Die Schwalbe

69 problem(s) found in 3554 milliseconds (displaying 69 problem(s)). [COMMENTDATE>=20200919 AND NOT S='Schach' AND K='Hilfsrückzüger'] [download as LaTeX]

1 - P0000029
Walter Wittstock
5463 Die Schwalbe 98 04/1986
P0000029
(3+2) cooked
-1w -1s, dann h=1
R: 1. b2xBc3 b4xc3ep, dann bxa6 b3=
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: R: 1. b2xDc3 Da3xSc3, dann 1. bxa6 bxa3=
Adrian Storisteanu: Possible fix: +bPc5. (2015-06-10)
Miguel Ambrona: The fix proposed by Adrian works.
Verified with Deadpos v.2.2. (2024-01-12)
comment
Keywords: En passant in the retro play, Help retractor, Kindergarten Problem, Minimal, Miniature, Ideal stalemate, Superseded by (P1360139)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: cooked by Deadpos v2.3 14-Jan-2024
FEN: 8/1pK5/P7/k7/8/2P5/8/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
2 - P0000084
Rudolf Queck
6013 Die Schwalbe 107 10/1987
P0000084
(4+4) cooked
-1(w+s), dann h#1
2 Lösungen
Circe
(R: ws, V: sw)
R: 1. Lh6xTf8[+sTh8] Tf7-f8, dann 1. g5 Lxg5[+sBg7]#
R: 1. e7xTf8=L[+sTh8] Tf7-f8, dann 1. g5 e8=S#
play all play one stop play next play all
Anton Baumann: NL: R: 1.Ke8-d8 g7-g6 V: 1.Th1..6 Le7#
Korrektur in 'Die Schwalbe' 06/1989 S.78: +sBh7 (2022-12-30)
comment
Keywords: Circe, Help retractor, Promotion in forward play
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: 3K1B1r/8/5kp1/4nP2/4P3/8/8/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2018-12-06 more...
3 - P0000416
Thomas Brand
4496 Die Schwalbe 83 10/1983
P0000416
(1+2+1) cooked
-1(w+s), dann h#1
Imitator e4
R: 1. ... Kg8xBf7,(If5-e4) Kb4xSb3,(If6-f5), dann 1. Ka4,(Ie6) Sc5#,(If8)
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: NL
R: 1. Ke7xLf7,xSf7,xBf7,(Id4-e4) d6xDe5,(Ic5-d4), dann 1. Kc2,(Id4) Db2#,(Ia1)
R: 1. Kg6xTf7,Ke6xTf7,(If3-e4,Id3-e4) d6xDe5,(Ie4,Ic4), dann 1. Te7,Tg7,(Id4) Db2#,(Ia1)
Anton Baumann: 'Die Schwalbe' 08/1984 S.308: der Autor korrigiert: wBe5 statt sBe5 (2022-12-23)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Kindergarten Problem
Pieces: i = Imitator (I)
Genre: Retro, Fairies, h#
FEN: 8/5K2/8/4p3/4-I3/1k6/8/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-12-13 more...
4 - P0000772
Klaus Wenda
1419 Die Schwalbe 30 12/1974
4. ehrende Erwähnung
P0000772
(4+7)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #2
b) sBh7 nach b6
a) R: 1. Kd5-e4, dann 1. Kd6
b) R: 1. dxc6ep, dann 1. d6
play all play one stop play next play all
In a) ist die s0-0-0 nicht mehr möglich, weil sich das Schach durch den sLg8 nur durch Kf7(x)e8 erklären läßt, in b) muß mindestens einer der sTT via e8 auf seinen Diagrammplatz gelangt sein.
In a) Entschlagdual R: Kd5xBe4, das wurde in der Lösungsbesprechung noch kritisiert und als NL vermerkt. Hat das der PR gelassener gesehen ('geduldeter Entschlagdual'), oder gibt's noch eine korrigierte Version dieses Problems?
Anton Baumann: Korrektur in 'Die Schwalbe' 12/1975 S.422: +sLh2, +sBe5;
nun geht in a) nur noch zurück: Kd5 x Be4.
Ausgezeichnet wurde gem. Preisbericht in 'Die Schwalbe' 06/1977 S.82 die korrigierte Version 1419v. (2022-12-08)
comment
Keywords: Castling (sg), Help retractor, En passant in the retro play, Cant Castler (sl)
Genre: Retro
FEN: r3k1bR/pr1p3p/2P5/8/2B1K3/8/8/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-02-10 more...
5 - P0000840
Luis Alberto Garaza
130 Die Schwalbe 3 02/1970
P0000840
(16+9)
Schwarz und Weiß nehmen 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
R: 1. Kf3-g3 Se2-g1, dann 1. Tf1#! 1. 0-0? der wTh1 muß schon gezogen haben, um ein ewiges Retropendel zu vermeiden.
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: White pawns captured all seven missing black by dxe, f6xg7, gxPf, and e.g. a2xb3, b2xc3, and cxbxc
so d7-d6 happened early in the game
The retroplay might be
R: 1... Kf3-g3 2.Se2-g1+ Kg3-f3 3.Sd4-e2+ Kf3-g3 4.Sf5-d4+ Kg3-f3 5.Sh4-f5+ Kf3-g3
The white knight cannot uncheck to any squares other than g1, e2, d4, f5, and h4, so the threatening perpetual uncheck can be avoided only by Black retracting Kh2-g3 at some point in the past
This means that Th1 has moved, so White may not castle
Pendulation usually means that a checking man moves back and forth on two squares, but here we see extended 'pendulation' on four squares (2021-04-22)
Henrik Juel: two tiny typos:
White pawns captured all seven missing black men
extended 'pendulation' on five squares, not four (2021-04-22)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Retropendel, Cant Castler
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/pp2p1Pp/2PpR1pP/1Q6/4PP2/1PP1P1kB/1Bp3N1/2b1K1NR
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-04-22 more...
6 - P0001498
Leonid M. Borodatow
372 Europe Echecs 261/262 09/1980
P0001498
(10+3)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
R: 1. b7-b8=L, dann 1. b8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: I may be wrong, but it looks like this problem works without all those pawns:
  Kb4 Rd6 Bb8 Bc8 Sa8 Sd7 / Ka7 (6+1)
(Tries such as - 1.c7xS/Bb8=B+?? & 1.c7xb8=Q# fail due to retrostalemate.) (2021-04-23)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Promotion in the retro play, Promotion in forward play, Non-standard material
Genre: Retro
FEN: NBB5/k2Np1p1/3R4/8/1K6/8/1P1P1P1P/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: Gerd Wilts, 2004-08-09 more...
7 - P0001710
Hans Heinrich Schmitz
6901v Die Schwalbe 6 30/03/1944
P0001710
(3+11)
Schwarz und Weiß nehmen 1 Zug zurück, dann h#1
R: 1. Lb2-f6 exd3ep, dann Kf6 d5#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: There is a set play (in the retro part): - 1... Kd7xQe6 & 1.Kd7-d8 Qe6xc8#. (2021-04-21)
comment
Keywords: En passant, Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2n5/1p2n3/qp1NkBr1/6b1/1p6/3p4/5p2/3K4
Reprints: 323 FIDE Album 1914-1944/III 1975
Die Schwalbe 162 12/1996
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2014-03-13 more...
8 - P0001723
Charles Edward Kemp
The Fairy Chess Review 1944
P0001723
(7+12)
Retro-Hilfspatt in 6
R: 1. Kf7xTg8 Td2-d8 2. Ke7xDf7 Dc4xBf7+ 3. Kd8xSe7 Sd5xBe7+ 4. Kc8-d8 Tg3-g8 5. Td8xSf8 Sd7-f8 6. 0-0-0 Kc5-c6
play all play one stop play next play all
Rosalie Fay: Retract -1 ... Kf7xRg8 -2 Rd2-d8 Ke7xQf7 -3 Qc4xPf7+ Kd8xNe7 -4 Nd5xPe7+ Kc8-d8 -5 Rg3-g8 Rd8xNf8 -6 Nd7-f8 0-0-0 -7 Kc5-c6 and Black is in retrostalemate. Black may not play Na6-c7, Ne6-c7 or Bf2-e1; nor g7xf6 because [bBf8] is on e1. Black's 5 captures are g7xf6, dxexfxg and cxb. Therefore Black may not play axb or h3xg2. (2021-05-22)
A.Buchanan: Thanks for the solution, Rosalie: not easy to find. What exactly is a retropat? It's defined in the V&V Encyclopaedia as: "A position where the side whose turn it is to retract has no valid last move." But how is that different from just "illegal position"? If here White retracts e.g. 4. ... Tg3xTg8, then the position is suddenly illegal, as White needs two pawn captures dxc and also hxg (which then must promote btw, as Black only captured 1 unit on g file). The position is illegal, so Black has no retractions to a legal position. Why is this not considered a short solution? Thanks! (2021-05-23)
A.Buchanan: All I can think is that maybe a retropat is a position which would be legal with the other player to retract? But what's the real answer? (2021-05-23)
Henrik Juel: Niels Høeg defined his 'Retromate' in 1923, now termed Defensive retractor, type Høeg, with forward stipulation #1
Around 1938 he defined 'Help-retrostalemate' but soon realized the intrinsic inconsistency (as you note, Andrew) and abandoned this genre
He tried to save his idea by defining 'Help-sub-retrostalemate', where Black only has one possible retraction in the final position, but this turned out to require eliminating unchecks and the double pawn step before an ep capture from the list of 'possible retractions', and the Helpsubretrostalemate was not a succes (2021-05-23)
A.Buchanan: Thanks Henrik - I can't help thinking that there is something to be salvaged here, and V&V's mention of the PTM might allude to this. Or maybe not. Aside from the stipulation, the term also refers to a retro try which leads to a cul-de-sac. And there are a few barely-used undocumented PDB keywords in German on the subject. (2021-05-23)
Henrik Juel: Høeg defined retrostalemate as
An illegal position that would be legal, if the side to retract could avoid his obligation to do so
As you point out, the concept is useful when talking about tries in a retroplay
I consider retrostalemate as a dynamic form of illegality, to be distinguished from static forms like impossible pawn structure, too many captures, etc.
Perpetual unchecks is another type of illegality, where both sides are forced to continue unchecking, so there is no way to reach the initial array (2021-05-23)
A.Buchanan: Thanks Henrik. Høeg's definition as you've just given it seems rock-solid. Mathematically, chess can be viewed as a graph where each node is a position, and each edge is a legal move. The legal positions are those with the game-array position as an ancestor. There is then an invertible mapping call it "flip" which changes the player to move. This underpins threats, set play, seriesmovers, passes, parity, and now it seems retropat too. A retropat is an illegal position whose flip is legal. What's the issue that caused him to abandon this? (2021-05-24)
Henrik Juel: From 'Høegs skakproblemer' (1982) p.147 I quote in translation:
As the aim of a helpretrostalemate (hRS) problem is an illegal position, there arose some criticism against the genre, and Høeg modified it by defining the helpsubretrostalemate genre...
I think the hRS genre can be saved easily simply by allowing White to make an illegal retraction (illegal only because it leads to RS) as his last move
A similar trick is use to 'save' the doublemate aim, ## (2021-05-24)
Henrik Juel: In Aarskrift 1938 p.6 the editor describes the October 1938 DSK meeting, where Høeg presented his recent invention, hRS. The editor writes (partly translated):
The interested reader is referred to Skakbladet 01/1939, The Fairy Chess Review, and the chess column in Eskilstuna Kurieren; the retro expert TR Dawson calls the hRS 'a complete novelty and a delightful one'.
There is also an original problem by Høeg
dia: wKe2, sKe5, sSh4 (1+2)
stip: hRS3
R: 1.Kf6xDe5 De3-e5+ 2.Kg6xDf6 Dd4-f6+ 3.Kf5xTg6 Ke1-e2!
(note that black retractions are written first, because it is a help problem)
I think that we should consider the hRS genre resurrected, despite the 'some criticism' that led Høeg away from hRS and to the less fruitful h-sub-RS (2021-05-24)
Henrik Juel: 'Der Blick zurück' (2006) discusses the concept of retrostalemate in great detail, but has no mention of Høeg's hRS genre, as far as I can tell (2021-05-24)
A.Buchanan: Thanks Henrik: so the usual "illegalphobia" muddied the waters yet again. I think your repair is a good idea. But I'm not sure about the phrase "illegal retraction" though. I distinguish between illegal moves and positions. The rules just deal with illegal moves. They say nothing about illegal positions, which is a concept from the Codex. For any legal or well-formed illegal position, we can specify the set of legal moves. (An ill-formed position has e.g. wPa1 If the rules are sound, all ill-formed positions are also illegal.) In retro terms, the legal moves may come from legal or illegal positions. But I would like "illegal retraction" to be the inverse of a legal move, and not imply anything about the position. What language I would like to use instead, I don't know yet! What do you think? (2021-05-24)
Henrik Juel: no comment... (2021-05-24)
A.Buchanan: That has the effect of a comment, Henrik, alas. And a dampening one too, alas :) (2021-05-24)
Henrik Juel: I did not mean to dampen your spirits, but to me a normal retraction connects two legal positions
What is the Garden and jungle principle? Google tells you how to make a forest garden! (2021-05-24)
A.Buchanan: I will make 1 vital point as briefly as I can. I am not trying to be “legalistic” Henrik :-) but we need a mathematical model for chess which can be extended to the fairy domain. It’s explicit in the rules that move legality is independent of position legality - which is not even mentioned in the rules. For example, checkmate requires only that the last move be legal. This is perfect because we want to be able to play chess without having to validate whether the position is legal. In fairy chess or on bigger boards, legality may be undecidable. So we really need this FIDE principle for fairy chess. The Codex then defines legality of position in terms of whether the game-array is an ancestor. Again perfect. Now for retro-moves. A retro move is the inverse of a move, and legality should be defined based simply on the FIDE concept. We want to be able to retract moves even in positions which do not derive from the game-array. There are formats e.g. Horizontal Cylinder where there are no legal positions apart from the game array itself! We can still do retractions in such a fairy format. So we can’t define legal retro-move in terms of legal position. Ok so far? (2021-05-25)
A.Buchanan: The concept of legal retro-move grounded in legal move has been over-shadowed for generations by the interpretation that Henrik describes. But this idea would very useful in its own terms. Look at all the Baird-style retractor #2s, or the myriad Wenigsteiner help-retractors. It's ridiculous that there is no (public) engine today which can solve them, when all you need to do is apply the movement rules backwards to the current position. Yes you will need to check manually that there is no "strategic" factor which might invalidate a solution, but we are getting more comfortable with HC+ these days. I bet no such concern applies to any Baird retractor. Agreed, Henrik? (2021-05-25)
A.Buchanan: So local retraction is fine for Baird (where everything is legal) and the fairy world (where we everything is illegal or we don't care about positional legality anyway), but there are these problems which are looking at the border between legal and illegal positions, and we local retraction is not sufficient. These two concepts have historically been conflated, and share a single term. In the formal chess Garden, concepts can and must be made solid, but sometimes naming them is hard, while in the Jungle of what is actually out there, we have the names (e.g. "fairy", "version", "tempo"...) but defining them is impossible. So how would you want to name them distinctly. Maybe we should say that "legal move" is redundant - we should just say "move". And then "legal move" would be used in cases where the state (i.e. position) prevents us from castling. This would mean that local retraction is just "retraction". And then we can keep "illegal retraction" for the sense that the world is used to. What do you think Henrik? What words would you like for these concepts? (2021-05-25)
Henrik Juel: You are way ahead of me, and I really do not know what to say, Andrew
I think I will just stay in the Jungle... (2021-05-25)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Castling (sg)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 3R1rk1/p1n4p/2K2p2/1B6/1p6/PpP2P2/b1P3p1/1n2b3
Reprints: 338 FIDE Album 1914-1944/III 1975
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-05-23 more...
9 - P0001724
Hugo August
Karl Fabel

The Fairy Chess Review 12/1946
P0001724
(10+13) cooked
# vor 35 Zügen
R: 1. Tc7-c8+ Ka8-b8 2. Ke8-d8 Kb8-a8 3. Kf7-e8 Ka8-b8 4. Kg6-f7 Kb8-a8 5. Kg5-g6 Ka8-b8 6. Kh4-g5 Kb8-a8 7. Kh3-h4 Ka8-b8 8. Kh2-h3 Kb8-a8 9. Kg1-h2 Ka8-b8 10. Kf1-g1 Kb8-a8 11. Ke1-f1 Ka8-b8 12. Kd1-e1 Kb8-a8 13. Kc1-d1 Ka8-b8 14. Kb2-c1 Kb8-a8 15. Ka3-b2 Ka8-b8 16. Ka4-a3 Kb8-a8 17. Ka3xBa4 Ka8-b8 18. Kb2-a3 Kb8-a8 19. Kc1-b2 Ka8-b8 20. Kd1-c1 Kb8-a8 21. Ke1-d1 Ka8-b8 22. Kf1-e1 Kb8-a8 23. Kg1-f1 Ka8-b8 24. Kh2-g1 Kb8-a8 25. Kh3-h2 Ka8-b8 26. Kh4-h3 Kb8-a8 27. Kg5-h4 Ka8-b8 28. Kg6-g5 Kb8-a8 29. Kf7-g6 Ka8-b8 30. Ke8-f7 Kb8-a8 31. Kd8-e8 Ka8-b8 32. Kc8-d8 a3-a4 33. Td8-d7 a2-a3 34. Td7-c7 Lb8-d6 35. Tc7-d7 Td7-d5 dann 1. Txc7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: R: 34. ... Lc7-d6 35. Bd6xDc5 Db4-c5,Db3-c5,Db5-c5 dann 1. Dxb7#
Mario Richter: How about R: 34. ... Lc7-d6 35. Bd6xDc5 Db4-c5, 1. Dxb7#? (2021-02-16)
A.Buchanan: Well spotted, Mario. The first 33.5 retractions are clear but then there is a bit more flexibility. Can sLg7 be shifted to b6? I don’t think it’s actually needed in the former location. (2021-02-17)
Mario Richter: For me, this dual makes the problem cooked.

I think that shifting sLg7 to b6 doesn't help (e.g. it allows the Bishop to uncapture the white pawn ob a5) (2021-02-17)
A.Buchanan: Sorry I wasn't trying to imply that the "flexibility" is tolerable: it's definitely cooked. Without the clock ticking for the mate, there is no unique retraction at all, as Black pieces can just wander all over. I don't suppose we can shift sBb7 to b6? (2021-02-17)
Mario Richter: No, shifting sBb7 to b6 allows a black rook to temporarily occupy b7, thereby giving wLd6 the opportunity for tempo moves, e.g. R: 1. ... Tc7-c8 2. Ka8-b8 Tb7-c7 3. Lb8-d6 Kc8-d8 4. Ld6-b8 Td8-d7 5. Lc7-d6 Te8-d8 6. Lb8-c7 Td7-b7 7. Ld6-b8 Kd8-c8 8. Kb8-a8, dann 1. Lc7# (2021-02-17)
A.Buchanan: I have some other ideas: but even I can see that none of them work. OK this one is cooked. (2021-02-17)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Promenade (k), Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 1Krk4/pp1rp1b1/2pB4/2pRP3/3p2P1/5Pp1/2PPPpb1/7N
Reprints: 1425 FIDE Album 1945-1955 1964
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-02-17 more...
10 - P0001777
André Simonet
518 Phénix 8 12/1989
P0001777
(3+8) cooked
Schwarz und Weiß nehmen jeder 12 aufeinanderfolgende schachbietende Züge zurück, dann setzt Weiß einzügig matt. Duale und Zugumstellungen sind nicht erlaubt.
James Malcom: What is the author's solution and the cook? (2021-07-30)
A.Buchanan: One cook is R: 1. b4xBc3ep+ c2-c4+ 2. Le4xDd3+ Dg3-d3+, dann 1. Dd6#.
Maybe the intention was 2. Sc4xD/Tb6+ etc, but the branching is hard to analyze even with Retractor 2.0. (2021-07-31)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Consecutive checks, Help retractor, Non-standard material (ll)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/1r1b4/1nR5/1K1k4/8/1rpb3b/B7/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-07-31 more...
11 - P0001966
Tivadar Kardos
Problemas 1955
1. Preis
P0001966
(7+15) C+
Schwarz nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann h#2
R: 1. Lh5xBg4, dann 1. fxg3ep Dxb4 2. g4 De7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Either wPfgh were all waylaid, or bPfg cross-captured, or bPgh cross-captured. But the capture count is the same in any case. So g4 is the only place where an uncapture can happen, and it can only be wP, so no cross-capturing actually happened. According to Popeye v4.85, no other BxPg4 uncapture leads to mate.
This corrects: P1391457
mri: Is the position correct?

R: Te3-e4, dann 1. b2 Dc2 2. Kh5 Dh7# seems to work too. (2004-09-25)
A.Buchanan: WinChloe has sLa5 & +sBb2. So let's try that! (2021-07-07)
Mario Richter: Obviously a version of the FIDE-Album Version of P1391457 - where did WinChloe get it from? (2021-07-07)
A.Buchanan: See my comments on P1391457. Is P0001966 not the same as the one in the Album? (2021-07-07)
A.Buchanan: I think this one is sound: can we get it to HC+? (2021-07-07)
Mario Richter: Eliminating all "solutions" in rawbats' output which contain a retraction of the form "Officer x Officer", only the intended solution remains. So in that sense, this version is "HC+". (2021-07-09)
more ...
comment
Keywords: En passant, Help retractor
Genre: Retro
Computer test: HC+ Rawbats + Richter
FEN: 8/1n6/pP6/bP2P1p1/QnPrrpbk/Kpp4p/pp1P4/8
Reprints: 1426 FIDE Album 1945-1955 1964
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-07-09 more...
12 - P0002053
Francis Charles Collins
Land and Water 18/01/1879
P0002053
(16+3)
Weiß nimmt einen Zug zurück, dann #1
R: 1. Tg8xBg5, dann 1. hxg6ep#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: As Mario remarked, see P0004708 for a more modern treatment. (2021-04-22)
more ...
comment
Keywords: En passant, Help retractor, En passant as key, Last Moves?, En passant as mating move
Genre: Retro
FEN: 4N3/P4p1p/PB5k/PB3KRP/1N4P1/8/PPP4Q/R7
Reprints: Huddersfield College Magazine , p. 161, 03/1879
607 Hartford Weekly Times 05/06/1879
101 A Selection of 107 Chess Problems [Collins] 1881
31 Retrograde Analysis 1915
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: James Malcom, 2020-11-08 more...
13 - P0002493
Bernhard Hegermann
2975 The Fairy Chess Review 12/1937
P0002493
(1+1)
-1(w+s), dann h#1
R: 1. Se4xLd2 Kh7xTg8, dann Lh6 Sf6#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: Possible twin:
b)wSd2->d6
- 1.Sf7xRd6 Rd8xQd6 & 1.Rd8-f8 Qd6-g6# (2024-03-19)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 6k1/8/8/8/8/8/3N4/8
Reprints: Problemkiste 92 04/1994
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2014-06-03 more...
14 - P0002494
Bernhard Hegermann
2976 The Fairy Chess Review 12/1937
P0002494
(1+1)
-1(w+s), dann h#1
R: 1. c5-c6 Kb7xDc7, dann Ka6 Db6#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: Set play (in the retro part): - 1... Kb8xQc7 & 1.Kb8-a8 Qc7-b7#. (2021-04-21)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/2k5/2P5/8/8/8/8/8
Reprints: Problemkiste 92 04/1994
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2014-06-03 more...
15 - P0002513
Julius Dohrn-Lüttgens
1751 Diagramme und Figuren 15/10/1966
P0002513
(2+1) C+
-1(w+s), dann h#1
R: 1. Kb3xSa4 Sc3xDa4, dann 1. ... Sa2 2. Dxa2#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: A try (set mate, forward part): - 1.Kb3xRa4 Ra2xQa4 & 1... Qa4xa2#. (2021-04-22)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Kindergarten Problem, Minimal, Miniature
Genre: Retro
Computer test: Popeye Windows-32Bit v4.55 (312 MB) & Rawbats
FEN: 8/8/8/8/K7/8/2P5/k7
Reprints: Problemkiste 92 04/1994
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-23 more...
16 - P0002517
Peter Kniest
1999 Diagramme und Figuren 15/01/1967
P0002517
(1+1) cooked
-1(w+s), dann h#1
R: 1. c7xTb8=L Tb7-b8, dann Ta7 c8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: Cook: -1.a7xFb8=L Kb7xTa8, 1.Ka6 axb8DT#. (2004-04-01)
Mario Richter: vgl. mit P0006207 (2009-12-24)
Adrian Storisteanu: Possible (expensive, 50% more units) fix: Ka8 Bd8 / Kc8 (2+1) -- R: 1.e7xRd8=B Rd7-d8 & 1.Rc7 e8Q#. On the plus side, there is a wK in the picture now. (2016-02-10)
Adrian Storisteanu: See P1389595 (not clear which was first). (2024-03-19)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Promotion (L)
Genre: Retro
FEN: kB6/8/8/8/8/8/8/8
Reprints: Problemkiste 92 04/1994
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2014-06-03 more...
17 - P0002735
Theodor Steudel
3511 Problemkiste 95 10/1994
P0002735
(1+1) C+
(-1w -1s)*, dann h=1
2 Lösungen
R: 1. Kh2-g1 Kg4xDf3, dann 1. Kh4 Df5=
R: 1. Kf1-g1 Kg3xDf3, dann 1. Kh2 Kf2=
"set play" ( -s, dann h=1 )
R: 1. Ke2xDf3, dann 1. Ke1 Dd3=
play all play one stop play next play all

Duplicate Diagram: P1187070

Adrian Storisteanu: Is the star "*" in the stipulation supposed to indicate a kind of "set play" in the retro part -- in effect a "-1s dann h=1"? Because there is one:
- 1.Ke2xQf3 & 1.Ke2-e1 Qf3-d3=. (2015-08-02)
A.Buchanan: That's a clever interpretation Adrian, I am sure you are right, and it's sound according to Deadpos (2024-01-13)
Adrian Storisteanu: A more precise stipulation would be something like: (-w -s)*, dann h=1 (2024-01-14)
A.Buchanan: Good idea. The convention is that * promises at least one set play instance. (2024-01-15)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, only Kings, Aristocrat, Miniature
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: C+ Deadpos v2.3 14-Jan-2024
FEN: 8/8/8/8/8/5k2/8/6K1
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
18 - P0002850
Michal Dragoun
2974 Sachova skladba 04/1992
P0002850
(6+12) C+
h#2
b) -1w, dann h#2
sDU=Grashüpfer
a) 1. Ka1! gxh7 2. Ga2 h8=G#
b) R: 1. c3-c4, dann Ga6! g7 2. Ga1 g8=G#
play all play one stop play next play all
Witzige Zwillingsbildung mit nettem Umwandlungswechsel.
Henrik Juel: part a) is C+ Popeye 4.61 (2021-05-02)
A.Buchanan: Henrik last move can’t be b2-b4 because of caging bK behind White lines. So must have been b3-b4. Can you try Popeye with halfduplex for b)? (2021-05-03)
Henrik Juel: Thanks to Andrew's observation, the entire problem is now C+ Popeye 4.61 (2021-05-03)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Pieces: du = Grasshopper (G)
Genre: Retro, h#, Fairies
Computer test: part a) is C+ Popeye 4.61 part b) is HC+ Popeye 4.61 + trivial retro thought
FEN: 8/7n/6P1/1p3ppp/2P5/1p1*2qp3/kP2*2qPP1/2Kb1n2
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-05-03 more...
19 - P0003922
Jean-Francois Baudoin
Jean-Claude Gandy

RA131 diagrammes 47 09-10/1980
P0003922
(12+10) cooked
-1s -1w -1s, dann h#1
R: 1. h2-h1=S+ a7-a8=L 2. Kc8-d8, dann 1. h1=T a8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: Co-NL (rawbats)
R: 1. ... Bh2-h1=S 2. Lc6-a8 Le8xBd7, dann 1. h1=T dxe8=D#
Hans-Jürgen Manthey: Zurück: 0. ... h2-h1=S+ a7-a8=L 1. ... Kc8-d8
vor 1. a7-a8=D#

R: 1. Lc6-d7 Ke3-f2 2. Lg2-c6 b6xTa7 3. Lf1-g2 c5xSb6 4. f2-f1=L d4xLc5 5. f3-f2 Kf2-e3 6. Lf8-c5 Td2-d1 7. Kd8-c8 Tf1-d1 8. Sc8-b6 d2-d3 9. d3xLc2 e3xDd4 10. Ke8-d8 Th1-f1 11. f4-f3 Kf1-f2 12. d4-d3 Le4-c2 13. Db6-d4 Lg2-e4 14. Lf5-b1 Sb1-a3 15. Db8-b6 a3-a4 16. a4xDb3 Dd1-b3 17. Ta8-a7 c2-c3 18. Tb3-b2 Ke1-f1 19. Tc3-b3 b2-b4 20. Sb3-a1 f2xe3 21. Sa5-b3 Lf1-g2 22. b3xTa2 Ta1-a2 23. Se7-c8 g2-g3 24. g3xSh2 Sf3-h2 25. Dd8-b8 Sg5-f3 26. Tc6-c3 Sf7-g5 27. Th6-c6 Sh8-f7 28. Sc6-a4 Sf7-h8 29. Th8-h6 Sg5-f7 30. Sg8-e7 Sh7-g5 31. Lc8-f5 Sg5xh7 32. a5-a4 Sf3-g5 33. Sb8-c6 Sg5-f3 34. e4-e3 h2-h3 35. g4-g3 a2-a3 36. b4-b3 Se6-g5 37. d5-d4 Sd4-e6 38. e5-e4 Sf3-d4 39. f5-f4 Sg5-f3 40. a7-a5 Se6-g5 41. b5-b4 Sd4-e6 42. g5-g4 Sf3-d4 43. g7-g5 Sg5-f3 44. f7-f5 Se6-g5 45. d7-d5 Sd4-e6 46. e7-e5 Sf3-d4 47. b7-b5 Sg1-f3 (zB) (2021-06-27)
A.Buchanan: Without getting into the distant retro history, I am guessing that the intended solution is R: 1. h2-h1=S+ a7-d8=L 2. Kc8-d8, then 1. h1=T a8=D#, so it's an allumwandlung. (2021-06-28)
A.Buchanan: If we retract the last three single moves in this way, the position is legal. White Volet pawn captures f2xPe3xdxcxbxa7, while bPh was waylaid. Black captures were bxa,axb,dxc2,gxh2. bPf promoted to B. Can we release this position? There are no tempo issues, the White officers float free, then e.g. d2-d3 unlocks everything.
Is the solution unique? If wBa8 is original, or promoted further to the right, this saves captures of black officers, which allows wPab to cross-capture instead of bPab. This means bQ or bB might uncapture wQ or wR, however I don't see any h#1 forward from that. An engine supporting simple retractions, without regard to global legality, could allow an HC+ solution as exceptions can be checked by hand. I hand the baton to Mario Richter at this point, for further validation :) (2021-06-28)
Mario Richter: rawbats finds many solutions, the most trivial one supports your observation that claiming that wLa8 is an original Bishop, gives White new opportunities:
R: 1. ... Bh2-h1=S 2. Lc6-a8 Le8xBd7, dann 1. h1=T dxe8=D# (2021-06-28)
A.Buchanan: Thanks, Mario. WinChloe has Jean-Claude Gandy as co-author, who I will add. However it is listed in WinChloe as "analytic retractor" rather than "help-retractor". What is the distinction, and does it affect soundness? (2021-06-30)
Henrik Juel: I think there is no real distinction, Andrew
This problem is a help retractor, because White and Black help each other in the retroplay (as opposed to a defensive retractor, where they fight), not because of the forward stipulation
For some people this may be confusing, and the term 'analytic retractor' might 'help' those few, although any problem with retroplay necessarily involves som retro analysis
Analytic retractor can also be used as opposed to the Mrs. Baird type retractor, which involves little analysis (2021-06-30)
A.Buchanan: Thanks for the helpful clarification, Henrik (2021-06-30)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Non-standard material (l), Allumwandlung (sL,tD), Promotion (lLs,tD), Superseded by (P1408845)
Genre: Retro, h#
FEN: B2k4/2pb4/8/8/PP6/NpPP2PP/prpRPK2/nbB4n
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-21 more...
20 - P0003973
André Simonet
RA166 diagrammes 74 11-12/1985
Lob
P0003973
(6+8)
Die Position wurde nach 22 konsekutiven Schachgeboten erreicht. Finde die Anfangsposition heraus, dann #1! Kein Dual oder Vertauschen von Zügen ist erlaubt.
R: 1. ... b4xc3ep+ 2. c2-c4 Lf5xDd3+ 3. Df1xDd3 De4xDd3 5. Df3xDd3 De2xTd3 6. Te3-d3+ Td3-b3+ 7. Tc4xDc6+ Dh6xDc6+ 8. Dg6-c6+ De8xTd7+ 9. Tc7-d7+ Sd7xSb6+ 10. Sa4-b6 Ta7xDb7+ 11. Da8xDb7+ Dc8-b7+ 12. Tb7xSc7+ Sa6xSc7+ 13. Se6-c7+
play all play one stop play next play all
James Malcom: It seems likely that this could be cooked. (2021-01-23)
Hans-Jürgen Manthey: wenn man dem Player bis zum ende folgt und dies die Anfangsposition sein soll, ist die 2. Bedingung 'dann #1' nicht möglich ! Also ist es nicht gelöst und es muß eine andere Zugfolge nötig sein ! (2021-01-23)
Hans-Jürgen Manthey: mögliche Zugfolgen:
1. h4 b5 2. g4 Lb7 3. Sh3 La6 4. Lg2 Lc8 5. h5 c5 6. g5 c4 7. g6 c3 8. dxc3 d5 9. c4 e5 10. c5 f5 11. c6 f4 12. c7 f3 13. Kd2 d4 14. Kd3 b4 15. Kc4 fxe2 16. f4 e1D 17. f5 e4 18. f6 e3 19. a4 Lc5 20. a5 Lb6 21. axb6 Sh6 22. b7 Sg4 23. h6 e2 24. Ld5 Lf5 25. c8T a5 26. Kb5 Sa6 27. b8D Ta7 28. Da8 Se5 29. Sf4 a4 30. Sc3 Sd7 31. La2 a3 32. hxg7 Dg1 33. Tc7 Dc8 34. Tb7 Kd8 35. f7 De3 36. g8D+ De8 37. g7 h5 38. Dg1 d3 39. Dg6 h4 40. Sa4 Ke7 41. Se6 Kd6 42. Lg5 h3 43. Tag1 d2 44. Tg4 h2 45. Tc4 e1D 46. Lb1 Th3 47. Dh8 Td3 48. g8D Kd5 49. Dhh3 De4 50. Dgh8 a2 51. D8h5 a1D 52. La2 Dae1 53. Dg2 D1h4 54. Dhf3 Dh6 55. Te1 h1D 56. Te3 De1 57. Dgf1 De2 = Anfangsposition, aber kein Matt in 1 Zug
(57. ... Df2 58. Lf4 De2 = Anfangsposition mit Matt in 1 Zug: 59. Td4#)
es folgen die 22 Schachgebote bis zur Diagramstellung mit Lg5:
58. Sc7+ Sxc7+ 59. Tbxc7+ Db7+ 60. Dxb7+ Txb7+ 61. Sb6+ Sxb6+ 62. Td7+ Dxd7+ 63. Dc6+ Dhxc6+ 64. Txc6+ Tb3+ 65. Td3+ D2xd3+ 66. D3xd3+ Dxd3+ 67. Dxd3+ Lxd3+ 68. c4+ bxc3ep+ (ist auch möglich mit Lf4) (2021-01-24)
comment
Keywords: Consecutive checks (22), Help retractor, En passant in the retro play, Non-standard material, En passant
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/1r1q1P2/1nR5/1K1k2B1/8/1rpb4/BP1p4/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-07-30 more...
21 - P0004325
Charles Edward Kemp
London Evening News 1943
P0004325
(7+9) cooked
Schwarz nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann h#1
R: 1. g5xSf4, dann 1. Le5 Sd5#
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: R: 1. e7xSd6, dann 1. Le5 Se4#
Henrik Juel: Diagram error? -1... g5xSf4, 0... Le5 1.Sd5#. But the symmetrical solution -1... e7xSd6 etc. seems legal too. (2004-03-22)
A.Buchanan: Yes bBf8 would have died at home but bPc could capture twice to promote on c1 or e1 (2023-03-31)
A.Buchanan: Odd. The diagram is thematically symmetric, so not just missing a unit. WinChloe has the same diagram. I wondering if we are missing something from the stipulation. Does anyone have access to an archive for this? It's also odd that it was reprinted: surely there would be a comment there? I suppose it can be rendered sound by placing wTTSS somewhere symmetric. Then Black runs out of pawn captures if sLd4 is promoted. In any case, wPh7xg8=S is affordable. (2023-04-01)
Mario Richter: The reprint in 'Problem' says: "Ne e7xSd6 radi nepravilne postave" ("Not e7xSd6 because of illegal Position.") The diagram in 'Problem' is the same as here in the PDB.
How about adding black pawns on b7 and g2? (2023-04-01)
A.Buchanan: Hi Mario. I considered adding sBb5e2. That gives 10 needed captures by Black and 6 by White, including sLf8. So the try fails for *two* reasons. sBb7g2 fails even more badly. I thought that also adding wTTSS although more uneconomical in pieces defeats the try for only one reason. Also I liked the trick h7xg8=S. And it must make it harder to find the solution. Does Rawbats do simple retractors? Can you try wTa0h1 wSa7g1 as a risky initial bid, and then back off until there are no cooks? (2023-04-01)
Mario Richter: Hi Andrew, I was well aware that with adding sBb5e2 or sBb7g2 the try fails for two reasons (for [subjective] optical reasons I preferred sBb7g2 to sBb5e2]). The reason I suggested the addition of 2 black pawns was the following consideration: I cannot believe that such an experienced Retro Composer like C.E. Kemp could make such a big mistake. It's much more likely that the printer made an error by omitting two pieces.
On the other hand, if we want to correct the problem including a unique reason for the try to fail, your suggestion of adding wTa8h1+wSa7g1 (FEN=R7/N4pp1/1P1pnkp1/5n2/3b1p2/1PP5/1PP2P2/K5NR) works - rawbats gives exactly R: 1. ... Bg5xSf4, dann 1. Ld4-e5 Sf4-d5# (and says about R: Be7xSd6 - "Illegal: Mehr schwarze Bauern-Schlaege notwendig als weisse Steine fehlen") (2023-04-01)
A.Buchanan: Hi Mario, thanks for this, I agree with everything you say. It's curious that the reprint in Problem did not pick up the error. Any overlooked black units are more likely to have been lurking on dark squares, maybe sBb4d2. This forces the try to only fail for 1 reason, albeit rather banal. Does this work. Or the +wTTSS mentioned forces the solver to do a little more counting, and there is a lot more solving space to search for the h#1. Rawbats' conversational skills seem to have improved: have you integrated it with ChatGPT maybe? (2023-04-02)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Symmetrical position, Asymmetrical solution
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/5pp1/1P1pnkp1/5n2/3b1p2/1PP5/1PP2P2/K7
Reprints: (24) Problem 83-86 09/1962
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-04-02 more...
22 - P0004707
Filip S. Bondarenko
1059 Die Schwalbe 1962
P0004707
(5+4) cooked
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
R: 1. Ta8-f8, dann 1. fxg6ep#
play all play one stop play next play all
Aus der Lösungsbesprechung ('Schwalbe 14-15, Februar-März 1963): "Absicht - zurück Ta8-f8 und Matt durch den e.p.-Schlag, doch läßt sich der letzte Zug g7-g5 nicht beweisen, weil Schwarz Kh8(g8)xLh7(Sh7) gezogen haben kann. Diese Möglichkeit wird immer wieder übersehen ..."
Adrian Storisteanu: On second thought, the 'cooked' flag was probably justified. In the position after - 1.Ra8-f8, black's last move was not necessarily 0...g7-g5: 0...Kh8/g8xSh7, 0...Kh8xBh7. (2021-04-22)
Gerald Ettl: Verbesserungsvorschlag:
5R2/pp5k/5P1P/5PpK/8/PP6/1NPPP3/NB6/
Weiss:Bf6h6f5a3b3c2d2e2 Sb2a1 Lb1 Tf8 Kh5 Schwarz:Ba7b7g5 Kh7 Neutrale Figuren: (2021-04-23)
Gerald Ettl: von meinem Verbesserungsvorschlag muss noch der sBb7 beseitigt werden. (2021-04-23)
Gerald Ettl: von meinem Verbesserungsvorschlag kann der sBb7 aber auch auf dem Brett stehen. Mit der Verfuehrung R: 1.Tb8-f8 Kh8h7 2.Ta8xSb8+ (2021-04-23)
Adrian Storisteanu: Gerald, in your fix suggestion wBb1 should be moved to a2, otherwise cook - 1.f4-f5 & 1.c2-c3/c4#. (2021-04-23)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant
Genre: Retro
FEN: 5R2/pp5k/5P1P/5PpK/8/8/8/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: Mario Richter, 2021-04-22 more...
23 - P0004708
Filip S. Bondarenko
Die Schwalbe 1960
P0004708
(8+1)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
R: 1. Tg8xBg5, dann 1. hxg6ep#
play all play one stop play next play all
offensichtlich inspiriert von P0002053
Adrian Storisteanu: A try (failing due to retrostalemate): - 1.g2-g4?? & 1.Rg5-g4#. (2021-04-22)
A.Buchanan: If -wLh3 +wBh3 there would be a single clean cook R: 1. gxSh3, dann 1. g3# (2021-04-23)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant as key, En passant as mating move, En passant
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/8/5P1R/5KRP/6Pk/7B/5P2/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-04-22 more...
24 - P0004711
Karl Fabel
Berliner Morgenpost 1943
P0004711
(8+7)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
R: 1. bxc6ep+, dann 1. dxc6ep#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: A try may be worth mentioning: - 1.c5-c6+?? & 1.d5-d6# (fails due to retrostalemate). (2021-04-19)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant, En passant in the retro play, En passant in the forward play
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2brrb2/1R1pkPp1/2P5/3P1K2/1B1P4/8/B7/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: James Malcom, 2021-04-19 more...
25 - P0004724
Hansjörg Schiegl
Viersener Festschrift 1970
P0004724
(4+3)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
R: 1. Bd7xLc8=S, dann 1. dxe8=S#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: For a model mate: wPf4->h4 (4+3); or -wPf4, +bPg5 (3+4). (2021-04-23)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Promotion, Miniature
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2N1b3/8/3K1k2/4Np2/5P2/8/8/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-23 more...
26 - P0004730
Thomas R. Dawson
De Standaard 1925
P0004730
(2+15)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
R: 1. Kg4xLh3, dann 1. Txh3#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: This is just a twin already incorporated in P0004751. (2021-04-21)
A.Buchanan: This is pointless without the other 2 twins. But was it published separately? (2021-04-21)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2n3r1/2qp1ppk/2r2bp1/2p3p1/8/6pK/5p2/4n2R
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: Gerd Wilts, 2004-03-26 more...
27 - P0004801
Josef Haas
Wiesbadener Kurier 1971
P0004801
(4+10) C+
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #3
R: 1. f5xTe6, dann 1. fxe6 ... 2. Kxg7 ... 3. Tf8#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: With last move f5xTe6, the preceding move was f6xYe5+ encapsulating Tf7
Ke8 must have moved to enable Tf8-f7, so Black cannot castle (2021-04-03)
A.Buchanan: fun logic! :) (2021-04-04)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Castling
Genre: Retro
Computer test: The forward play is C+ Popeye 4.61
FEN: r3k3/4pRp1/1p1pP1K1/n2Np3/5p2/7p/8/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-04 more...
28 - P0004934
Theodor Steudel
(7) Die Schwalbe 90 12/1984
P0004934
(5+10) cooked
-1s, dann h#3
R: 1. h2-h1=S, dann 1. h1=L fxe7 2. Lxg2 exd8=T 3. Lc6 b8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: R: 1. h2-h1=S, dann 1. Kd7 fxe7 2. Lb6,La5 exf8=D 3. Kd8 Dd6# or 3. Tc8 bxc8=D#
A.Buchanan: -sBc5 + sBc4a5 fixes the cook. Anything better? (2021-04-19)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Allumwandlung, Help retractor, Promotion
Genre: Retro, h#
FEN: 3brrb1/1Pk1pp2/5Pp1/2p5/8/6P1/5KP1/7n
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
29 - P0005055
Hans Hilmar Staudte
Aachener Nachrichten 10/07/1970
P0005055
(1+2) C+
-1w -1s, dann h=1
1.2:1.1
R: 1. Kc3-d2 a7xTb6, dann 1. a6 Tb4=
R: 1. Kc3-d2 Ka4xLa5, dann 1. b5 Lb4=
play all play one stop play next play all
Ladislav Packa: Set Play: *1...cxQb6 Qc6-b6+, then 1.Kc3= (2021-05-23)
A.Buchanan: That's a cute line Ladislav: is this how set play is defined for a help retractor? I find the stipulation as it appears absurdly opaque. I would have ignored the problem in a magazine but maybe the opacity was added in entry to PDB? (2021-05-23)
Ladislav Packa: Andrew, without unnecessary words: compare with P0006003 (2021-05-23)
A.Buchanan: Hi, Ladislav: neither mentions set play. Both have main play -w-s:+s+w. Dawson's setplay is -s:+s+w, which I guess I would have expected. But your nice play here is -s-w:+w (2021-05-23)
Ladislav Packa: "Normal" h=1 means 1.1B 1W=. Set play in "normal" h=1 means *1...1W=. If you consider the "normal" part h=1 as the basis, then I do not see any logical problem when considering the retro part. (2021-05-24)
A.Buchanan: Hi Ladislav. Normal is -w-s:+s+w as here and Dawson. Dawson's normal set play is -s:+s+w. What you've done is something different -s-w:+w. That's not normal set play, it must have a different name. What do you want to call it? Pretty much anything you like, but the one thing it must *not* be called, out of all of the pronounceable strings of characters, is just "set play" without qualification, because that is guaranteed to confuse :-) So what name do you like? (2021-05-24)
Ladislav Packa: The logic of time sequence says that the first is a "normal" game and retro (again chronologically) follows it. So, according to this logic, set play should primarily apply to "normal" play. But I don't want to force anything on anyone. In any case, it would probably be wise to indicate in the stipulation which part of the problem the set play applies to. (2021-05-24)
A.Buchanan: Or maybe for a help retractor, what you call "normal" should be called "set retroplay", while your innovation is the true "set play" :-) (2021-05-24)
Ladislav Packa: It could be quite simple: h=1* befor 1, or h=1 befor 1* (2021-05-24)
A.Buchanan: I like that symbolic syntax Ladislav and we need to be able to describe it in words too. I think set play and set retroplay is logical. As long as people figure out that it's always Black gets stalemated (i.e. no whiff of duplex), and that there's no "flipping" of who has the move except in the initial diagram, then we're good. "vor" doesn't quite translate into English. I think the retraction should be specified before the action, e.g: "Retract 1, then h=1" like the PDB solution syntax. And then God help us the 1.2/1.1 which I think now is reasonable (2021-05-24)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Kindergarten Problem, Minimal, Miniature
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: C+ Deadpos v2.3 14-Jan-2024. (Also -s -w, dann h=0.5)
FEN: 8/8/1p6/k7/8/8/3K4/8
Reprints: (B) Problemkiste 97 02/1995
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
30 - P0005546
Erich Bartel
Feladvanykedvelök Lapja 01/1973
P0005546
(15+7) cooked
-1w -1s, dann h=1
R: 1. f7-f8=D g2xDh1=S, dann 1. g2xh1=T f7-f8=L=
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: R: 1. Df7xDf8 Bg2xDh1=S, dann 1. gxh1=T exf8=L/S= zB
Mario Richter: Ist die Stellung korrekt? Es geht auch (mit vielen Variationen): R: 1.Df7xDf8 Bg2xDh1, dann 1.g2xh1=T e7xf8=L/S= (2009-12-08)
A.Buchanan: I don't see any obvious typo or fix. This is not in WinChloe (2024-01-14)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Allumwandlung (Ds:tL), Type C
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: Cooked by Deadpos v2.3 14-Jan-2024
FEN: NRKRBQ1k/1PPPP2P/1P3rP1/8/2p5/2B5/5p1p/5Nbn
Reprints: 114 206mal Allumwandlung 1991
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1995-06-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-21 more...
31 - P0006674
Thomas R. Dawson
Pittsburgh Post 1926
P0006674
(3+11)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
*) 1. Sexc6#
R: 1. Ka3xSa4, dann 1. Saxc6#
play all play one stop play next play all
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: rk3b2/Nnp1Np2/1pp1p3/8/K7/8/pr6/8
Reprints: 73 Caissa's Wild Roses in Clusters 1937
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1996-07-22
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-21 more...
32 - P0008538
Hans Heinrich Schmitz
6906v Die Schwalbe 6 30/03/1944
P0008538
(3+6)
-1(w+s), dann h#1
R: 1. Tb1-b6 Kb4xTc5, dann Kxa3 Txa5#
play all play one stop play next play all
Alfred Pfeiffer: Quelle vermutlich die "Mitteilungsblätter der Schwalbe". (2014-03-13)
Adrian Storisteanu: If vexed by two light-square Bs, try this: -bBh1, +bSe3 (3+6). (2021-04-21)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/1p6/1R4K1/p1kn4/8/P7/b7/7b
Reprints: Die Schwalbe 162 12/1996
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1997-01-04
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2014-03-13 more...
33 - P0008675
Valeriu Petrovici
(VII) Quartz 4 1997
P0008675
(10+8) cooked
Schwarz nimmt 3, Weiß 2 Züge zurück, dann h#1
R: 1. ... h4xg3ep 2. g2-g4 e2xTd1=L 3. Sc6-d4 0-0, dann 1. Tf7 Td8#
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: R: 1. ... h4xg3ep+ 2. g2-g4 e2xTd1=L+ 3. e3-e4 Td8xTd7, dann 1. c1=T Dh7#
R: 1. ... h4xg3ep+ 2. g2-g4 e2xTd1=L+ 3. Sf5xLd4 Td8xTd7, dann 1. Lh8 Sxh6#
R: 1. ... h4xg3ep+ 2. g2-g4 d2-d1=L+ 3. e3-e4 Kf7xSg8, dann 1. c1=T Dg6#
Korrektur s. P1402012
Henrik Juel: -1... h4xPg4ep -2.g2 e2xTd1=L -3.Sc6 0-0, 0... Tf7 1.Td8#. (2004-09-09)
Mario Richter: Lots of Cooks, e.g.
R: 1. ... h4xg3ep+ 2. g2-g4 d2-d1=L+ 3. e3-e4 Kf7xSg8, dann 1. c1=T Dg6# (2022-06-17)
James Malcom: Seems the diagram is wrong then. Perhaps something like +sBd2 will fix it? (2022-06-17)
James Malcom: Wait, nevermind on the fix idea. (2022-06-17)
Mario Richter: Hi James, there is already a correction by the author himself, s. P1402012. (2022-06-18)
James Malcom: Thank you, Mario. It only took 25 years to find its way into PDB! The online Quartz archive dates back only to 2007. (2022-06-18)
Mario Richter: James, you may want to take a look at http://www.stere.ro/, where I think a complete run of all 'quartz' issues, starting with the very first number 1 of 1996 can be found ... (2022-06-18)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Valladao Task, Promotion in the retro play (l), Castling in the retro play (sk), En passant in the retro play, Superseded by (P1402012), Castling (sk), Promotion (l), En passant
Genre: Retro
FEN: 5rk1/3r4/7b/7K/2PNPP2/2P3p1/PPp2P1q/1Q1b4
Input: Gerd Wilts, 1997-06-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2022-07-10 more...
34 - P0576881
Tivadar Kardos
Magyar Sakkelet 1975
P0576881
(2+3)
Weiß und Schwarz nehmen je einen Zug zurück, dann h#1
b) wLa1 nach h1
a) R: 1. Le5xTa1 Ta8xDa1 dann 1. 0-0-0 Da6#
b) R: 1. Le4xTh1 Th8xDh1 dann 1. 0-0 Dh7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: See variation P0576860 (same author, source, date). (2021-05-07)
comment
Keywords: Minimal, Miniature, Help retractor
Genre: h#, Retro
FEN: 4k3/3p4/1n6/8/8/8/4K3/B7
Input: Felber, Volker, 2000-01-03
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-11-22 more...
35 - P1004387
Zdenek Oliva
5035 Problemkiste 127 02/2002
P1004387
(3+4)
-1(s+w), dann s#1
Zdenek Oliva: Solution:
-1 = Kc5xSd4 Kc3xSb2 and 1.c8S Sa4,Sd1 # (2020-12-15)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/2P5/8/3p4/2pk4/3p4/1K1P4/8
Input: Gerd Wilts, 2003-01-10
Last update: Gerd Wilts, 2003-01-10 more...
36 - P1004439
Unto Heinonen
A9 Problemkiste 137 10/2001
P1004439
(6+3)
-1w, dann ser-h=9
R: 1. a7-a8=D, dann 1. a1=L 2. Le5 3. Lb8 4. Kc7 5. f2 6. f1=S 7. Sd2 8. Sc4 9. Sxb6 axb8=T=
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: C+ Popeye 4.61 (without the retraction, which is unique) (2022-11-08)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Seriesmover, Allumwandlung
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: Q2R4/1k6/1N6/B4K2/8/5p2/p7/7B
Input: Gerd Wilts, 2003-01-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-12 more...
37 - P1012121
Michel Caillaud
The Problemist 1982
P1012121
(5+13)
-1w, dann #1
History of the position?
R: 1. f7xDe8=D+, dann 1. fxg8=S#

R: 1. f7xDe8=D+ Kf6-e7 g7xLh8=L+ ... Tb8-a8 ... c7xTb8=T
play all play one stop play next play all
No. 1449 HN
AV: Je crois que c'est un Fou blanc en h8 et non un Cavalier, et les derniers coups sont gxFh8=F+ Rf6-e7 fxDe8=D+ (au lieu de fxCg8=C#). Avec l'antérieur cxTb8=T, cela donne une "Allumwandlung" avec une pièce noire prise de la même nature. (2005-06-09)
Henrik Juel: You must be right, AV, because with wSh8 the retroplay might be the bland -1.f7xDe8=D Kf6 etc. without unpromotion on h8. (2005-06-13)
Michel Caillaud: Indeed the diagram is wrong : there should be a white Bishop on h8
AUW spread over retro play (-1.fxDe8=D+ Kf6-e7 -2.gxLh8=L+ ...-n.cxTb8=T) and forward play 1.fxSg8=S#
Matching nature of promoted piece and piece captured by promotion. (2023-03-25)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Promotion in the retro play, Promotion in forward play, Allumwandlung
Genre: Retro, h#
FEN: R1brQnnB/pp1pk2p/3pp1p1/6N1/6Kp/8/8/8
Input: Henri Nouguier, 2004-01-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-21 more...
38 - P1012660
Tivadar Kardos
Mat (Belgrade) 1987
P1012660
(4+6)
Schwarz nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann h#1
No. 431 HN
Henrik Juel: What is the solution? (2021-06-27)
A.Buchanan: This is not in WinChloe. There is another help-retractor with a Grasshopper, but it's -w -s h#1. (2021-06-27)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Pieces: du = Grasshopper (G)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: 8/8/8/P4K2/8/4P1P1/5ppp/*2q5bk
Input: Henri Nouguier, 2004-01-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-11-25 more...
39 - P1012734
Charles Dealtry Locock
? 1912
P1012734
(4+4)
Weiß und Schwarz nehmen je 1 Zug zurück, dann h#1
R: 1. f2xLg3 Kd4xLe4 dann 1. Le5+ f3#
play all play one stop play next play all
No. 580 HN
Adrian Storisteanu: The bRh3 is an early weasel:
  Ka3 Bg1 b2 g3 / Ke4 c4 (4+2)
Same solution (- 1.f2xBg3 Kd4xBe4 & 1.Bg3-e5 f2-f3#). (2021-04-21)
A.Buchanan: How about -wPb2 - bPc4 & wKb3 as well? (2021-04-21)
Adrian Storisteanu: Unfortunately, by then the gremlins are taking over. E.g., - 1.Kc2xRb3 Re3xQb3 & 1.Re3-f3 Qb3-e6#... (2021-04-21)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/8/8/7p/2p1k3/K5Pr/1P6/6B1
Input: Henri Nouguier, 2004-01-11
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-21 more...
40 - P1012855
Nuchim Schächter
637v Die Schwalbe 19 07/1929
P1012855
(4+2)
-1s, dann h#2
R: 1. c2xSd1=D, dann 1. c1=L Se3 2. Lxd2 Sc2#
play all play one stop play next play all
Verbesserung (+wBd2) in Heft 24, 12/1929, S.333
No. 732 HN

Der wBd2 verhindert die NL R: 1. Dd2xSd1, dann 1. Kf1 Sh3 2. De1 Se3#
Adrian Storisteanu: With a bBd1 (instead of the bQ), fixer wPd2 is not needed:
Kf3 Sf2 pe2 / Ke1 Bd1 (3+2)
- 1.c2xSd1=B & 1.c2-c1=B Sd1-e3 2.Bc1-d2 Sf2-d3# (2021-04-21)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Promotion in the retro play
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/8/8/8/8/5K2/3PPN2/3qk3
Input: Henri Nouguier, 2004-01-11
Last update: Mario Richter, 2015-08-06 more...
41 - P1013826
Hans Gruber
Theodor Steudel

idee & form 07/1987
P1013826
(4+4)
-1w, dann +1
R: 1. Kc5xBb5, dann 1. axb6ep+ (letzter schwarzer Zug war nur b7-b5)
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: See also the (less subtle) P1013784. (2021-04-25)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant as key
Genre: Retro
FEN: rb6/k1p5/P1P5/PK6/8/8/8/8
Input: Hans Gruber, 2004-05-01
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
42 - P1013928
Hans Gruber
Theodor Steudel

11 Das Schwalbe-Treffen 1990 in Lüneburg (W.E. Kuhn) 12/1990
P1013928
(1+4)
-10w, dann =1
R: 1. Kg2-h1 2. Kf3-g2 3. Ke4-f3 4. Kd5-e4 5. Kc6-d5 6. Kc5xBc6 7. Kc4xBc5 8. Kc3xBc4 9. Kc2xBc3 10. Kd1xBc2, dann 1. Kxc1=
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: Solution does not match diagram at all (2021-04-05)
A.Buchanan: Solution seems ok now: entertaining idea (2021-04-06)
Henrik Juel: Yes, I was confused by the retroplay, which I just read (as forward play), instead of letting the animation work (2021-04-06)
A.Buchanan: The solution was just missing a colon after R, which prevented it from running (2021-04-07)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Miniature, Seriesmover
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: 8/2p5/8/8/8/8/p7/k1b4K
Input: Hans Gruber, 2004-05-01
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-12 more...
43 - P1067164
Siegfried Hornecker
12437 Die Schwalbe 209 10/2004
nach N. Petrovic
P1067164
(10+12)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück und gewinnt
R: 1. 0-0, dann 1. fxg6ep
play all play one stop play next play all
SCHRECKE: Petrovic: P0001941 (2023-11-28)
comment
Keywords: En passant, Help retractor, Castling
Genre: Retro, Studies
FEN: b7/p4P2/n1kbPp1p/3ppPp1/4pp2/8/P1PPP2P/5RK1
Input: Gerd Wilts, 2004-11-06
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2023-11-28 more...
44 - P1068439
Niels Høeg
Hannu Lehto

10095 Thema Danicum 123 07/2006
Niels Hoeg, Version Hannu Lehto
P1068439
(9+15)
Weiß nimmt 1 Zug zurück, dann #1
Mario Richter: I think, the intended solution is R: -1.Qa1-g1, then 1.Qd1#
Further retraction: -1. ... g3-g2 -2.c2-c3 g4-g3 -3.Qh8-a1 g5-g4 -4.h7-h8=Q h3-h2 -5.h6-h7 f3-f2 -6.h5-h6 h6xBg5 -7. Bf6-g5 h7-h6 -8.Rg1-g8 f4-f3 -9.Ra1-g1 f5-f4 -10.Bb2-f6 f6-f5 -11.Bc1-b2 f7-f6 -12.b2-b4 Kb4-a4 -13.h4-h5 Qa4-a5 (2010-01-07)
Hans-Jürgen Manthey: zurück Da1-g1, vor Da1-d1#
R. 1. g3-g2 c2-c3 2. g4-g3 Dh8-a1 3. g5-g4 h7-h8D 4. f3-f2 h6-h7 5. f4-f3 h5-h6 6. h6xLg5 Lf6-g5 8. f5-f4 Lb2-f6 9. f6-f5 Tg1-g8 10. f7-f6 Ta1-g1 11. h3-h2 Lc1-b2 12. h7-h6 b2-b4 13. b4xSa3 Sb1-a3 14. c5xSb4 Sd5-b4 15. d6xTc5 Sf6-d5 16. Kb4-a4 Tg5-c5 17. Kc4-b4 Tg8-g5 18. Dc3-a5 Ta3-a6 19. Sa6-b8 g7-g8T 20. Lb8-a7 g6-g7 21. a7xDb6 Dg1-b6 22. Sc5-a6 g5-g6 23. Tb6-b7 g4-g5 24. Ta6-b6 g3-g4 25. g4xLh3 Sg8-f6 26. Dh8-c3 Dd1-g1 27. Tb7-c7 Lf1-h3 28. Ta4-a6 g2-g3 29. Kd5-c4 Th3-a3 30. Lc7-b8 Th1-h3 31. La5-c7 h4-h5 32. Tb6-b7 h2-h4 33. Sb7-c5 Kb8-a8 34. g5-g4 Kc7-b8 35. Sc5-b7 Kd8-c7 36. Sa6-c5 Ke7-d8 37. Tb8-b6 g7-g8S 38. Ta8-b8 Kf6-e7 39. sb8-a6 Kf5-f6 40. Ta3-a4 f6xSg7 41. Se8-g7+ Kg4-f5 42. Lc3-a5 Kf3-g4 43. b7-b5 Kf2-f3 44. c7-c6 f5-f6 45. Lg7-c3 Ke1-f2 46. Sf6-e8 Kf2-e1 47. Te3-a3 Ke1-f2 48. Dd8-h8 f4-f5 49. Te8-e3 Kf2-e1 50. Ke6-d5 Ke1-f2 51. Ke7-e6 Kf2-e1 52. Th8-e8 Ke1-f2 53. Ke8-e7 f2-f4 54. e7xSd6 Sf5-d6+ 55. Lf8-g7 Sh4-f5 56. Sg8-f6 Sf3-h4 57. g7-g5 Sg1-f3 (2023-03-11)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: Knb3R1/brrp4/Rpp5/qp6/kP6/p1P5/P2PPppp/6Q1
Input: Gerd Wilts, 2006-06-10
Last update: Gerd Wilts, 2006-06-10 more...
45 - P1084837
Roger Powell
The Problemist 1976
P1084837
(2+5)
-1, dann h#2
Rex Multiplex
2 Lösungen
R: 1. ... f2xDg1=K, dann 1. f1=L Dd4 2. Lc4 Db2#
R: 1. ... h2xDg1=K, dann 1. Ka1 Db6+ 2. Kba2 Db2#
play all play one stop play next play all
Arnold Beine: Die erste Lösung geht nicht, weil am Ende der sKa3 noch das Fluchtfeld b4 hat.
Korrekturvorschlag: +sBb4 (dann geht nur die 1. Lösung) und als Zwilling "b) -sBb4" (dann geht nur die 2. Lösung) (2022-08-28)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Rex Multiplex
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: 8/8/8/8/p7/kk6/k5P1/2K3k1
Reprints: (1) Mat Plus 09/10 01-06/2009
Input: Gerd Wilts, 2009-05-30
Last update: James Malcom, 2020-10-07 more...
46 - P1112386
Mrs. W. J. Baird
(2) British Chess Magazine , p. 136, 03/1903
P1112386
(1+1) C+
Hilfsrückzüger
siehe Text
R: 1. Kf6xBg6, dann 1. ... Kh8 Kf7, dann R: sBh7xBg6, dann 2. ... g7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Originalforderung: 1) White to retract his last move 2) Black to play 3) White to play 4) Black retract a previous move so that 5) White can give mate with Pawn.
A.Buchanan: Deadpos v2 can now solve this, even though PDB animation can't manage to show it:
6k1/8/6K1/8/8/8/8/8 b }}= r1 }}= flip }}= m2 }}= flip }}= r1 }}= flip }}= #1 (p)
h5xRg6 flip then g8h7 h5h4 flip h6xPh7 flip then h7h8q#
f5xRg6 flip then g8h7 f5f4 flip h6xPh7 flip then h7h8q#
g5xPg6 flip then g8h7 g5f6 flip h6xPh7 flip then h7h8q#
g5xPg6 flip then g8h7 g5f6 flip h6xPh7 flip then h7h8r#
g5xPg6 flip then g8h7 g5h4 flip h6xPh7 flip then h7h8q#
g5xPg6 flip then g8h7 g5g4 flip h6xPh7 flip then h7h8q#
g5xPg6 flip then g8h7 g5f4 flip h6xPh7 flip then h7h8q#
f6xPg6 flip then g8h8 f6f7 flip h7xPg6 flip then g6g7#
nsols 8 (2024-01-05)
comment
Keywords: only Kings, Help retractor, Aristocrat, Miniature
Genre: Retro
Computer test: C+ deadpos v2.0
FEN: 6k1/8/6K1/8/8/8/8/8
Input: Frank Müller, 2010-08-06
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-05 more...
47 - P1185584
Mrs. W. J. Baird
La Strategie
P1185584
(3+3) cooked
-1w,-1s, dann h#1, keine Damen
R: 1. Sc5xTe6 h7xTg6, dann 1. Te6-d6 Tg6-g5#
play all play one stop play next play all
Cook: R: 1. Sc5-e6 (oder Sc5xTe6) Kc4xTd5, dann 1. Kc4-b5 Sc5-d3# (oder Sa6#)
Motto: "Our play"
Originalforderung 1.White played last, retract his move 2.Black retracts his last move 3.Black plays so as to enable-- 4.White to mate 5.No Queens
A.Buchanan: The issue is that wPb3 covers a4. Rotate the board clockwise by 90 deg & shift wPc7 to c5 gives unique queenless solution R: 1. Se6xTf4 g3xTf2, dann 1. Tf5 Te2#, together with 68 queeny tries. (2022-11-13)
Adrian Storisteanu: The wQ is, unfortunately, extremely deadly. In your suggested position, there are still cooks, e.g.,
- 1.Kg6xPg7 g3xQf2 & 1.g3-g2 Qf2-e3#
- 1.Sg2xRf4 e3xQf2 & 1.Rf4-e4 Qf2-f6# (2022-11-13)
A.Buchanan: Yes I make no attempt to remove the "keine Damen" constraint, which is a kind of thematic aid that Baird employs quite often. deadpos identifies 69 solutions in the rotated position 8/6K1/8/2Ppk3/5N2/8/5p2/8, of which 68 require a queen (2022-11-13)
Adrian Storisteanu: The "no queens" constraint seems here almost thematic, as the intended solution works just as fine with a wQ uncapture: - 1.Sc5xRe6 h7xQg6 & 1.Re6-d6 Qg6-g5#... (2022-11-13)
Adrian Storisteanu: (What is "deadpos"?) (2022-11-13)
Adrian Storisteanu: A quick fix along your intention is also -wPb3,+bPc4 (90 queeny tries). (2022-11-13)
A.Buchanan: deadpos is a software engine that determines very efficiently whether a position is dead or not, and allows stipulations such as h=, hdp, h#. Simple retractions are also important for DP last move problems, and since no-one who's written help retractor functionality has ever made it public, this is of use for testing neglected problems such as Mrs Baird's, which have little to do with DP rule. A broader name for this engine will probably emerge at some point.
Your fix -wPb3, + bPc4 also works! (2022-11-13)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Miniature, Constrained problem, Superseded by (P1414378)
Genre: Retro
Computer test: C- deadpos v1.0: 1 solution + 2x2 cooks
FEN: 8/1K6/4N1p1/3k4/3p4/1P6/8/8
Reprints: 66 Twentieth Century Retractor 1907
Input: Mario Richter, 2011-01-23
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-08 more...
48 - P1199297
Tivadar Kardos
957 Problemkiste 10/1984
Erich Bartel gewidmet
P1199297
(3+4) C+
-1(w+s), dann h#1
R: 1. Bg4xTh5 Te5xSh5, V: 1.Te7 Sf6#
play all play one stop play next play all
Henrik Juel: The pawn on h6 prevents the dual -1... Th7xSh5 (2011-08-21)
Adrian Storisteanu: That dual could also be prevented by replacing wBa2 with a bPf7 [Ka3 ph5 / Ke8 Sd8 Sf8 pf7 (2+4)], but then something of the original intention might get lost (though I fail to see what)!? (2021-04-25)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 3nkn2/8/7p/7P/8/K7/B7/8
Input: Erich Bartel, 2011-07-22
Last update: Mario Richter, 2011-07-22 more...
49 - P1216951
Aegidius Samuel van Ommeren
4734 Tijdschrift van den NSB 01/1927
P1216951
(1+2) C+
-(w+s), dann h#1
R: 1. Kd6xTc7 Te3xDb3, dann 1. Tcc3 Dd5#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: See also P0002484. (2024-03-19)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
Computer test: rawbats
FEN: 8/2K5/8/8/3k4/1r6/8/8
Input: Frank Müller, 2011-11-07
Last update: Mario Richter, 2011-11-25 more...
50 - P1277178
Rasmus Peter Larsen
5 Skakbladet 18/09/1904
P1277178
(4+4) C+
-1w, dann #1
R: 1. c5xb6ep dann 1. Tb6#
play all play one stop play next play all
Originalforderung: Hvid tager sidste Traek tilhage og goer derpaa Mat straks.
Adrian Storisteanu: Shifting all pieces one file right, with wPh7 falling off the board, makes it a miniature:
Kg4 Rc8 Re7 c6 / Kg6 Rc1 Bb3 (4+3)
- 1.d5xc6ep & 1.Rc8-c6# (2021-04-21)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant in the retro play
Genre: Retro
FEN: 1R6/3R3p/1P3k2/8/5K2/b7/8/1r6
Input: Mario Richter, 2013-09-03
Last update: Mario Richter, 2013-09-03 more...
51 - P1289115

The Boston Globe 10/06/1879
P1289115
(5+8)
-1w, dann #1
by J.B.M.
Mario Richter: A black rook e7 is missing. Nevertheless, the problem is still cooked: R: 1. c7xd8=D, dann 1. c7xd8=S# works as well as R: 1. De8-d8 (or De8xLd8), dann 1. Lxd7# (2014-10-13)
Adrian Storisteanu: Moving bSd5->f8 [and optionally removing wRh7, bQg6 (4+7)] keeps just the - 1.c7xd8=Q 1.c7xd8=S# solution (which is, however, still not strictly unique). (2021-04-20)
Adrian Storisteanu: Or, keep the bQ in the fix above, and the solution is unique *if* the standards at the time prevented a 2nd bQ or 3rd bS / bR on the board: - 1.c7xBd8=Q & 1.c7xd8=S#. (2021-04-20)
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2BQ4/3rr2R/1pK1kpq1/3n1n2/8/2B5/8/8
Input: Frank Müller, 2014-10-12
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
52 - P1373845
Julio Sunyer
3 Catalunya grafica 20 10/1922
P1373845
(3+4)
-1w, dann #1
R: 1. Bc7xSb8=T, dann 1. cxd8=S#
play all play one stop play next play all
Erscheinungsweise von 'Catalunya gráfica' variierte, Datumsaufdruck hier: "1a quinzena d'Octubre de 1922".
Im Diagramm wurde die sDg6 vergessen, Korrektur in Heft 21 [Novembre (15 Desembre) 1922].
Adrian Storisteanu: A bPg6 (instead of the bQ) seems just as good. (2021-04-21)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro
FEN: 1R1n3Q/K3pk2/6q1/8/8/8/8/8
Input: Mario Richter, 2020-03-25
Last update: Mario Richter, 2020-03-25 more...
53 - P1375497
Iosif Schlarko
Valerian Onitiu

F19 Skakbladet 15, p. 172, 09/1923
P1375497
(1+11) C+
-1(w+s), dann h#4
R: 1. Ke3xBd3 Be4xd3ep, dann 1. Dg7 dxe5 2. Kh6 exf6 3. g5 fxg7 4. Tg6 gxh8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
A.Buchanan: Corrected typo: Tf6g6 are really pawns in the skakbladet diagram (2020-09-18)
Mario Richter: also C+ with rawbats (2020-09-20)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant in the retro play, Promotion in the mating move, Rex solus (w)
Genre: Retro
Computer test: rawbats for retro play ^=& Popeye v4.85 for the forward play
FEN: 7n/q7/2r2pp1/3pr1k1/8/3K1n2/8/3bb3
Input: Mario Richter, 2020-05-04
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2020-09-21 more...
54 - P1375499
Iosif Schlarko
Wolfgang Pauly

F20 Skakbladet 15, p. 172, 09/1923
P1375499
(4+14)
-3w,2s, dann h#2.5
R: 1. Ke3xBd3 Be4xd3ep 2. Bd2-d4 Dd7-a7+ 3. Kf4-e3 (g7-g5+), dann 1. hxg6ep+ Ke8 2. g7 Te7 3. g8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
T.R. Dawson zu dieser Aufgabe und P1375497: "Two interesting combinations of retraction play with helpmating; the elementary exhibition of the PxPe.p. retraction, as in these problems, must soon be abandoned however, I think in favour of greater elaborations."

Originalforderung: Hvidhar trukket sidst. 3 Træk tidligere var det muligt, at Hvid ved Sorts Hjælp kunde gøre Mat i 3 Træk. Hvorledes?
Klarstellung Heft 18 (December 1923) S.211: "For ikke at misforstaans, burde Fordringen lyde '3 hvide Træk tidligere' etc. -"
Walter Lindenthal: Wie wäre es mit einer wDa7:
R 1.Ke3xBd3 Be4xd3ep 2.Bd2-d4 Dd7xDa7+ 3.Da~-a7
& vor 1.wDa7-a8 Ke7-f6 2.Da8-g8 Dd7-e7 3.Dg8-g6# (2020-09-15)
Walter Lindenthal: Korrektur Flüchtigkeitsfehler in der NL:
... & vor 1.wDa~-a8 ... (2020-09-16)
A.Buchanan: Yes Walter something not quite right. Maybe wP missing from diagram. But even then g7-g5 is not forced so how is the White e.p. ok? (2020-09-17)
Walter Lindenthal: It's not ok with today's rules! (That's why my solution avoids it). As far as I understand, the ep-rules were handled differently in that time (1923!), ep had not to be 'forced'. As Dawson (above) seems to hint to that fact ("... must soon be abandoned...") (2020-09-17)
Walter Lindenthal: And I do not think a wP (or any other w piece) is missing mistakenly! The idea seems to be that the wK MUST start to retract into fields EACH threatened twice, so only the (first) ep can R-save the wK. And if there is NO additional wP (or a wQ like mine) then again ONLY the wK can retract. And such he is "forced" into the next threat, where the second ep would R-save him again and finally lead to mate. If there is no second ep (old style 1923!) then there's no mate in h#2.5. So, any (rectractable) additonal w piece would destroy this tactic (like my wQa7 does by eliminating the need for wK's move e3-f4 into the second threat from bPg5). The only point is if this additional w piece can establish a different mate in h#2.5 (as my wQ can). (2020-09-17)
A.Buchanan: Hi Walter, thanks for your responses. I checked skakbladet: the diagram, stipulation and intended solution are accurate. However by 1915 (Dawson & Hunsdorfer "Retrograde Analysis" page 111), the notion of analytic en passant was already established. Moreover, the other problem (P1375497) that Dawson apparently mentioned does *not* contain a forward en passant, so I think he was referring to the simplistic retro logic present in both. Maybe Dawson was being polite in his criticism of the unproven forward e.p. here.
So how about the chess? Is Dd7xDa7+ & Kf4-e3 the only retraction which leads to any #2.5? It seems that other retractions might at least be possible: e.g. S~-b3, T~-c4, D~-a7, and any of them could be any uncapture. Maybe I will look at this later, but I must go now. (2020-09-18)
Walter Lindenthal: Hi Andrew, thanks for the clarifying info! So, the "unproven ep"-issue was decided even before 1923 (I just assumed because of Dawson's comment...), but then the problem would have been broken from start! Of course, some other retractions might be possible, too, but I have not analysed any other one if it could lead to a h#2.5 solution. My only intention with wQa7 was to show that the intended solution was not the only one possible, so it's cooked. (2020-09-18)
Mario Richter: The intended solution is the only possible one (checked with 'rawbats'), if we accept that g7-g5 preceeded the other retractions (perhaps the idea was help-play in the retractions).
The suggested R 1.Ke3xBd3 Be4xd3ep 2.Bd2-d4 Dd7xDa7+?? doesn't work (illegal black pawn structure)! (2020-09-20)
Walter Lindenthal: Hi Mario - GREAT, yes, you're right! The bBe1 is the 'killjoy'... 5+7+4=16, there is no room for ANY additional w stone! thanks! (2020-09-21)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant in the retro play, En passant as key, Promotion in the mating move
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/q3k3/2p4p/3pr1pP/2r3pp/1n1K4/5P1P/1n1bb3
Input: Mario Richter, 2020-05-04
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2020-09-21 more...
55 - P1379333
Guus Rol
www.chess.com
P1379333
(10+11)
Take back 1 white move and then #3
b) wTg5 nach d4
c) dann wKe1 nach c1, wTa1 nach d1
c) dann sBh6 nach a7
Henrik Juel: We await the detailed solution with bated breath, Andrew (2020-08-25)
James Malcom: For a), perhaps it’s something stupid -1. bxa6ep to prove that Black can’t castle. Either it’s a solution in one of the parts or it’s a false lead. (2020-08-26)
Mario Richter: Here's my guess:
a) R: 1. Td5xBg5, dann 1. a7!
b) R: b5xa6ep, dann 1. 0-0-0!
c) R: 1. Lg7xBf6, dann 1. Txd7!
d) R: 1. 0-0-0, dann 1. c6! (2020-08-26)
Mario Richter: still waiting for the official solution (2020-09-20)
James Malcom: As am I! (2020-09-20)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: 3#, Retro
FEN: 4k2r/2pb1p1r/Pp2pBpp/2P3RP/2p5/8/5PPP/R3K3
Input: A.Buchanan, 2020-08-25
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2020-08-25 more...
56 - P1379897
Frank Fiedler
v Wochenpost 52 1984
P1379897
(2+4)
-1(s+w), dann #1
R: 1. Dh3xTh1# Tg2-e2, dann 1. 0-0#
play all play one stop play next play all
Adrian Storisteanu: A try: - 1.Qh5xRh1# pass & 1.0-0#. (2021-04-25)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Aristocrat, Castling
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/8/7r/8/4n3/8/4R3/1k2K2q
Reprints: N6) Heureka! 1/92, p. 7, 07/1992
Input: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2020-09-12
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2020-09-12 more...
57 - 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...
58 - P1382586
James Malcom
Andrew Buchanan

chess.stackexchange.com 30/11/2020
P1382586
(15+2) C+
-1w, dann =1
R: 1. e5xf6ep#, dann 1. Sxf5=
play all play one stop play next play all
https://chess.stackexchange.com/a/24903/15543
Henrik Juel: Not R: 1.Le2-g4+?, because Black then has no previous move available
R: 1.e5xf6ep f7-f5 2.Le2-g4+ Kf6 etc. (2020-11-30)
Mario Richter: Cook: R: 1. Tf5-d5, dann 1. Ta7,Tb7,Tc7,Tf7,Td1,Td2,Td3,Td4,Tdd5,Td8=

The retroplay may continue: 1. ... Ke5-e6 2. Tf4-f5+ Ke4-e5 3. Tf5-f4+ Kd4-e4 (2020-11-30)
James Malcom: Ohhh, yikes. Hmm, we still do have an extra Whtie knight to use, however. Placing it on c6 prevents a BK retraction to e5, plus it doesn't interfere with the other knight. (2020-11-30)
Mario Richter: With James' correction +wSc6 the Problem is C+. (2020-11-30)
Mario Richter: Btw., there was a series of articles by Theodor Steudel in 'feenschach' with the title "Weiße Zugrüccknahmen mit Umwandlungs- und Forderungswechsel", amongst others they also covered a stipulation "PsM" (Patt statt Matt), see 'feenschach 60 (Mai 1982) and 'feenschach' 79 (Jul-Sep 1986). (2020-11-30)
James Malcom: Thanks for the hand, Mario, and I do agree that a minor correction here shall suffice. I've also gone and fixed the original source. I think that no further changes are merited, as to keep the original form as intact as possible. (2020-11-30)
A.Buchanan: Ok thanks Mario. Outstanding question: should this be “JM, corrections AB&MR”. (2020-11-30)
A.Buchanan: Or how about this, saving numerous pieces: 8/3R2K1/4kP1P/3R3P/3P2BP/4N1BP/7P/8 (2020-11-30)
James Malcom: Andre, while economy is to strive for, keeping this intact shows a stepping stone of my journey into composing, in addition to times of our interaction we knew each other not. (2020-11-30)
Mario Richter: 8/3R2K1/4kP1P/3R3P/3P2BP/4N1BP/7P/8 (13+1) is C+ too.
My suggestion: Add another PDB-entry with this new position and two comments, one in the current problem: "For a more economical version see Pnnnnnnn", and one in the new problem: "economization of problem P1382586".
Since I did only some testing, but did not supply anything worthy for the correction, the "&MR" in "... corrections AB&MR” is not justified. (2020-11-30)
James Malcom: I see, Andrew. I propose this: We keep this oooked version as it was in CSE, and change that back. We should add in the new, new correction as an 'Addendum" to your CSE answer, and then post it in here. (2020-12-01)
A.Buchanan: In my humble opinion, this little Type C is not worth having more than two diagrams for in total in the world. I've replaced my stackexchange answer by the new improvement, and documented it. I will add a matching PDB entry for it.
I've similarly replaced your stackexchange question with your sound version. But don't feel constrained please edit it and this PDB entry. I predict that in your chess career James you will have (and indeed have already) many much greater achievements to track than this one. Let's just close this one out and move on :) (2020-12-01)
James Malcom: Andrew, I've fixed both of the problems, and did some clean up on CSE to your answer. The publication dates are now today, and I also changed the source on the lighter version. All PDB needs is the lighter version and my correction to your correction of my initial positon. (2020-12-01)
more ...
comment
Keywords: En passant in the retro play, Help retractor, Superseded by (P1382638), Minimal
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: rawbats
FEN: 8/3R2Kp/2N1kP1P/3R3P/6BP/4N1BP/P1P4P/8
Input: James Malcom, 2020-11-29
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
59 - P1382638
James Malcom
Andrew Buchanan

chess.stackexchange.com 30/11/2020
P1382638
(13+1) C+
-1w, dann =1
R: 1. e5xf6ep#, dann 1. Sxf5=
play all play one stop play next play all
White has made 15 pawn captures, so if the last move (which must have delivered check) was by an officer, then it was not a capture, so Black has no prior move, and the position is illegal. The only possible last move is en passant, R: 1. e5xf6ep# so we conclude that this definitely was the case.

(For retractors, one does not need to prove that the prior move was definitely a double hop in order to allow the en passant retraction. In this case, the logic goes the other way round: the en passant proves the double hop.)

Now the retraction goes R: 1. ... f7-f5 2. B~-g4+ Kf5-e6/Ke7-f6 3. S~e3+/R~-d7+ etc.

Instead of the first retraction, White can play 1. Se3-f5= for stalemate.

(It could be possible to generate this effect in a position in which White is not delivering check, or in which one can retract uniquely further.)

General chess problem solving engines e.g. Popeye don’t currently offer retraction capabilities. It might be possible to solve Baird-style retractors though, but not ones with retro logic.
version of P1382586
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant in the retro play, Rex solus (s)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: Rawbats
FEN: 8/3R2K1/4kP1P/3R3P/3P2BP/4N1BP/7P/8
Input: A.Buchanan, 2020-12-01
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
60 - P1382668
Vasili Fedorovich Rybakov
94 Zadachi i etyudy 8 1930
2.-4. ehrende Erwähnung ex aequo
P1382668
(9+16)
4.5 Züge zurücknehmen, dann r#2
R: 1. Dh1-d1! h7-h6 2. Tg1-g8 h3-h2 3. Td1-g1 h4-h3 4. 0-0-0! h5-h4 5. Lc1-b2, dann 1. La3! ... 2. 0-0-0! a1=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
Originalforderung: vsjatch obratno 9 chodov i datch reflexny mat v 2 choda

Internationales Märchenschach-Turnier zu Ehren A.A. Troitzkys, PR T.R. Dawson

Genaue Interpretation der Forderung unklar (Hilfsretraktor oder VRZ?; sind 9 Einzelzüge oder Zugpaare gemeint, etc.)
Mario Richter: Henrik, Andrew & Co., can you please take a look at this problem? I do not know the "official" solution, but I found a unique solution if the stipulation is to be interpreted as "-5w,4w, then r#2". What do you think? (2020-12-02)
Henrik Juel: Your solution is probably correct
I strongly suspect this is a help retractor (2020-12-02)
Mario Richter: Thank you, Henrik!. In fact, I do believe, that the type of the retractor (help or Proca or Hoeg) doesn't play a role here: White has to retract b2-b3 fast enough to avoid a black retro-stalemate (Black has only 5 pawn retractions at hand). The only possibility to do this is:
R: 1. Dh1-d1! h7-h6 2. Tg1-g8 h3-h2 3. Td1-g1 h4-h3 4. 0-0-0! h5-h4 5. Lc1-b2, dann 1. La3! ... 2. 0-0-0! a1=D# (2020-12-02)
Henrik Juel: Very nice, Mario
I wonder whether the black retroplay could be made unique, just by deleting Ph6 (2020-12-03)
A.Buchanan: The retraction would continue I think for another 3 single moves: 5. ... h6-h5 6. b2-b3 b3xBa2. wPa could not have promoted as there is an internal cage within the larger black cage which would prevent. Therefore a2 was always blocked and hence wTg8 is original and must get back to a1 ASAP. bPg captured wPh and cannot uncapture because of wPg which must still have promoted. So we can’t remove bPh6 without breaking this logic, and if instead we shift it to h7 then Black is short by 1 move. So alas the black retro play is not quite unique. Since Black never gets a chance to make a double pawn move, I think it doesn’t matter what kind of retractor this is. White has no real choice either. Maybe can give Black some choice by putting h pawns on h5 & h2 by I know very very little about non-help retractors (2020-12-03)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor
Genre: Retro, r#, Fairies
FEN: n1kb2R1/nRrpp3/qpp4p/rp6/b7/1P6/pBPPN2p/2KQ4
Input: Mario Richter, 2020-12-02
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
61 - P1384402
Thomas R. Dawson
6 Tijdschrift van den NSB , p. 147, 05/1924
P1384402
(6+6)
-1w, dann #2
R: 1. Le5xBc7, dann 1. Lg7 ... 2. Tf8#
1. ... 0-0-0?? illegal, da sK oder sTa8 zuletzt gezogen haben müssen
play all play one stop play next play all
im Dia fehlte wBg5, Korrektur Heft 07/1924, S. 200

in der 'Tijdschrift' zusammen mit P1384401 in einem Artikel über Zwillinge abgedruckt
Henrik Juel: Without wPg5 cooked by -1.Tg5-g4, 1.Tg8# (2020-12-29)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Cant Castler (sg)
Genre: Retro
FEN: r3k3/p1B1p2p/K3P3/3P1RP1/4p3/8/8/8
Input: Mario Richter, 2020-12-29
Last update: Mario Richter, 2021-01-06 more...
62 - P1388716
Andrew Buchanan
PDB Website 18/04/2021
after Isaak S. Birbrager
P1388716
(7+1)
-1w, dann #1
Bosma
See P1377353
Mario Richter: In what sense does "Bosma" help here? (e.g. why does it exclude Solutions like R: Tf4-f1, dann 1. De2#?) (2021-04-18)
A.Buchanan: 1. Tf4? 2. De2+? Kc4!
It would be nice to find a position with more Bosma tries than 4 (2021-04-18)
A.Buchanan: WinChloe finds zero solutions for ser-#2, which is promising. (2021-04-19)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Aristocrat, Castling as mating move, Castling in the retro play, Bosma, Rex solus (s)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
FEN: 8/8/1N2Q3/7B/N7/3k4/8/R4RK1
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-04-18
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18 more...
63 - P1389595
Otto Trinks

P1389595
(2+1) cooked
-1w,1s, dann h#1
R: 1. Bc7xTb8=L Tb7-b8, dann 1. Ta7 c8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
Der letzte Zug von Weiß muß: Bc7xTb8 und wird Läufer gewesen sein. Schwarz hat vorher Tb7-b8+ gezogen. Nach Rücknahme des letzten Zuges von Weiß und des letzten Zuges von Schwarz ergibt sich daher die Stellung : Weiß: Kh8 Bc7; Schwarz: Ka8, Tb7. Schwarz zieht daher jetzt, um das Matt in einem Zug zu ermöglichen: Tb7-a7 worauf Weiß mit c7-c8=D matt setzt.
Cook: Co-NLs
R: 1. Ba7xLb8=L Kb7xTa8, dann 1. Ka6 axb8=D,axb8=T
R: 1. Ba7xSb8=L Kb7xTa8, dann 1. Ka6 axb8=D,axb8=T
Forderung im 'Boten von der Ybbs': "Weiß nimmt seinen letzten Zug zurück, dann nimmt Schwarz seinen letzten Zug zurück und dann zieht Schwarz so, daß Weiß in einem Zug matt-setzen kann!"

Motto: "Das Waidhofner Problem"

als Autor ist angegeben "Dr. S. Knirt", dabei dürfte es sich um ein Pseudonym von Dr. Otto Trinks handeln (S.Knirt rückwärts gelesen ergibt trinKS)
Adrian Storisteanu: See P0002517. (2024-03-19)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Aristocrat, Minimal, Miniature, under-promotion (L), Promotion in the mating move
Genre: Retro
FEN: kB5K/8/8/8/8/8/8/8
Reprints: 13 Bote von der Ybbs 28/12/1929
Input: Mario Richter, 2021-05-14
Last update: Alfred Pfeiffer, 2021-08-16 more...
64 - P1391457
Tivadar Kardos
159 Problemas 160-161 07-08/1955
P1391457
(6+14) cooked
-1s, dann h#2
R: 1. Lh5xBg4, dann 1. fxg3ep Dxb4 2. g4 De7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Bei Lösungen in 'Problemas' 164-165 (11-12/1955) S. 216 heißt es:
"El senor Orri dice que hay muchas soluciones, y a títule de ejemplo indica:
Retirar 1. SxDd4, para luego jugar: 1. Kh5 Dg7 2. ... Dh7 mate.
Esta solución, que apunta el senor Orri, no es muy ortodoxa, pues presupone la existencia de dos Damas blancas en el tablero cosa que no es admisible en esta clase de problemas;pues lo legal es que, cuando se retira una captura, ésta ha de ser la de una pieza tal, cuya preexistencia en el tablero, sea legal."

Im wesentlichen soll damit wohl ausgedrückt werden, daß die Bauernkonstellation es nicht erlaubt, daß Schwarz einen weißen Offizier mit einem Offizier entschlägt (man beachte speziell den wBa7 und die Frage, was mit den wBBf2,g2,h2 geschah).
Cook: R: 1. Lh5xBg4, dann 1. fxg3ep a8=D 2. Kg4 De4#
Im Preisbericht in 'Problemas' 170-171 (05-06/1956) S. 34ff mit dem 3. Preis ausgezeichnet
A.Buchanan: Winchloe marked this as cooked by R: 1. c6xDb4, dann 1. Kh5 De7 2. h2 Dh7# This is all about the balance. White has captured two officers axbxa. Black has captured 7 times on queenside, together with 3 waylaid on kingside (or cross-capturing which is the same thing). So isn't that 7+3=10 +6=16? So I think WinChloe is in error here. The Spanish/German above is saying the same thing. The capture balance is sound.
Here is a genuine dual I found:
1. fxg3ep Dxb4 2. g4 De7#
1. fxg3ep a8=D 2. Kg4 De4#
Both problems are given the same source, as 159, Problemas 160 07/195, which doesn't make sense, but I'm sure it's common for a correction to have the original source rather than the fix source. (2021-07-07)
Mario Richter: The position here is the original one (as mentioned, even repeated in the Award). Imho, the WinChloe Version (P0001966) should be numbered "159v".
Winchloe's cook R: 1. Sc6xDb4 doesn't work, but Andrew's fine find of an alternative play in the forward helpmate of course makes the problem cooked.
Still a mystery: the Award gave 3. Prize, WinChloe and FIDE-Album 1. Prize; so there's still the need to check later 'Problemas' issues to detect when this shift has taken place ... (2021-07-09)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, En passant in the forward play, Superseded by (P0001966)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 8/P7/pb6/pP4p1/QnPn1pbk/Kpp4p/pr1P4/8
Reprints: Problemas 170-171, p. 35, 05-06/1956
Input: Mario Richter, 2021-07-07
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2021-07-07 more...
65 - P1394922
Igor Vereshchagin
Andrey Frolkin

B4v WCCC Rhodes 10/2021
dedicated to Mario Richter
Commendation Champagne-TT B
P1394922
(7+10)
-2 & s#1 Help Retractor
A.Buchanan: new version in final report (2021-10-28)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Champagne-TT (2021)
Genre: Retro
FEN: 2b2b2/pp1pp2p/7p/7P/3n4/3NkP1B/7K/3R2N1
Input: A.Buchanan, 2021-10-26
Last update: Marcin Banaszek, 2021-11-01 more...
66 - P1395004
Leonardo Mano
? 2000
P1395004
(14+14)
-1w, dann #3
AL liegt nicht vor, es löst
R: 1. Dg5xLg4!, dann 1. Ld8! droht 2. De7#
1. Ld8 Kf7,Kf8 2. De7+ Kg8 3. De8#
1. Ld8 0-0? aber die Rochade ist illegal
play all play one stop play next play all
der entschlagene sLg4 ist ein UW-L, der auf b1 entstanden sein muß, was zusammen mit sBf7xg6 zwei sBcaps erfordert, also das Schlagen aller fehlenden wSteine, insbesondere auch des wBf2. Dieser konnte die f-Linie nicht verlassen (nach R: Dg5xLg4 hat Schwarz 15 Steine, und der sLc8 wurde von einem weißen Offizier geschlagen, was alle fehlenden sSteine erklärt), um geschlagen werden zu können, mußte er also schlaglos umwandeln (und dabei auch das Feld f7 passieren), die s0-0 ist also nicht mehr möglich.
Henrik Juel: Maybe something like R: Sc3xSb1, preventing the black castling
But I see no mate (2021-10-29)
Mario Richter: Henrik, you were already on the right track (Cant castler), only the Details differ a Little bit ... (2021-10-29)
Henrik Juel: Yes, and retracting Dg5xTSg4? fails, because the mate is easily prevented (2021-10-29)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Cant Castler (sk)
Genre: Retro
FEN: qn2k2r/1p1p2pp/r1p2Bp1/2P1p3/1P4Q1/P5PN/nb1PP2P/RN2K2R
Reprints: Prisma (Revista ADPF) 67 04-06/2011
Input: Mario Richter, 2021-10-28
Last update: Mario Richter, 2021-10-29 more...
67 - P1402012
Valeriu Petrovici
80 Quartz 6 1997
P1402012
(4+8)
-2w,3s, dann h#1
R: 1. ... h4xg3ep 2. g2-g4 e2xDd1=L 3. Sc5-d3 0-0, dann 1. Tf8 Dd7#
play all play one stop play next play all
Korrektur zu P0008675
A.Buchanan: The notation is a bit wearying. Do you think “-2.5, dann h#1” could work? (2022-06-19)
Mario Richter: Yes, I wasn't happy with the notation too, since it could lead to the wrong impression that White first makes two series-retractions followed by three series-retractionsd by Black.
I'm not 100% satisfied with the “-2.5," since IMHO it lacks the nnformation who starts the retractions ... (2022-06-19)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Valladao Task
Genre: Retro
FEN: 5rk1/5p2/7b/4P2K/5P2/3N2p1/2p5/3b3r
Input: Mario Richter, 2022-06-18
Last update: Mario Richter, 2022-06-18 more...
68 - P1408845
Andrew Buchanan
Phénix 11/2021
after J-F. Baudoin & J-C. Gandy
P1408845
(9+13)
-1s -1w -1s, dann h#1
R: 1. ... h2-h1=S+ 2. a7-a8=L Kc8-d8 dann 1. h1=T a8=D#
play all play one stop play next play all
AB: Mario was kind enough to check this 2-Jul-2021. I hope it's ok if I quote his email:

The trick with the light-squared black Bishop is fine, but makes things too complicated for rawbats. It will happily retract e.g. R: 1. ... h2-h1=S+ 2. Lb7-a8 Ke7xDd8, dann 1. Kd6 Df6# without noticing that the retractions lead to a conflict on the g-file: either wPh2 captured the original Bishop c8 on the g-file, then bPg7 was not available a a capture object for the remaining white pawn captures, or wPh2 captured the original bPg7 on the g-file, then the original light-squared black bishop c8 was not available a capture object for the remaining white pawn captures f2xe3xd4 (both on dark squares).
So brain-checking your retractor and your logical argumentation I found no defects, and I think the problem is sound now
corrects P0003922
more ...
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Allumwandlung
Genre: Retro, h#
FEN: B2k4/2pp4/8/8/1PPP4/1rpP2PN/1pppPK2/nrbq3n
Input: A.Buchanan, 2023-04-13
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-21 more...
69 - P1414564
Erich Bartel
Mario Richter

I Problemkiste , p. 313, 01/2007
EB correction MR
P1414564
(13+6) C+
-1w -1s, dann h=1
R: d7-d8=D g2xSh1=L, dann 1. gxh1=T dxe8=S=
play all play one stop play next play all
See P0005542.
A.Buchanan: WinChloe incorrectly reports this as M.Rittirsch. But what is the true source & date of this correction? Obviously, it wasn't F.Lapya. (2024-01-19)
Adrian Storisteanu: I'd would have put a wB (instead of the wQ) on d8 -- a subtler non-standard material?!... (2024-01-19)
Adrian Storisteanu: (... Ooops, but then no 'AUW'.) (2024-01-19)
comment
Keywords: Help retractor, Allumwandlung (Dl:tS), Non-standard material (D)
Genre: Retro, Fairies
Computer test: HC+ Deadpos v2.3 14-Jan-2024 + simple retro-logic
FEN: 3Qn2k/7P/6P1/8/8/P4P2/RPPP1p1p/RQK2Bbb
Input: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-18
Last update: A.Buchanan, 2024-01-20 more...
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