)
more ...
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Keywords: Joke, Valladao Task, Joke promotion (s), En passant as key, Castling, Checking key, under-promotion (s)
Genre: 3#
FEN: 4nNr1/3RPNk1/8/2B3Pp/8/8/6P1/4K1bR
Reprints: Los Angeles Times , p. 13, 11/4/1937
Input: James Malcom, 2020-10-01
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-02-23 more...
45 - P1380551
James Malcom
MatPlus.net Forum 19/2/2020
"The King's Dilemma"
P1380551
(7+8)
Gewinn
1. 0-0-0xd1+! g1=D 2. Txg1+ Kxg1 3. a6 f2 4. Ld4 Lb8 5. b5
play all play one stop play next play all
http://matplus.net/start.php?px=1601649783&app=forum&act=posts&fid=xshowe&tid=2441
James Malcom: P1380523 is the only predecessor I know with the idea of castling with capture. (2020-10-02)
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Keywords: Joke, Castling key
Genre: Studies
FEN: 8/7B/8/P7/1Pp5/3p1p1n/1B1P2pb/R2nK2k
Input: James Malcom, 2020-10-02
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-08-04 more...
46 - P1380746
C. P. Carpenter
The Pittsburgh Gazette 25/12/1910
P1380746
(3+4)
White to play and win
1. g8=D! Gewinn!-See the attached story.
play all play one stop play next play all
Reprint: 1911: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25254295/the-royal-game-of-chess/ "Christmas Problems"

1910: http://www.chessarch.com/excavations/item.php?=a=1&source=Pittsburgh_Gazette_Times&date=1910.12.25

"The First Christmas Problem"

By C.P. Carpenter

The majority of chess players, familiar as they are with that form of chess joke called "Christmas Problems," may not know until they have read the following beautiful legend just how and when the custom originated nor, for that matter, may they be certain of it then, so cursed is this romantic age with belief.
In the Palace of the World, under the pagan line for December 25, was held the great feast of Brumalia. Upon an occasion of this festival, in the reign of the great King Eshamat, that monarch, his guests and vezers were assembled in the readiness for the festival and whilling away the interval at chess when a regged fakir approached the palace gates and craved admission from Elkanoj Bey, the sentry. That official surveyed him grimly.
"Have you got a card?" he asked with elaborate politness.
"I am a poor man, your excellency," replied the fak. "and the only card I ever had was the two-spot out of my pinochle deck,, but I am fearfully keen for my lunch and no harm, but only good. shall come to you see if you allow me to enter. I swear it as Allah sees it."
"Better beat it while Allah still see you." replied the sentry wearily. "He won't be able to see you if you stick around here long."
"I have traveled far, Effendi," replied the fakir, "and am weary. If the king phrase. I may be able to show him a wonderful play at chess. If he cannot solve it perhaps he may reward his slave with a seat at the banquet."
"In that case." said the sentry,"enter, and be your own usher. If you can get away with it, peace o you: and if noy peace to you."
Now the king fancied himself as a solver. and the fakir was well recieved when he had made known his mission.
"Know. Oh. King," said the fakir. as he set up the pieces, "that this position occured in a game between the great King Mahmud and my friend. Ali Bi, who had the white pieces, and it ran into this puzzling position with white to play, andd though it appears impossbile, netherless my friend Ali Bi did may and win this with one move. Now if his gracious majesty csn tell me how. I forfeit my lucnh: if not, I kick in at the festal board. Is it a bet?"
"You are somewhat shy on collateral,"" replied the kin: "netherless we will at least call it a bargain."

BLACK
(diagram)
WHITE

White to play and win

Long time did King Eshamat pore over the position without avail, while his company shifted about uneasily and the head cook cursed softly, but fluently in his mother tongue. Finally the king arose with a grunt of disgust.
"I pass," he said. 'What's the answer?"
'It was not in the bargain, your majesty," replied the fakir, "thay I should tell. only that your majesty should fail to find."
"Netherless?" said the king, "since we cannot solve, the problem it is our privlege to look in the appendix for answer. Selim, bring an ax."
"Pardon your majesty," cried the faki. "I will explain the mystery."
"I should be charmed," said the king drily. "What was the movr?"
"My friend Ali BI," replied the fakir, "pushed the pawm."
"But what did he call for?"
"He called for a drink but it didn't come," said the fakir, with a smile which didn't fit his face. "I hope it doesn't happen again."
"Quick fool." cried the kinh. "What piece did you call fo>"
"A queen, your majesty"
"But that woulld give stalemate."
"Even so, your majesty, "but it is also won. My frien, Ali Bi, is a weaker player and King Mahmad graciously offered odds of a draw."
King Eshamat sank into a chair and gezed at the faker. He shook himself, unable to rouse. He shook himslef again, but failed to fill. The fakir moistened his lips and glanced at the feast.
'You bargain, your majesty," he suggested timidly.
"True." said he king. "Salim, find this fakir a place at the feast."
"Very good, yout majesty," said the servant, "but the places are full. Where would it please your majesty I should put him/"
'Ah," said the king grimly, "just crack his skull and put him with the rest of the nuts."
James Malcom: In my view, since this has a story about a majesty, and give the board state, that 1. g8=K! would be a far better solution as I thought before I stumbled upon the source today. Sygyzy declares this a draw, even if -bPh2. =Q/R is stale, and =B/S+ is too weak and Black can fortress. =P does nothing of course, so king promotion is just right here it was for Goldilocks. (2020-10-17)
A.Buchanan: Thanks for typing this in, James, although I don’t really understand the joke. And if 1. g8=K how does Wh dislodge bK from g6/h6? (2020-10-18)
Henrik Juel: The joke seems to be that Black has agreed to accept stalemate as a win for White
If we disregard this, I agree that White cannot win with an extra king; it is easy to dislodge black king from g6/h6, but later White cannot dislodge him from g8/h8 (2020-10-18)
A.Buchanan: If the convention is dynasty, then promotion to a king turns both wKs into erlkings until one is captured. I think these can mate bK, no? (2020-10-19)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Kindergarten Problem, Miniature, Promotion key (K), Joke promotion
Genre: Studies
FEN: 8/6Pp/7k/7p/7P/8/7p/7K
Reprints: Hartford Courant , p. 15, 6/2/1911
Input: James Malcom, 2020-10-07
Last update: James Malcom, 2020-10-17 more...
47 - P1380852
James Malcom
Andrew Buchanan

MatPlus.net Forum 12/10/2020
after Josef Cumpe
P1380852
(1+7)
Last two moves?
(-:
R: 1. 0-0-0+ a7-a8=sT
play all play one stop play next play all
See P1234039 and P1375777
The joke here is that pawns may promote to enemy officers (but not to pawns or kings)
Henrik Juel: R: 1... 0-0-0+ 2.a7-a8=sT! (2020-10-12)
A.Buchanan: Maybe this is a moderate joke where we allow promotion to Bl officers, while son-of-P1375777 can be the extreme joke where promotion to any Bl unit is allowed (i.e. pawn & king too), including in the history of the game. What would Josef Cumpe think? :-) He and I are both dressed as clerics in out chesscomposers' blogspot pics: http://chesscomposers.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-16th.html. Perhaps he was a real one though? (2020-10-13)
comment
Keywords: Last Moves?, Joke promotion (t), Rex solus, Type C, Castling in the retro play, Joke, Promotion in the retro play (t), Castling (sg)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2kr2K1/1p1p1npr/8/8/8/8/8/8
Input: A.Buchanan, 2020-10-12
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-08-15 more...
48 - P1380882
James Malcom
Andrew Buchanan

PDB Website 14/10/2020
after Josef Cumpe
P1380882
(2+7)
Last two moves?
(-:
R: 1. ... 0-0-0+ 2. a7-a8=sT
play all play one stop play next play all
See P1234039, P1375777 and P1380852.
The joke here is that pawns may promote to *any* unit (friend or enemy; officer, king or pawns).
Henrik Juel: R: 1... 0-0-0+ 2.a7-a8=sT
not 2.e7-e8=sK, because then sTa8 would have moved, and castling not allowed (2020-10-14)
A.Buchanan: Exactly, Henrik. Also: sB on 7th rank could retract to 8th rank, so we need sT instead (2020-10-14)
more ...
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Keywords: Last Moves? (2), Type C, Castling in the retro play, Non-standard material (tt), Joke, Joke promotion (t), Promotion in the retro play (t), Minimal, Castling (sg)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2kr3K/1r1r1qrR/7p/8/8/8/8/8
Input: A.Buchanan, 2020-10-14
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-08-15 more...
49 - P1380892
Courtnay Lemon
343 American Chess Magazine Volume 2, p. 284, 12/1898
P1380892
(7+6)
#3
1. bxc6ep+! Kc7 2. 0-0-0 Dxb4 3. a8=S#
play all play one stop play next play all
Solution text from the 2/1899 issue: "A clever rendering of this "triple idea." It will be seen that Black cannot play simply 2.R-Q sq on account of 3. Q x Q ch."
zum Autor heißt es im 'ACM': Courtenay Lemon, New York
James Malcom: I found this most excellent early Valladao while ago, but only today did I finally find it again. This is the second one that I've found, i.e. P1380523

Is this the second oldest known Valladao after the 1867 P1360420 found by Keym?

The mainline should be C+, with the "legitimate" ep key, but with many dualed sidelines. (2020-10-14)
Henrik Juel: Something seems missing, James
There is no mate 3... Kc8,Kxc6 (2020-10-14)
Henrik Juel: Adding wSe7 would help (2020-10-14)
James Malcom: Henrik, Mario-many thanks!-has now fixed the position. I had missed the wSe7 when entering! (2020-10-14)
comment
Keywords: Joke (e.p.), En passant as key, Castling, under-promotion in mating move (S), Valladao Task
Genre: 3#
FEN: 1b6/Pk2N3/1q6/1Pp5/1Q6/4p1p1/2P5/R3K3
Input: James Malcom, 2020-10-14
Last update: Mario Richter, 2020-10-14 more...
50 - P1380896
Andrew Buchanan
MatPlus.net Forum 12/10/2020
P1380896
(13+13) C+
PG in 6.5
(-:
1. b4 g5 2. b5 g4 3. b6 g3 4. bxa7 gxh2 5. axb8=sS! hxg1=wT! 6. Txh7 Txh7 7. Th1
play all play one stop play next play all
The joke here is that pawns may promote to foreign units.
Henrik Juel: The testers probably do not work here, but this seems unique
1.b4 g5 .. 4.bxa7 gxh2 5.axb8=sS hxg1=wT 6.Txh7 Txh7 7.Th1 (2020-10-14)
A.Buchanan: According to Joost De Heer, WinChloe has a category “promotions adverses”, and under this, the problem is C+. Looking now for a full Homebase without utilising promotion to enemy pawn, which makes it too easy (2020-10-15)
comment
Keywords: Unique Proof Game, Joke, Joke promotion (sT), Homebase (w), Phoenix (s), Prenix (T), Impostor (sT)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: C+ WinChloe
FEN: rnbqkbn1/1ppppp1r/8/8/8/8/P1PPPPP1/RNBQKB1R
Input: A.Buchanan, 2020-10-14
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-09-18 more...
51 - P1380941
Doug Brown
Chess Life and Review 8/1976
P1380941
(6+1)
#2
1. Tc7! Ke7 2. d8=sS#!
play all play one stop play next play all
Here's an illegitimate 2-mover for all you illegitimate problem lovers. Submitted by Doug Brown, Moorestown, NJ. Solution below.

(diagram)


(Incidentally, Doug, your mate position on 3 ranks does not need the King. Try again.)
more ...
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Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion, Miniature, Rex solus (s)
Genre: 2#
FEN: 3k4/3P3N/N7/4K3/B7/8/8/2R5
Input: James Malcom, 2020-10-15
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2020-10-15 more...
52 - P1380947
anonymous
Pittsburgh Gazette Times 19/3/1911
P1380947
(4+5)
White to play and what?
1. g8=sS##?!
play all play one stop play next play all
http://www.chessarch.com/excavations/item.php?a=1&source=Pittsburgh_Gazette_Times&date=1911.03.19

"OFFICER HE IS IN AGAIN"

A few weeks ago we publishd a problem by the late Russian master, Tchigorin, in which, owing to the wording of the rule at the time covering promotion, white played 1-P-Kt8 (black knight) and mate. Now one of the leading composers of this country (his name is withheld for his own good) sends us the following position. Try the same key move on this and note carefully the result. The effect cannot but bring a smile. Who was mated first?
Henrik Juel: 1.g8=sS is an illegal self-check (2020-10-15)
A.Buchanan: There’s a implicit notion of atomicity - a move somehow is indivisible. Otherwise one might argue that Bl is checked before the promotion part of the move etc. It’s interesting to peer over the edge once and see the impact of evaluating the game state before the move is finished. This is different from looking at a diagram and seeing that it’s illegal, and realising that a resolution is to think that one is mid-move (2020-10-16)
Mario Richter: Inspired by a discussion at chessgames.com (www.chessgames.com/player/sam_loyd.html?kpage=16) one could create a twin by adding a white rook on (e.g.) g1 ... (2020-10-16)
James Malcom: Thank you Mario for posting that Link! I was going to link it eventually, as that's where I found this wonderful twist on the, by then, already ancient and classic mate in one. (2020-10-16)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion
FEN: 2q4r/2p1KRPk/7p/7P/8/8/8/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-10-15
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-10-31 more...
53 - P1381267
James Malcom
(1) Mat Plus 21/10/2020
P1381267
(9+13)
#12
(-:
1. a8=sS! Sb6 2. cxb6 cxb6 3. c7 b5 4. c8=S b4 5. Sd6 exd6 6. e7 d5 7. e8=S d4 8. Sf6 gxf6 9. g7 f5 10. g8=S f4 11. Sh6 Sg5 12. Sg4#
play all play one stop play next play all
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion (s), konsekutive Umwandlungen 4 (sSSS), under-promotion key (s)
Genre: n#
FEN: 7R/P1p1p1p1/2P1P1P1/2P5/8/1B1P1ppn/4prqk/4Kbnr
Input: James Malcom, 2020-10-24
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2020-10-24 more...
54 - P1381271
I. I. Lyon
No. 9 American Chess Review Vol. 1, p. 27, 8/1886
P1381271
(6+4)
#2
1. exf6ep! droht 2. Sc6,Se6#
1. ... Sd6,gxf4 2. Se6#
1. ... Sc7,Sxf6,Sg7 2. Sc6#
play all play one stop play next play all
https://books.google.com/books?id=y6uBo98GjoUC
Henrik Juel: The ep key is unjustified (2020-10-24)
more ...
comment
Keywords: En passant, En passant as key, Joke
Genre: 2#
FEN: 3kn3/8/1N6/4PppB/3N1B2/8/3K4/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-10-24
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2020-10-25 more...
55 - P1381497
James Malcom
chess.stackexchange.com 15/6/2020
P1381497
(3+4) C+
#1
Bosma
1. 0-0#!
play all play one stop play next play all
https://chess.stackexchange.com/a/29992/15543
A.Buchanan: Hi James, couple of nits about old Bosma:
(1) From the 1985 Laws: "Article 5. THE MOVES OF THE PIECES The King (a) Except when cast[l]ing, the king moves to any adjoining square that is not attacked by an opponent's piece." This is separate from Article 9. CHECK 9.1 "The king is In check when the square it occupies is attacked by one or two of the opponent's pieces; in this case the latter is or are said to be "checking the king.' 9.2 Check must be parried by the [move] immediately following." This point may have been an assumption in earlier compositions, as e.g. it prevents kings from being adjacent.
(2) And again from Article 5. "(f) Castling is prevented for the time being - (i) if the king's original square or the square which the king must cross over or that which it is to occupy is attacked by an opponent's piece," Does this prevent your 1.0-0?
What do you think? (2020-11-08)
James Malcom: Ah, why did I but never bother to look at the castling rules!

Well I see nothing against adjacent kings, and seeing about how the "loophole" was about was not explicitly stated couldn't be done, I see it as allowed, and thus what to watch out for in cooks.

The rule on castling says "piece," not pieces. So, quite simply, castling in, out (P1381498), and through (P1381499) check is allowed in my view. (2020-11-09)
James Malcom: Furthermore, if a king is "attacked," they are in check, plain and simple. So, since a triple check/ attack is not defined as a danger to the king, the king may go to any such square, including the acts of catling and adjacent kings.

Also, going by the law itself, and not the Bosma conditions, the king may be captured, but it does nothing and that side can never be checkmated, while Bosma Chess itself allows no king capture. But since the effect is the same, allowing for my jokes to be C+ by Winchloe if the program agrees. Maybe try out my castlings in it? (2020-11-09)
James Malcom: And indeed Andrew has tested my castling problems now-all are C+? (2020-11-14)
James Malcom: Typo-!, not ?. (2020-11-14)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Bosma, Miniature, Castling as mating move
Genre: n#, Fairies
Computer test: C+ WinChloe 3.51
FEN: 8/8/8/8/8/7n/5Rrp/2k1K2R
Input: James Malcom, 2020-11-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-02-01 more...
56 - P1381499
James Malcom
chess.stackexchange.com 12/8/2020
P1381499
(6+5) C+
#2
Bosma
1. 0-0+!
1. ... Shxf1 2. Dg4#
1. ... Sgxf1 2. Df2#
1. ... Lxf1 2. Tf2#
play all play one stop play next play all
https://chess.stackexchange.com/a/29992/15543
A.Buchanan: Nice way to combine an orthodox theme with Bosma castling (2020-11-13)
James Malcom: Thanks, Andrew. Castling with check is the easiest way to achieve it of course, not to mention the flight taking. I'll try out a version without check, here soon. (2020-11-13)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Bosma, Castling key, Checking key, x pieces capture on one square, Flight taking
Genre: 2#, Fairies
Computer test: C+ WinChloe 3.51
FEN: 8/8/8/5B2/5p1Q/5kn1/2NRb2n/4K2R
Input: James Malcom, 2020-11-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-02-01 more...
57 - P1381500
James Malcom
English Chess Forum (Website) 13/6/2020
P1381500
(3+4) C+
#1
Bosma
1. Kc2#!
play all play one stop play next play all
https://www.ecforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?p=246809#p246809

Reprint: https://chess.stackexchange.com/a/29992/15543
James Malcom: The wSe1 prevents the orthodox cook of 1. ... Kxc2. (2020-11-14)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Bosma, Miniature
Genre: n#, Fairies
Computer test: C+ WinChloe 3.51
FEN: 8/8/8/8/8/3p4/3rp3/RK1kN3
Reprints: chess.stackexchange.com 13/6/2020
Input: James Malcom, 2020-11-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-02-01 more...
58 - P1381502
James Malcom
chess.stackexchange.com 13/6/2020
P1381502
(6+1) C+
#1
Bosma
1. Se5#!
play all play one stop play next play all
A.Buchanan: Trivial verification, perhaps, but at least it confirms that WinChloe's understanding of the condition resembles James'. (2020-11-13)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Bosma, Miniature, Flight taking, Rex solus (s)
Genre: n#, Fairies
Computer test: C+ WinChloe 3.51
FEN: 8/7B/3B2NK/8/5k2/6P1/5Q2/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-11-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-02-01 more...
59 - P1381850
Josef Cumpe
Deutsche Schachzeitung , p. 371, 12/1915
P1381850
(5+2)
#2
A nice range of tries, but a dual:
1. e8=T!
1. ... Kxc2 2. 0-0-0-0-0-0#
1. ... bxc2 2. Dd5,De4#
1. ... Kd4 2. De4#

1. De4+? Kxe4!
1. e8=D? Kxc2!
1. Tc4? Kxc4!
1. Tc3+? Kd4!
play all play one stop play next play all
'DSZ': "Diese Aufgabe regt den Gedanken an, daß die itaienische freie Rochade noch viel besser hätte ausgenützt werden können, als es (ehedem) tatsächlich der Fall war."

ähnelt stark der P1277302
A.Buchanan: @Henrik how should the dual here impact C+ status we assign? What's the general principle we curators should apply, to avoid us having to make subjective judgements? (2021-01-07)
A.Buchanan: My own simple-minded aesthetic says this is a major dual, because one mate achieves no individual expression elsewhere (2021-01-07)
Henrik Juel: The easiest principle is to say that C+ means completely correct: no cooks and no duals
I would permit short mates, because they occur as a result of suboptimal defense, and double threats, if they do not materialize as duals
But it seems fair also to permit minor duals, including promotion mate duals like TD og LD
So I would not label this problem C+ (2021-01-08)
A.Buchanan: Thank you Henrik, for your thoughtful response. A lot is bundled into one bit of information: the value of the C+? flag. I went back to the Codex to learn more. I think C+ should mean (1) it's been tested & (2) it is sound. Sound (which we don't have in PDB yet) for an antagonistic problem (i.e. d# or s#) means three things: (1) there is a solution (2) there's no cook & (3) there's a defence which forces the specified number of moves. Legality doesn't impact soundness, and for antagonistic problems, neither do duals.

The Codex says there is a lot of judgement involved in assessing the impact of duals in a d#. "C+?" is a result of computer analysis, and I don't think there should be any curator subjectivity in determining its value. I think the answer is to have "duals" as a new separate field so that your valuable analyses aren't lost in conversation, and people can understand the spectrum of quality. In the end, maybe people will be able to set up in their profile their personal preference for dual tolerance, but that's probably some way ahead. I think there are naturally core fields (like cooked?, legal?, tested?) and derived fields (like sound? C+?, HC+?) whose values depend on the core ones. I've sent some notes to Gerd along these lines to see what he thinks. Any thoughts yourself? (2021-01-08)
comment
Keywords: Staugaard castling, under-promotion key (T), Castling as mating move, Miniature, Joke, Minimal, Rokagogo
Genre: 2#, Fairies
Computer test: WinChloe rokagogo is sufficient to test soundness, although there is a dual
FEN: 8/4P3/8/8/8/1p1k4/1PR5/4K2Q
Input: Mario Richter, 2020-11-13
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
60 - P1381916
James Malcom
PDB Website 14/11/2020
P1381916
(13+9)
s#11
(-:
1. h8=T+! Sh6 2. exd8=K! b3 3. a8=sS! b2 4. b8=sL! La7 5. e4 Lb8 6. e5 La7 7. e6 Lb8 8. e7 La7 9. e8=B! Lb8 10. Ta4 La7 11. Txa7 g4#
play all play one stop play next play all
A rather... complicated "joke."
A.Buchanan: If one allows promotion to sB (and there seems no reason to disallow it since promotion to pawn, king and foreign units are allowed) then the problem is cooked. There is no universally agreed notion of how a pawn can move if it starts on the first rank. Does it get a double hop, and if so on which rank? But the problem is unsound in any case. (2022-02-10)
James Malcom: That is if, yes. But I don't think this problem ought to be left as is: a demonstration of the levels of absurdity and tomfoolery old rules used to allow. Promotion to a piece of another color and dummies were loopholes, yes, but promotion to a black pawn was never included, not even implicitly. All pawns are pieces, but not all pieces are pawns. (2022-02-10)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke promotion (Ksl), Dummy Pawn, konsekutive Umwandlungen 5 (TKslB), under-promotion key (T), Excelsior white, Golden Age (Dummy Pawn), Illegal position (no wK), Joke
Genre: s#, Fairies
Computer test: Difficult to test at the moment because no engine allows both normal and adversarial promotion.
FEN: 2Rr2n1/PPpBP2P/1pP5/1N4pk/1p4Rb/6pP/4P1P1/1Q6
Input: James Malcom, 2020-11-14
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-12-11 more...
61 - P1384869
Charles Dealtry Locock
No. 3. Knowledge Volume 21, p. 24, 01/01/1898
P1384869
(6+4)
Remis
1. e8=sS##! Remis!
play all play one stop play next play all
James Malcom: The 3rd and final one of the trio: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Knowledge/T59AAQAAMAAJ?hl (2021-01-02)
Henrik Juel: Why is this considered remis?
Even when we accept that White may promote to a black officer, the prohibition of putting your own king in check is in effect, so the move is illegal (2021-01-02)
James Malcom: Henrik, that's precisely why it's a joke; they can have numerous meanings. as well.

The solution, on page 47, says this about it: "Both sides being mated simultaneously, the game seems a fair draw."

Compare to the later P1380947. (2021-01-02)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion, under-promotion key
Genre: Studies
FEN: 2r5/2PkPR2/5K1p/1P2P3/8/8/8/1q6
Input: James Malcom, 2021-01-02
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-01-02 more...
62 - P1384929
John Augustus Miles
Sussex Chess Magazine 28/02/1883
P1384929
(10+4)
White to move, s#2
Black to move, Remis
a) 1. gxh8=sS! Sf7 2. Se5+ Sxe5#

b) 1. ... Dc8+ 2. Sf5 Dxf5+ 3. Kg3 Dxh3+ 4. Kf2 Df1+ 5. Kg3 Dh3+ Remis
play all play one stop play next play all
Originalforderung:
This Problem's thus enunciated;
And in the statement is no flaw:
White, with first move, can get checkmated;
Black, moving first, can only draw.

Das 'Sussex Chess Magazine' merkt dazu an: "There is a touch of brimstone about this. Strict disciplinarians had better not try it, if they value their peace of mind."
Und da keine Lösungen eingingen, wurde in der Ausgabe vom 14.03.1883 ergänzt: "... we will hint that, in the first part, White takes advantage of the lax wording of the law of promotion by claiming a black piece, and thus 'qui perd gagne'. The second part is plain sailing ..."
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion, under-promotion (s), under-promotion key (s)
Genre: 2#
FEN: 7q/6Pp/6kP/8/4rRKR/5NNP/2B5/7Q
Input: James Malcom, 2021-01-03
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-07-17 more...
63 - P1385169
Werner Keym
Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung 2003
P1385169
(5+2)
#1
b) wSe1->d2
a) 1. Sc2#
b) 1. Ta4#?
Schwarz zog zuletzt nicht und ist am Zug, aber laut Forderung soll Weiß am Zug sein. Das funktioniert nur, wenn Weiß seinen begonnenen Zug vollendet:
1. Ta1-d1! (Halber Zug als zweiter Teil von 0-0-0) Db2#
play all play one stop play next play all

Duplicate Diagram: P0004961

Der Teil b) des Problems erschien allein im Weser-Kurier 1968 (P0004961), der Zwilling in der HAZ 2003.
more ...
comment
Keywords: Minimal, Miniature, Complete an unfinished move, Whose move?, Joke
Genre: Retro, n#
FEN: 8/8/8/8/1R6/kP6/q7/R1K1N3
Input: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-01-08
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-03-03 more...
64 - P1389077
Adrian Storisteanu
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
2. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389077
(3+2)
Switcheroo # =<1* (-:
(i.e. swap two pieces for mate in one or less)
1. De4# but faster is:
Swap Tc4<->Ba1 and now 1. Ta1->d1, completing 0-0-0#
play all play one stop play next play all
PR Edderiofer wrote: "Another mid-castling position. "=1" here initially suggested to me "in 0 or 1 plies", but of course, 0.5 = 1 too. (Should that be 0.25 if it's in a helpmate? I don't know.)"
Henrik Juel: based on the keywords, probably
switch La1 and Tc4, then 1.Td1#, i.e. complete the castling (2021-04-30)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Aristocrat, Minimal, Miniature, Castling (Complete or retract)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/8/8/4Q3/2R5/3k4/8/b1K5
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-29
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-27 more...
65 - P1389079
Adrian Storisteanu
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
3. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389079
(4+3)
"Better late than never"
h#1 (-:
1. d5 Le4 2. Ld7 exd6ep#
play all play one stop play next play all
PR Edderiofer comment: "As the title of the problem says, better late than never! Black and White have to each play a move in between 1.d5 and exd6e.p.! Luckily, Black is very accommodating, as in the spirit of a helpmate. Yep, that's totally a helpmate in one. :P"
Henrik Juel: maybe something like
1.d5 Le4 2.Ld7 exd6ep# (2021-04-30)
A.Buchanan: I would say that's still h#2 (2021-05-02)
Adrian Storisteanu: All-around cecity... I actually submitted it as "h#1". Please correct. (2021-05-02)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Miniature, En passant (delayed!)
Genre: h#
FEN: 8/3p4/2k5/2P1PB2/1K4b1/8/8/8
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-29
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-27 more...
66 - P1389081
Per Olin
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
4. Place
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389081
(2+3)
Add the Black king to give the shortest possible helpmate
Chess960
1. 0-0-0! Ld3 2. Lb8 La6#
play all play one stop play next play all
Try: +bKd8 and 1. 0-0-0 Ld3 2. Lb8 La6#
sBd5 prevents solutions like:
+Ka8 and 1. Lb8+ Kb6 2. Th8 Le4# or 1. Th8 Le4 2. Lb8 Kb6# making the try unique.

The rules for Chess960 castling says that 'it is recommended that the king be moved outside the playing surface next to his final position, the rook then be moved from its starting position to its final position, and then the king be placed on his final square'.

The bK is added on c9, whereby 1/3 of the castling has been performed (previous square for bK was d8), and remains 2/3 (two thirds) of the castling, which is performed by Rc8 moving to d8 and bK moving to c8. The helpmate is then in 1 5/6 moves (one and five sixths) by starting with finishing the castling.

PR Edderiofer comment: "This is a reprise of the joke from 9th place, but in a much simpler setting. This one arrived ten minutes before the submission period closed, again on the same day when I was already extremely tired, so thankfully I was able to appreciate this one better! Adding a piece outside the board is pretty cool."
Henrik Juel: maybe something like
complete a Chess960 castling ending with Tc8 on b8 and sK on c8, then
1.Ld8 Lf5# (2021-04-30)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Chess960, Castling (Complete or retract), Minimal, Miniature
Genre: h#, Fairies
FEN: 2r5/2b5/2K3B1/3p4/8/8/8/8
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-29
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-27 more...
67 - P1389082
Dmitri Turevski
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
Motto: "Flipping the bird"
5. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389082
(1+7) C+
h#2.5
Masand
sDL:Adlee
1. ... Kf4 2. Dc4[c7=w]+ Kg3 3. Df1 Kf3#
play all play one stop play next play all
Masand: A piece which directly threatens the opposite King, after it moves, changes the color of the pieces it controls or attacks, except the Kings. Castling may be done with a colour-changed rook in the corner.
Eagle: Moves like a Grasshopper, but deflects 90° either way on passing over the hurdle. The arrival square is adjacent to the hurdle.

PR Edderiofer comment: "The subtle joke here is that the end position is otherwise the same as the start position except with White to move and with the Eagle having changed colours, so this problem is "flipping the bird"."
Henrik Juel: Popeye 4.61 found no joke, but a neat triangle by wK
1...Kf3-f4 2.Qf1-c4[wEAc7]+ Kf4-g3 3.Qc4-f1 Kg3-f3# (2021-04-30)
A.Buchanan: Sublime pun! Cool chess! (2021-05-03)
comment
Keywords: Joke (pun), Masand
Pieces: dl = Eagle (AD)
Genre: h#, Fairies
Computer test: C+ Popeye 4.61
FEN: 8/2*3q5/8/8/8/4pK2/5n1p/5qkr
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-29
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-27 more...
68 - P1389099
Silverbyte
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
8. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389099
(9+7) C+
#3
1. Df4+ Sxf4 2. exf4+ Kf6 3. Ld4#
play all play one stop play next play all
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Non-standard material (Ds), Ornament (mate position)
Genre: 3#
Computer test: Henrik Juel: C+ Popeye 4.61 C+ Popeye 4.61 1.Df4+ Sxf4 2.exf4+ Kf6 3.Ld4# joke: non-standard material ornament: mate position
FEN: 2q2n2/3bn3/2r1n3/4k3/2Q1B1Q1/2P1PK2/3RP3/6B1
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-30
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-27 more...
69 - P1389101
Siegfried Hornecker
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
10. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389101
(2+2)
Series mover. Exchange the position of two pieces as quickly as possible. What is the first and what is the last move?
Henrik Juel: 1.axb6 2.Ka7 .. 7.b1=DL 8.DLe4 9.DLa8
is faster than
1.a5 .. 5.a1=D .. 7.Dxb6 8.Ka7 .. 11.Da8 (2021-04-30)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Kindergarten Problem, Minimal, Miniature, Vielväterstellung, Seriesmover
Genre: Fairies
FEN: k1K5/p7/1P6/8/8/8/8/8
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-30
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-27 more...
70 - P1389102
Finneon
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
11. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389102
(3+8)
White to move, find the fastest helpstalemate (-:
Henrik Juel: 1... Kxd3 2.Df1+ Kd2 3.Dd3+ Kxd3
is faster than
1... Kxe1 2.d2+ Kf2 3.d1=T Ke2 3.Td3 Kxd3 (2021-04-30)
James Malcom: Henrik, much faster is 1. Kxd3 Qf2= (2021-04-30)
Henrik Juel: Yes indeed, James; I was assuming that Black was to be stalemated... (2021-05-01)
comment
Keywords: Joke
Genre: Fairies
FEN: 7k/3p2pP/3p2P1/3p4/3p4/3p4/3K4/4q3
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-30
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-27 more...
71 - P1389103
LilHamood
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
12. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389103
(3+2)
Make a legal move (-:
Henrik Juel: maybe 1.e8=K (2021-04-30)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Minimal, Miniature, Illegal position (no wK), Promotion (wK)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: 8/4P3/8/5N2/8/8/2Q3b1/7k
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-30
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-12-11 more...
72 - P1389104
Finneon
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
13. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389104
(7+2)
White to mate Black in 8, with the final mate given by an en passant capture
Henrik Juel: A miniature with many men (2021-04-30)
A.Buchanan: These days "Miniature" is added automatically when the diagram is created. But I hadn't added all the pieces yet, and when I did add them, the program didn't recheck apparently. (2021-04-30)
Henrik Juel: OK, Andrew, but I hope you will supply the intended solutions to all these weird problems (2021-05-01)
A.Buchanan: Will do (2021-05-02)
comment
Keywords: Constrained problem, Joke, Minimal (b)
Genre: n#
FEN: 2NK4/3p1k2/8/4PP2/1B6/8/2B5/7R
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-30
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-28 more...
73 - P1389106
Ethan Donaghue
Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 4/4/2021
15. Platz
CP&S Discord Server Composition Tourney 0 {}
P1389106
(15+10)
Gewinn
("White to move and win (-:)
Henrik Juel: 1.Da8# (2021-04-30)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Illegal position, Non-standard material (TTTLLdddddd)
Genre: Studies
FEN: 1k1q1q2/1pq3q1/1p6/2q3q1/3q1N2/5BBB/Q4PPP/RRB1RRKR
Reprints: MatPlus.net Forum 4/4/2021
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-30
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-28 more...
74 - P1389110
Bedrich Formanek
Breyer Gedenkturnier 31/12/1973
1. Preis
P1389110
(3+4)
#2
wDU,sDU=Grashüpfer

Solution and comments by the author: 1.Ga8Q! (turning the grasshopper symbol 180 degrees) Zugzwang 1. - Gg1 2.Qa8G#, 1. - Ga7Q 2.Qh1#, 1. - f5 Qh8# - The turning of a unit on its own has not provoked any objection. This problem even gave so much pleasure that it found its way into the FIDE Album (1971-1973); so far, the only joke composition to have done so.
Henrik Juel: good joke (2021-04-30)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Miniature
Pieces: du = Grasshopper (G)
Genre: 2#, Fairies
FEN: *2Q7/*2q7/5p2/8/8/8/p1K2P2/k7
Reprints: FIDE Album 1971-1973
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-30
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-07-28 more...
75 - P1390927
Andrew Buchanan
v MatPlus.net Forum 26/06/2021
after Bedrich Formanek
P1390927
(11+2)
#1 (-:
9 solutions
PPRA (Partial PRA = PRA except ignore cases having no solution)
1) 1. g8=CM# R: 1. Kg6xCMh5 CMe4-h5+
2) 1. g8=AD# R: 1. Kg6xADh5 ADc2(d3,e4)-h5+++
3) 1. c8=GZ# R: 1. Kg6xGZh5 GZc2-h5+
4) 1. c8=GQ# R: 1. Kg6xGQh5 GQc2-h5+
5) 1. b8=GF# R: 1. Kg6xGFh5 GFd3-h5+
6) 1. bxa8=GE# R: 1. Kg6xGEh5 GEe4-h5+
7) 1. b8=N# R: 1. Kg6xNh5 Nd3-h5+
8) 1. g8=QN# R: 1. Kg6xQNh5 QNe4-f6-h5+
9) 1. h8=TP# R: 1. Kg6xTPh5 TPf5-h5+
Minor duals, with both mates separately provided elsewhere:
1) 1. g8=GR,b8=GR# R: 1. Kg6xGRh5 GRd3(e4)-h5+
2) 1. g8=MG,h8=MG# R: 1. Kg6xMGh5 MGc2(d3,e4)-h5+
play all play one stop play next play all
What was Black's last move? It can only have been Kg6-h5, fleeing check. But what was White's prior move: it could only have been a fairy piece moving to h5 from the diagonal c2-f5, discovering check. Then this piece was captured by bK. What kind of piece was it? The idea is that for each feasible piece, there should be exactly one corresponding promotion mate.

1) Camel = (1,3)-Leaper
2) Eagle
3) Gazelle = (3-5)-Leaper
4) Giraffe Quintessence = right-angle turn Girafferider, Giraffe = (1,4)-Leaper
5) Greater Leafhopper
6) Greater Treehopper
7) Nightrider
8) Quintessence = right-angle turn Nightrider
9) Rookhopper

Minor duals, where both solutions are separately provided elsewhere:
1) Gnurider
2) Marguerite = Eagle+Grasshopper+Hamster+Moose+Sparrow, only the first two sub-creatures are used)

Tries:
1)It looks as if one might rotate the board 180 degrees: 1. Bb3#! Not 1. b3+? Kxa3!
The position is legal because e.g. R: 1. g8=B+.
However this doesn't work because it's not thematic :)
2) It looks as if R: 1. Kg6-h5 c2-c3+ might be good. Who's to say in a fairy form that wL can't begin on b1? Well if you can show me a fairy piece which can throw other pieces around the board, then let's consider it, but fairy conditions are excluded here, for sanity's sake.

Would be cooks - but the soundness is protected by the halo of PPRA :)
Bishop Eagle, Boy Scout, Dabbaba, Equihopper, Lancer, Moarider Lion, Radial Leaper
AB: See P0001924. Bedrich Formanek is happy with his problem, but welcomes a larger zoo.

I think this is a kind of PRA problem (although PRA is defined currently only for castling and ep). A PRA problem is regarded has having one solution with many parts. So maybe that points the way how to stipulate the problem. The joke version PRA (= Partial PRA) says that PRA applies to all the parts that it does, but not to the others, particularly those with no solution).

It's clear that there are more pieces which would solve the problem. Why not Gnurider or Gazellerider instead of Gnu or Gazelle? Why not Gnurider instead of Nightrider? Etc. Why not Grasshopper instead of Rookhopper? The PRA notion would prevent these from cooking the problem: each is indeed a separate part. As long as whatever was just captured can be uniquely reborn to deliver mate, the problem is sound. The published solution shows the most basic representative piece for each of the patterns, with no unused capability.

As a PRA problem, if a kind of fairy piece might legitimately have been captured on h5, yet does not offer a mating promotion, that would make the problem unsound. And indeed there are two such creatures known: Dabbaba and Lancer. However fortunately we are working with the looser PPRA meta-convention which only applies where it applies.

In earlier versions, the eagle was considered a try, but actually I think it implied an insoluble PRA part, but fortunately could be fixed.
Henrik Juel: if last move was Kg6xGh5, 1.gxh8=G#
if last move was Kg6xYh5 (Y=1,3-S=Camel), 1.g8=Y#
if last move was Kg6xYh5 (Y=rookhopper), 1.gxh8=Y# (This looks like a cook)
if last move was Kg6xYh5 (Y=5,3-S), 1.c8=Y#
if last move was Kg6xNh5, 1.b8=N# (2021-06-20)
A.Buchanan: Thanks Henrik - as discussed: I don’t think Rookhopper is a cook, but is a separate part of the PRA solution. Maybe it’s the fundamental solution and Grasshopper is the one with unneeded additional functionality but Grasshopper is the more common one. Nice for some of these unfamiliar creatures to get some exposure... (2021-06-20)
comment
Keywords: Joke (PPRA), Phoenix (9), Last Moves?, Partial Retro Analysis (PRA), Rex solus, Promotion (9), Minimal
Pieces: tu = Rookhopper (TP), sr = Camel (CM), su = Nightrider (N), lu = Gazelle (GZ), dl = Eagle (AD), sl = Quintessence (QN), lr = Giraffe Quintessence (QG), du = Greater Treehopper (GE), dr = Greater Leafhopper (GF)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: b7/1PP3PP/7B/6Pk/8/2P3K1/P3P3/1B6
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-06-19
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-01-09 more...
76 - P1392038
Franz J. Wittmann
Mährisches Tagblatt 21/02/1929
P1392038
(3+5)
h#2
"Ein Faschingsscherz"

Hilfsmatt in zwei Zügen
Schwarz zieht an
Mario Richter: A little weekend challenge and the chance to let your fantasy fly.
The solution has not been published, all my own attempts to solve this problem failed.
Anyone outthere who has an idea? (2021-07-24)
Henrik Juel: With the colors switched: 1.Le3 Dxe3#
but this is h#1 (2021-07-24)
Mario Richter: I thought of things like joke promotion (1. c1=White queen), and or modification of the board (e.g. cylindrical board), but so far I didn't find a way that works ... (2021-07-24)
Alfred Pfeiffer: Vielleicht so: 1. c1=K Lcd4+ 2. Kg6 Le3# (Schwarz verliert K) (2022-02-23)
milan: [+wBf7h7] 1.Kg7 f8=S 2.Kg8 L×d4#
b)sKf6-d2 1. Kc1 h8=D 2.Dd2 Da1#
new problem sKf6-d1 sBc2-d2 bBh3-e2 wBf2-e3 1.Ke1 L×d4 2.d1=L Lc3!# M.Frelih (2022-03-05)
comment
Keywords: Joke
Genre: h#, Fairies
FEN: 8/8/5k2/8/3q4/7b/2p2BpP/6K1
Input: Mario Richter, 2021-07-24
Last update: Mario Richter, 2021-07-24 more...
77 - P1395484
A. N. Walker
rec.games.chess 14/12/1989
P1395484
(3+2)
ser-h#11
1. Ke2 2. Kf3 3. Kg4 4. Kh5 5. Kg6 6. Kf7 7. Tg8 8. Txa8 9. Ke8 10. 0-0-0 11. Td7 Ta8#
play all play one stop play next play all
https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.chess/c/F4Fre_vz-XQ/m/FvDQGymixwAJ

What's that? How can Black castle after moving his K and R? Well you can't *prove* that he moved his K or R, so by the usual problemists' conventions, castling is legal. You just *saw* him play Ke8? Yes, but that was a different problem; Ke8 was the key to a SHM in 3, leading to a position in a SHM in 2, in which the key move happens to be O-O-O.
James Malcom: I think this could be a "formal" problem if relabeled as an consequent seriesnover. (2021-11-06)
Henrik Juel: I believe you are right, James (2021-11-07)
comment
Keywords: Seriesmover, Aristocrat, Minimal, Miniature, Castling, Joke
Genre: Fairies
FEN: R7/8/1K6/R5r1/8/8/8/3k4
Input: James Malcom, 2021-11-06
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-11-06 more...
78 - P1398987
Ado Kraemer
Andrew Buchanan

PDB Website 10/02/2022
AK, correction AB
P1398987
(2+8)
#3
(-:
hint rot13.com:qrynl pubvpr bs cebzbgrq havg
1. "b8..."
1. ... g2 "...=S!" 2. Sd7 g3 3. Sf6#
1. ... h2 "...=D!" 2. Df8 Th3 3. Dxh6#
play all play one stop play next play all
If White were prescient, they could choose which unit to promote to, based on knowledge of Black's next move. As it is, White plays 1.b8, then only chooses the promotion officer when Black's response is known.
Supersedes the dualized and inexact P1373527
White waits for Black to move before selecting the promoted unit.
Under this joke, a dummy pawn exists ephemerally, but not via the Dummy Pawn rule.
Position comfortably legal.
Henrik Juel: Andrew, how does one decode the rot13 hint? (2022-02-10)
Henrik Juel: Never mind, Andrew; write the english alphabet in two rows and code/decode between rows
abcdefghijklm
nopqrstuvwxyz
so the gobbledygook translates to
delay choice of promoted unit (2022-02-10)
Henrik Juel: ... the rows should be written with a fixed font, of course, but I do not know how to accomplish this in a PDB comment (2022-02-10)
A.Buchanan: Hi Henrik: got to rot13.com and put the text in the input box, read it from the output box. Because 13=26/2, this works for both encryption and decryption.
Trying to do this for new jokes to create a level playing field. If you want a hint as to the silly trick, but would still enjoy solving the chess afterwards, then check out the rot13. (2022-02-10)
A.Buchanan: The real challenge is getting animation to work properly in this site. (2022-02-10)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke (delayed promotion), Minimal, Dummy Pawn (not! Delayed promo)
Genre: Fairies
FEN: 8/1P5K/6pp/6pk/6pr/6pp/8/8
Input: A.Buchanan, 2022-02-10
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-05-21 more...
79 - P1399436
Clara E. Cameron
21 Los Angeles Times , p. 17, 01/04/1928
P1399436
(5+3) C+
#2 "with the same N standing on N6"
1. f7! Kxg6 2. f8=S#
play all play one stop play next play all
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25177250/chess-by-clif-sherwood/
'Los Angeles Times': "This being April Fool's Day the column is devoted pretty much to the fair-enuf sex; for the female of the species reads more readily than the male."

Zur Autorin, die auch eine aktive und erfolgreiche Löserin war, heißt es: "Clara Cameron, Pomona, Cal.", und zur Aufgabe: "A variation of Napier's setting."

vgl. Marshall's Chess "Swindle" P1182118
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke, Promotion (S), Phoenix
Genre: 2#
Computer test: Popeye 4.61
FEN: 8/6pk/4KPN1/5N1p/7P/8/8/8
Input: James Malcom, 2022-02-25
Last update: Rainer Staudte, 2022-09-01 more...
80 - P1399596
Alfred C. Middletown Klahre
Chess Potpourri , p. 39, 1931
P1399596
(2+3)
#1
1. Sf5#!
play all play one stop play next play all
Sourced from https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/winter40.html#CN_5270
Henrik Juel: As jokes go, this one is gross (2022-03-02)
comment
Keywords: Joke
Genre: n#
FEN: 8/7p/7k/5K1p/7N/8/8/8
Input: James Malcom, 2022-03-02
Last update: James Malcom, 2022-03-02 more...
81 - P1402593
Andrew Buchanan
PDB Website 09/07/2022
after G.P.Latzel
P1402593
(10+4)
h#1.75 (-:
hint rot13: pbqrk negvpyr svsgrra
0. ... [-bPg5] 1. Lxb3 Ta8#
play all play one stop play next play all
Clearly an unfinished move joke. By a usual convention for these things, a player might be halfway through a castling, an en passant, or a promotion. 1.75 is nearly 2.0, so Black would be the moving player.

Black is not in the middle of an e.p. or castling, so the only possibility is a promotion. Black has lifted up the pawn, to replace it with an officer on the 8th rank. However, White has apparently made 12 pawn captures, accounting for all missing Black units, so Black is not part way through promoting a pawn.

Therefore it's not Black in the middle of a move. By a joke application of Article 15, we say that it's *White* in the middle of a move instead. So 1.75 - 0.5 = 1.25 and it's h#1.25.

- White can't be part way through a promotion, because all White pawns are on the board.
- If White were in the middle of castling, then the pawn capture balance would be ok, but Black would have no prior move.
- If White were in the middle of en passant h5xg6, then bPg5 can help with capture balance, but still there is one capture short for the balance.
- So White is in the middle of en passant f5xg6. If we complete the joke move by removing bPg5, then the position is legal, with 12 White pawn captures and 13 missing Black units. A sound h#1 awaits.
After P0004346
Henrik Juel: Not completion of 0-0-0, because Black has no last move
Completion of f5xg6ep is feasible, and then 1.Lxb3 Ta8#
Stipulation should be h#1.25, I think (2022-07-10)
A.Buchanan: Hi Henrik: it’s intended to be h#1.75 :-) Can black complete any Valladao move? And if not then what do we do? :-) (2022-07-10)
Henrik Juel: Thanks Andrew
So Black must complete a move, but his four men are stuck, and white pawns captured the remaining 12 black men; so there is nothing for Black to complete
Looks like a weird joke... (2022-07-10)
A.Buchanan: Sorry you don't like the Valladao joke Henrik. "1.75 minus 0.5 = 1.25" is a novel way to combine "unfinished move" with Article 15. I also like the fact that all the cases of pawn capture counting are exact, with no "retro dressing" unit purely to contribute to a balance.s (2022-07-10)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Complete an unfinished move, En passant, Castling (wg Not!), Promotion (Not!), No legal last move for Black
Genre: h#, Retro
FEN: 7k/5p1P/5PPP/1P4p1/b7/1P6/6PP/R1K5
Input: A.Buchanan, 2022-07-10
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-12-08 more...
82 - P1404281
Mikhail Mikhaylov
3 Shakhmatna Misl , p. 160, 10/1956
P1404281
(8+6) cooked
#2
1. d8=sS! droht 2. g8=S#
1. ... Sb7 2. Sd7#
1. ... Sc6 2. Te6#
1. ... Se6 2. Se4#
1. ... Sf7 2. Sg4#
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: (found by Henrik Juel, 2022-09-12)
1. d8=sL! droht 2. g8=S#
1. ... Lc7 2. Sd7#
Henrik Juel: Popeye 4.61 finds no solution (2022-09-11)
Henrik Juel: Joke problem
1.d8=sL?? thr. 2.g8=S#
1... Lc7 2.Sd7# (2022-09-12)
Mario Richter: Does Henrik's answer show that the problem is cooked? (2022-09-12)
Henrik Juel: Yes, Mario (2022-09-12)
A.Buchanan: Could it be that bRb6 is meant to be on a6? (2022-09-13)
A.Buchanan: The point being that with bRa6, 1. d8=sL? La5! (not Lc7/Lb6 2. Sd7#/Te6#) So bishop promotion becomes a thematic try. (2022-09-13)
Mario Richter: I have access to the original issue of 'Shakhmatna Misl', so I can confirm that the black rooks are on a7 and b6. I checked some of the following issues to see, if there was a mentioning a of the cook and/or a correction, but without success.
Changing the cook 1. d8=sL! into a try would be nice, but I think the purpose of black Tb6 is to prevent the defense 1. ... Db3!, so unless I'm missing something, Andrew's suggestion doesn't work. (2022-09-13)
A.Buchanan: Thanks Mario - I didn't check enough. If further one swaps bQb8 with bRa7, and pushes wK to h2 further out of harms way, then I think the =S solution & =L try are sound: 1r6/q2Pp1P1/r4k1N/2N3R1/5p1P/8/4R2K/8 (2022-09-13)
James Malcom: Nice find, Mario; sweet fix, Andrew. (2022-09-14)
A.Buchanan: Thanks James. r7/q2Pp1P1/r4k1N/2N3R1/7P/8/8/4RK2 further saves a pawn and has better positions for the remote units. I suggest attribution is MM correction HJ,MR,AB. (2022-09-15)
A.Buchanan: Alternatively r7/q2Pp1P1/r4k1N/2N3R1/5p1K/8/8/4R3 economizes a wP rather than a bP. I don't know which version my esteemed co-creators would prefer to record this momentous achievement for posterity. I don't see a way to reach Meredith (2022-09-17)
comment
Keywords: Joke promotion, Joke, Superseded by (P1404422)
Genre: 2#
FEN: 1q6/r2Pp1P1/1r3k1N/2N3R1/5p1P/8/4RK2/8
Input: Mario Richter, 2022-09-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-09-18 more...
83 - P1404282
Mikhail Mikhaylov
2 Shakhmatna Misl , p. 160, 10/1956
P1404282
(6+1)
#2
1. a8=sS (Zugzwang)
1. ... Sc7 2. Sb8#
1. ... Sb6 2. Tc5#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: Popeye 4.61 finds no solution (2022-09-11)
SCHRECKE: 1. a8=sS!
1. ... Sb6 2. Tc5#
1. ... Sc7 2. Sb8# (2022-09-12)
Henrik Juel: A joke problem, I see... (2022-09-12)
Mario Richter: Sorry, Henrik, I thought you've learned from the past that I sometimes can't resist to present a little trap. I was sure you would detect that popeye finds no solution to this seemingy simple position, but I expected that you - knowing me - would conclude that there must be something more about it (even more, since I presented it at Weekend). So I hope you can forgive me my little joke ... :-) (2022-09-12)
Henrik Juel: No problem, Mario
And Michael saw the trick (2022-09-12)
comment
Keywords: Rex solus (s), Joke promotion, Miniature, Joke
Genre: 2#
FEN: 2B5/PN6/N1k5/1R6/1K6/8/8/8
Input: Mario Richter, 2022-09-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-09-13 more...
84 - P1404283
Mikhail Mikhaylov
1 Shakhmatna Misl , p. 160, 10/1956
P1404283
(4+5)
#2
1. Tf7 droht 2. gxh8=sT#
1. ... e1=D 2. gxh8=sT#
1. ... Se7,Sf6 2. g8=sS#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: Popeye 4.61 finds no solution (2022-09-11)
Henrik Juel: A third joke problem with two fake mates
No zugzwang, but the threat 2.gxh8=sT??# (2022-09-12)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Joke promotion, Joke
Genre: 2#
FEN: 6nr/R5Pk/7p/7P/8/8/K3p3/8
Input: Mario Richter, 2022-09-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-09-14 more...
85 - P1404422
Mikhail Mikhaylov
Henrik Juel
Mario Richter
Andrew Buchanan

PDB Website 17/09/2022
MM, correction HJ, MR & AB
P1404422
(7+6) C+
#2v (-:
1. d8=sL? droht 2. g8=S#
1. ... Lc7 2. Sd7#
1. ... Lb6 2. Te6#
but 1. ... La5!

1. d8=sS! droht 2. g8=S#
1. ... Sb7 2. Sd7#
1. ... Sc6 2. Te6#
1. ... Se6 2. Se4#
1. ... Sf7 2. Sg4#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: Try 1.d8=sL? thr. 2.g8=S#, 1... Lc7/Lb6 2.Sd7/Te6#, but 1... La5!
Solution 1.d8=sS thr. 2.g8=S#, 1... Sa7/Sc6/Se6/Sf7 2.Sd7/Te6/Se4/Sg4#
Thanks for your efforts, Andrew (2022-09-18)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Joke promotion (sl)
Genre: 2#
Computer test: C+ Popeye v4.87, using PostKeyPlay option to simulate promotion to foreign officers
FEN: r7/q2Pp1P1/r4k1N/2N3R1/5p1K/8/8/4R3
Input: A.Buchanan, 2022-09-18
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-05-21 more...
86 - P1406967
Georg August Kohlrausch
Bremer Nachrichten 1949
P1406967
(5+4)
#3
1. h8=K! (Zugzwang)
1. ... f6 2. Kg7 Kg4 3. Kxh6#
play all play one stop play next play all
'Schach-Echo' empfiehlt, zum Lösen Hochprozentiges einzusetzen: "... eine lustige Aufgabe, die aber nur am Silvester-Abend richtig gelöst werden kann. Wir geben allen, die sich mit dem Stück befassen wollen, den gut gemeinten Rat, erst in gehobener Stimmung zu versuchen, das Rätsel zu lösen. Mit König Alkohol im Bunde dürfte es am besten gelingen."
SCHRECKE: 1. h8=K! f6 2. Kg7 Kg4 3. Kxh6# - Hinweis: Alkohol schadet der Gesundheit!
Wünsche allen ein gesundes neues Jahr!! (2023-01-02)
Henrik Juel: This problem should be labelled joke, I think (2023-01-02)
comment
Keywords: Joke promotion, Joke
Genre: 3#
FEN: 6R1/5p1P/7p/5p1k/5P2/6P1/6K1/8
Reprints: Schach-Echo , p. 383, 1968
Input: Mario Richter, 2023-01-02
Last update: Rainer Staudte, 2023-01-02 more...
87 - P1407481
ChatGPT
Andrew Buchanan

Discord Chess Problems & Studies Server 29/01/2023
P1407481
(2+2)
#2
1. bxa3+ Kd4 2. Kb2#
play all play one stop play next play all
Chess problem by AI program ChatGPT

Q: Can you give an example of a chess retrograde analysis problem?

A: A retrograde analysis problem in chess is a problem where the goal is to determine the sequence of moves that led to a given position. For example:

White to move and mate in 2
[FEN "8/8/1p6/1P6/3k4/8/8/K7 w - - 0 1"]

In this problem, the goal is to determine the two moves (one for white and one for black) that led to the position shown. The solution is 1. bxa3+ Kd4 2. Kb2#
Henrik Juel: I do not understand this at all
It seems that ChatGPT is worthless for retro problems (2023-01-29)
A.Buchanan: Generally ChatGPT is amazing. We have entered a new age. Interacting with it reminds me of the first time I sent emails, or used a browser: we have crossed a frontier into engage with a function that will soon be commonplace. I already use it as a work tool for the last week. However it has limited skills and I was surprised it even attempted to construct a chess problem. It’s failure is humorous and kind of dreamlike (2023-01-30)
Henrik Juel: Thanks for your clarification, Andrew
ChatGPT is so amazing that it will give you a grade of B on some university exams; using it is obviously cheating, but do you enforce it?
In my youth calculators were developing fast; initially I banned the use of calculators in my OR exam, but the students were unhappy about it, saying that they were allowed in high school; I was forced to allow calculators, but then the poor students pointed out that the rich students had an unfair advantage; I then bought a few hundred cheap calculators and let the students borrow one for the exam (the rich students were still mad, but had to accept their lot in the social-democratic society of Danmark) (2023-01-30)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Kindergarten Problem, Minimal, Miniature
Genre: 2#, Retro
FEN: 8/8/1p6/1P6/3k4/8/8/K7
Reprints: Facebook 05/07/2023
Input: A.Buchanan, 2023-01-29
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-07-05 more...
88 - P1408044
Edgar D. Holladay
Jose Benardete

Chess Life , p. 2, 20/10/1949
The Law's Flaw
P1408044
(10+2)
#2
1. a8=T!
1. ... Kxd6 2. Td8#
1. ... Kxd4 2. 0-0-0#!(Ta8->d1)
play all play one stop play next play all
http://uscf1-nyc1.aodhosting.com/CL-AND-CR-ALL/CL-ALL/1949/1949_10_2.pdf
https://www.chesshistory.com/winter/winter130.html#CN_9300
Henrik Juel: a mate after 1... Kd4 needs moving Ta8 to d1, not d8 (2023-03-05)
James Malcom: Fixed. (2023-03-05)
Henrik Juel: Thanks, James (2023-03-05)
comment
Keywords: Joke, Castling, Minimal (b)
Genre: 2#
FEN: 8/P7/1P1N1P2/3k1p2/1P1N1P2/8/1P3P2/4K3
Input: James Malcom, 2023-03-05
Last update: Gunter Jordan, 2023-03-05 more...
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