Problem Solving Competitions. Two and three-move problem-soh·ing competitions wilf be COIH.lncted regularly, and a standard work on chess will be given to the highest scorer in each contest. These competitions will commence with the September issue. Tw() or more problems will appear for solution monthly.

Problem Composing Competitions. Problem composers will be catered for by two competitions each year, and prizes will be awarded to the best compositions. Full particulars will be given next issue. It may however be stated, in regard to the problems to be put before solvers. while compositions by the world's best problematists will be published from time to time, special. eonsideration will be given to original local problems.

H

AUSTHALASIA.X CHES/:i JJAGAZIXE.

Problem No. I. (By J . .J. O"Kccfe, K oga ra h). B l a l'k-.~ p:e,·cs.

\VItite-5 pieces. White to play and mate in two moves. 8, 2 p 4 p, p l K 3 p 1, p 7, B 2 b 2 Q I, 3 k p 3, 2 R .i, 4 B 3.

J.Jroblem No . 2. ( By H . Beechey, Burwood). Blnek-8 p i P<'P~ .

White-6 pieces. White to play and mate in two moves. 4 r 2 q, 3 B 2 n )1'1 4 p 3, 4 B 2 p, 2 p 1 k 3, 2 Q 4 P, 4 K 3, 6 b 1. . Solutions to problems are invited, n :~ u will be receil·eu for t wo weeks after publica tion.

AUSTRALASIA.X CHESS JL-lGAZINE.

13

Problem No J . (By P. G. L. F.). Blaek-3 pieces.

\\"hite-6 pieces. White to play anol mat e in three m o v ·~ S. 1 r 2. r ll, 5 p 2, S, 4 p 3, 2 X X k :~, 1 P 6, 2 R :' Q 2, ;) K 2.

Problem No . 4. Blaek-10 pieces.

White-9 pieees. \Vhitc to play and mate in three moves. 1 R K N 4, B 2 n '4, p 2 p p 3, k 2 b p 2 n,. I> lp 51 Plp 2 P 2, 2 B 5, 1 R 6. Solutions to problems are indted, :::!d will be receh•ed for two w. Jks after publication.

AuSTIULASIAN CliEES JIAGAZIXE.

11

Problem No . 5 . By P. c. Pedler, S.A. lst H on. :Mention in Amilt. Cui. Tourney, 1913, Bla ek-S Pieces.

White to play and mate in two mo\·es. 8 B 1 B 1 p 2 X 1 b p p k 1 p 2, 3 p q 2 p, 1 p 1 R p 2 K. •• JP2P3,t~6B. 1

Problem No . 6 . By J. J. Glynn, Summer Hill.

9-.

2nd Hon. Mention inBl~,e~~ga~i!~~:es' ' -' Tourney, 191

Problem Comp etitions. A further announcement regarding the problem-solving and problem-composing competitions will be made next month. In the interests of chess enthusiasts in New Zealand and the far-off States, it has been deemed advisable to. allow a month or two to elapse before commencing these. <:ompetitions, ·

White-lu Pieces. White , to play and -mate in . t~·o mores. a· 1f 3 b, 1 r p 5, 1 p 2 N a; p p 2 k N 1 R, ~ Q 1 n 3 r, 4 8 2 1 ·p · l P -_a,-. n ..B 'be reeeived for two. Solutions to problems are mnted, a .. d weeks after publication.

!in

12

AL.S TR .~lLAS JA S

CHE SS JlAGAZlNE.

Problem No. 7.

By .-\. R.

Snowd on, Sydney. P ieces.

B:a~ k-1 5

White-10 Pie ces. White to play and mate in two mo\·es. 8, p p 3 p 2, q Q p 2 P 1 B, R 1 R r p B 2, 2 b k 1 N 2, 7 r, p 1 p 2 P 1 p, n 1 N 3 b K.

Problem No. 8. By J. Guerin, Parramatta. 3rd Hon. :Mention in "Sunday Times' " Tourney, 1919. Blaek-5 Pieces.

White-7 Pieces. White to play and mate ia . to;\·o moves. 5N~~7~b4k~lp5~2QP3~1RlB~4KL

Solutions to problems are invited, r.:td will be received for two weeks after publication.

2

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE .

vVarrant-Officer C. E. Guest, Secretary, informs u s that the Ryde School of Arts Chess Club had its opening night on 21st August, when there was a fair gathering of members. The prospects of success are said to be bright. The club meets every 'l'hursda.v evening.

*

~:·

*

'l'he following entries were received for the Queensland Championship Tourney : -1\'Iessrs. F. Robinson, C_ H. Caspersonn, J. H. Holliday, W. C. Poole, J. A. Boyce, A . J. Ansaldo, and H. A. Nesbit. Play started on 27th August.

Australian Columns Tourney. THREE-MOVE SECTION. The judge, Mr. J. A. Erskine, has issued his award in the three-move section of the above tourney for 191819. There were 15 entries, and the result was as follows:First Prize: J. J. Glynn, Summer Hill. N.S .W. (publish ed in ''The Ijeader,'' 22nd March, 1919 ) . Position:3 B 4, p 7, B 7, 3 n 4, 2 ;\! k ~ 3, 5 ,p P 1, 8, 6 K (~. vYhite to mate in three moves. The judge says : '' This fine problem affords a remarkable example of bifurcation, well coneealed by the original setting. 'l'wo indirect batteries are used to provide for the movements of the free Black Knight. The key is by no means obvious. K- f 2, Q-h 6 and h 2 appear to offer prosp ects of success. The last-mentioned move would solve the problem, but for the presence of the pawn on g 3. It is unfortunate that the bishop on cl 8 takes no part in a number of the mates.'' Second prize (ex-aequo) : W . J. McArthur, Birkenheacl, S.A. ("The Leader, " 27th July, 1918). Position:7 b, 5 p 2, K 6 Q, 1 N 1 P 3 R , p 3 N 1 k 1, 2 n 5, r 1 r 2 p 2, 1 b 6. White to mate in three moves. 'l'he judge says : '' The main interest in this problem lies in Black 's defences to the somewhat violent threat. It improves upon acquaintance, and gives marked evidence of the author's constructive ability. . . . '' Second Prize (ex aequo) : J. J. 0 'Keefe and F. T . Hawes ("The Leader, " 21st June, 1919) . Position :-8, 1 R 7, 1 N p 5, 1 p 5 Q, 1 k 6;, 3 K 4!, 8, 8. White to mate in t hree moves.

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

R

The judge says : ''A beautiful miniature of striking thematic interest. \Ve have a combination of mixed battery, self-block, and sacrifice, f orming an additional selfblock . and permitting the firing of the battery. The key is excellent, bringing in the interesting variation following K-c 5, as well as the sacrifice; while the try Q- K R 1 attracts the solver till he has grasped the thematic import of the problem. The award is open till J\ ovember 30th. '' TWO-~IOVE

SECTION.

\Ve have received from lllr. H . Tate ( judge ) his aw ard in the two-move section of the above tourney. Want of space prevent s us from publishing the award in detail this issue, but it may be expected next month. The firs t prize goes to "Sir. C. G. W atson (Vie. ), with the follmYing position ::-2 N 5, 1 K p 2 p 2, 1 Q 1 P N 1 P 1, 1 P 1 k 2 q 1, 5 B 2, 1 P r P 3 B, 2 n 3 R 1, 6 R 1. l\Ir. E. H. B. J crrard (Queen sland ) gains second prize with the follovvi ng composition :-K 2 R. 4, 1 B 2 p r 2, 2 N 5, 5 P 2, 4 k 3, p 3 N 3, 1 b 3 Q 2, 1 r 1 b 4.

6

AUSTRALASI AN CHESS MAGAZINE.

SYDNEY CHESS CLUB v. JVIOCHA. Played at Mocha Cafe. :VIocha \von by 71 to 21 games. Scor es:Sydney Chess Club. Mocha. 1 1. W. Brit ten . . . . 0 1. S . .Orak.anthorp 0 2. s. Henderson 2. L. s. Crakanthorp 1 1 3. J. Kinman . . . . 3. P. S . Hunt . . . . . 0 1 4. A . E . Neild 4. V. Spence . . . . 0 ~ 5. G. Corkhill. . . . . ~:l 5. w . King . . 2 0 6. Rev. G. Berry. .. 1 6. w. Jones . . 0 7. P. Scott . . . . . . . 1 7. c. Oertel . . 1 8. w. Tolley . . . . 0 8. A. Preston . . 1 9. W . Craig 0 9. W. C. Lacey . . 10. Dr. Hull . . . . . . 0 10. H . Malcolm . . . . 1 71

21

State Championship.

The New South Wales Chess Association, at its meeting on Monday, 25th August, decided to hold a State Champiol.1ship 'l.'ourney, contingent on there being six or more players. Entries for the event close on Satu rday, September 13th, and play is to commence on Saturday, September 20th. The President of the Association, l\fr. J . S . Hunt, very generously donated the first prize, a trophy valued £10 10s. :!VIr. Hunt was warmly thanked for l1is magnanimous gift. The Association is donating the second prize, a trophy value £5 5s, and also a brilliancy prize, the value of which is to be decided later. The entrance fee was fixed at 10s. A committee. consisting of :Messrs. V. A. Spence (Sydney Chess Club ) , P. G. Rowles (Mocha Chess Club) , and A. R Snowdon ( Sydney Schnol of Arts .Chess Club) was appoin ted to act in conjunction with Mr. E. T. C alvert, Secretary of the Association, in managing the tourney. It was decided that if the entries number seven, two rounds he played; and that if there be more than seven players, only one round to take place.

Our Problem Pages. Problem-solvers and composers will, we are sure, be very pleased to know that, commencing with this issue,

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

7

and for some months hence, our problem pages will be conducted by Dr. J. J. 0 'Keefe, of Kogarah. Dr. 0 1Keefe is so well known to the problem world that no words are necessary to introduce him to the chess enthusiasts who make a study of the problem art. It will suffice to say that his kindness in undertaking this department of the publication will be a guarantee that the A.C.M. will want for nothing so far as its problem pages are concerned. Problem composers in Australia are kindly invited to send original compositions to Dr. 0 'Keefe, of Kogarah, to whom also should all future solutions be forwarded. Commencing with this issue, solvers will be allowed three weeks from date of publication to forward solutions.

Solutions. PROBLE.iVIS l,\J AUGUST. No. 5.- Pedler. Key: R- B 3. No. 6.-- Glynn. Key: Q-K 7. No. 7.- Snowdon. Key: Kt on B 1-Q 3. No. 8.-Guerin. Key: B-Kt 5. Correct solutions received as follows :-Nos, 5, 6, 7, 8, J. R. Smith, who adds, in No. 6 there are plenty of pleasing variations-No. 7 is extra good; W.G., who adds, all these problems are above the average standard, each having distinctive features of its own-No. 8 is a little gem; G. Preston; \V. E. Stopford, "En Passant;'; No. 5, f) and 8, T. S. Russell; No. 5, 7 and 8, W. A. Elst"on. Incorrect in No. 7.-Kt on B 4- Q 3; stopped by RXR. To ''Emeritus Senex. ''-Rarely is the key move a capture or a check to the adverse King. The key move you submit will, on closer examination, be seen to fail. "En Passant" claims that No. 7 is an impossible position, as the disposition of the Black pawns nuikes it necessary to assume promotion on White's part, in order to arrive at the position diagrammed. Continental composers eertainly class such compositions as impossible; but America, on the other hand, allows problemists this latitude. · TO CORR,ESPONDENTS. "J.K.H.," "F.T.H.," "W.J.S.," and "B.G.F."Many thanks for originals, which will appear in October issue. .i

AUST1lALASIA.N CHESS MAGAZINE.

JVo. 9. By A. Ellerman, Buenos Aires. G. C. Folder, :May, 1919. Black.

No.

11

10.

By Arth ur C'harlick, S.A. First Prize, :\T o1·oe Vremya, 1905. Black.

White . . ;\late in Two.

JVo. 11. By A. Mosely, Brisbap.e, Q. G. C. Folder, February, 1916. Black.

White. Mate in Two.

JVo. 12. By J . F. Heydon, Sydney. Original. Black.

White. in Three.

~1 ate

Solutions to problems are invited, and will be received for three weeks after date of publication.

AUS TRALASIAN CHESS 1l1AGA.ZINE.

12

)Vo. 14.

:B.}'

By Arthur Charlick, - S.A. First Prize., Melbourne Leader, 1905. B.l ack.

J.

0 'K~-efe and F. T_. Hawes. _ Original. Black.

J.

White. Mate in Three.

No.

White. Mate in Three.

Jtlo. 16.

15.

By W. A. Shinkman. Black.

', .. _. -

Whit~.

. "

I .' ' '

·.

_ .

'

'•, '

<'~.~;'-;

1·:.1<

_' 1 '

_

. 'I

-~

":Mate ' ii;t Four: ·' i,i 'i

By C. Granfland. Black.

\

!

.

ii·

I

l

-· '

• •A

;

~.··

,-

White. ' ' '

..' --

' .

'

' I

'

•

i

'

·. White' to.' play 'ab.ci draw. <1•,•

<

,<

j

,!' i~'', l

-_., ,_ S.al~vtiohs ·· to _pJroblems are -invited, . and ;;wi:ll be ·eeived for rthree -weeks ' aft~m date -of :·public.ilttioll.

'J

_re-

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS J.1iAGAZINE.

J3

Problem Pages. All commun ications concerning problems should h e~ addressed to Dr. J. J. 0 'Keef e, Kogarah, Sydney . V'l e appeal to all problem-lovers to h elp make thi s section of our Magazine a suc'cess. This t h ey ean ensur e by sending along their subscriptions, giving us specimens of their 'Work for publication, and sending in solutions regularly. All originals published here are, of course, eligible for competit ion in th e annual A. C. White Aus : tr alian Columns Tourneys. vVe would particularly urge th e individual s composing that large body of silent solvers, whi ch is the despair of all chess editors, to come forth from their seclusion and make known unto us their existence, by sending u s, at least occasionally, a postcard of so lutions. \Ve are anxious to be abl e to form an early estimate of the genera l interest taken in our pages in order to enable us to shape our future cou rse. Should the response to our appeal prove reasonably encouraging, we will, in th e n ear future. inaugurate regular solving and comp osing tourneys. W ake up! ye problem-lovers, where 'er ye be, and lend a helping hand. There are sufficient of you in Austr alia to supp ort this Magazine off your own bat should you so desi r e, and desire it you certainly should. In their ::H ay Folder, th e Good Comp anions, of Philadelphia, make a novel departure from their usu al routine. 1'he entries are published in alphabetical order , and are to be judged by B rian H arley, a brilliant yo ung English composer, accordin g t o a system of problem appraisement invented by him whilst on active service in France. In the meanwhile solver s are requested to select what they consider the best five problems. The comp arison of reOur No. 9 is sults should prove highly i~teresting. taken from this Folder, ~pd fFeprese nts the first success·, ful execution of a task wl1ich: has been taxing the brains of the world 's best two-er, em:1fposers fo r sonie years. It is another triumph fo r the Buenos Aires w i :~;ar.d. , Our No~ : 10 a nd 13 are the work of the ino§f gifted problem\st we. h av\l had. Indeed , Charlick remains the only compo·Ser of really first rank Australia has yet produced. During his later years one could confidently anticipate fin din g his name figuring prominently in the honour

14

AUSTliALASIAN CHESS JVIAGAZINE.

list of every impor tant international tourney. His untimely death in early life was a sad blow to our little problem world. Our No. 14 was composed about three years ago, and together v,rith a three-er of the writer's, was sent to th e ''Pittsburgh Gazette Times. '' A -copy of the column containing the latter reached us in due course, but we have had n o intimation that .i\ o. 14 was ever published . Under the circumstances we f eel justifi ed in treating it as an original.

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

5

Tenth Australian Columns T ourney. TWO--l \IOVE SECTION. The judge, J\Ir. Henry 'rate, has supplied us with the following report of the above Tourney:· Some fifty-seven problems were considered. Of these, a score were of poor quality. The remainder could only be sifted down after careful consideration of fine points, although several displayed outstanding merit. The dozen best were composed by H. J. Tucker, H. Beechey, E. H. H . Jerrard, B. G. Fegan, E. G. Radcliff, C. G. Watson, F . T. Hawes, A. R. ·Snowdon, _Gunner G. vV. Clarke, and P. Hannan. Waiting and quasi-waiting strategy predominated. This class of problem requires very special attributes to render it of much value nowadays. The ground has been thoroughly worked. Though many good works were contributed, problem after problem failed for lack of novelty. H astiness of workmanship was too often evident. The midnight oil would have brightened many a picture and clarified not a few blotchy conceptions. Some •of our composers, who submit comparatively few problems, are noted for their fine workmanship, and are seldom far from the honour list with any of their entries. Perseverance to the gates of per~ fection will not fail tQ reap its reward. The present tourney is r ernarkable for the number of its self-block studies. Not long ago, cross-checks were very much in vogue. It is curious how these fashions come and go, and interesting t o speculate on the possibilities of the future. Close investigation reveals many interesting phases 'Of the self-block device in this tourney. The preponderance of problems with all or nearly all mates set before the key is made, is · not a commendable characteristic. Our composers would be well advised to look for keys that will permeate the ramificatio]ls of the play, and not be mere sparks that explode a magazine of set mates and ineffective defences. C. G. \Vatson 's first-prize winner is a superb conception :-2 N 5. 1 K p 2 p 2, 1 Q 1 P N 1 P 1, 1 P 1 k 2 q l. 5 B 2, 1 P r P 3 B . 2 n 3 R 1, 6 R 1.--'' The Leader.' · 14/ 12/ 18.

6

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE .

The '' piccanny'' locus has come right to the ,fore lately. It consisted, in the beginning, of four mates from the moves of a Black pawn. It is essential that the mates shall be distinct, and a duel in answer to any of the p awn moves would, of course, be fatal. Mr. ·watson has doubled the theme, and that without leaving auy traces of the exigencies of his difficult task. The key is good, making no threat, and the eight mates from the moves of the two Black pawns are flawlessly distinct. White's pieces have a full share in the mating moves, and the solving of the problem produces an immediate feeling o£ admiration. It is a pity that more of Mr. vVatson 's powerful work does not come before us. The second prize :-K 2 R 4, 1 B 2 p r 2, 2 N 5, 5 P 2, 4 k 3, p 3 N 3, 1 b 3 Q 2, 1 r 1 b 4, is by E. H. H. J errard, Gayndah, Queensland.- '' The Australasian,' ' 5/ 1/19. It is a graceful and fascinating study, showing a very clever setting of echoed interceptions of two Black r ooks lea ding out of Black 's defensive operations on one SflUare. The mate after . . ... B f 3 is very fine . An economical lay-out is an essential in these echo problems, and this condition is adequately fulfilled. A gor geous and exhilaratipg try is N c 4, defeated in the most approved fashion by an obscure and quiet move of one of Black's bishops. The key is only middling. The problem h as a touch of magic that is very welcome. The problems, which received hon. mention and othet·s with the judge's r.emaf7.;s thereon, ·will be puMished in n ext issue.

10

AUS1'RAL.r1SIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

Y.M.C.A.: W . H. R. Grant 0, E. H. Staples 0, J. Rutherford 0, E. L. Tristram 1, H. H. Walker i, R. A. Dalton 0, W. H. Dibley 0, F. B. Lee 0. 1! games. Y.M.C.A. v. EASTWOOD.-Played at Y.lVI.C.A. on September 23 and won by Eastwood. Y.M.C.A.: Mr. Kirkland 0, Mr. Rutherfurd 0, 1\fr. Lewis 1, Mr. Deck 1, Mr. Lee 1, Mr. Leah 0, Mr. Walker 0, Mr. Tristram 1, Mr. Langford !, .Mr. Montana 0, Mr. Thom as 0. 4t games. EASTWOOD: Mr. Johnston 1, Mr. Guest 1, Mr. Briggs 0, l\Ir. Calvert 0, Mr. Justelius 0, Mr. Colechin 1, Mr. \Varnecke 1, Mr. Hardeman 0, Miss Johnston i, Mr. Hep burn 1, Mr. Croft 1. 6! games.

Problem Pages. All communications concerning problems should be addressed to Dr. J. J. 0 'Keefe, Kogarah, Sydney. I n the July special issue of ''Our Folder ,'' Bri)'m Harley expounds his system -of pr9blem judging, and illustrates it in action by using it to arrive at his award in the May Tourney of the Good Companions. It is a most complicated and intricate process, and its elaboration must have cost its author much time and though( Briefly and roughly it might be summarised somewhat as f ollows :-All the possible features of merit in problems are listed, and to each feature is assigned a fixed value in marks. Likewise all possible defects of problems are listed and their ser iousness graded in marks. In applying the system to any particular position , all its meritorious features are t abulated, 11nd f rom the lists provided their total value in marks is obtained. Then the defects present are tabulated and evaluated in the same manner. The two totals thus obtained are subtracted from each other, and the remainder represents the ''comparative value' ' of the position under consideration, and determines its position in the awaro. Of course, everybody will freely admit that the principle underlying the scheme , and which we have here attempted to outline, is thoroughly sound, and has, indeed, we should think, been obser ved by every problem judge in the past. But when we come to details, there is much room for differ ence of opinion. Particularly there will be much dis-

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

11

cussion as to the absolute v alues assigned by Harley to individual merits and flaws. For instance, taking a flaw at random, Harley says that for a key pinning Black f or ce, 10 per cent. of the "nett variation value" must be deduct ed, and apparently the identity of the pinned piece is immaterial. A pinned black queen will cost you no more than a pinned pawn, which is obviously inequitable. B ut apart from individual merits and demerits, there are several general features which we w'ere wont to pri ze in a position, which haYe not been assigned any values at all in these lists. For example, ''difficulty'' and "elegance," the two features upon which the great Loyd was ever so insistent, find no reward h ere-indeed, they are expressly excluded. The practical application of the system to the positions in the lVIay Tourney h as led to what must be considered fairly satisfactory results. The problems which have scor ed the highest marks under it, and so secured the honours, are all excellent stratagems, though · they are not the ones we would have chosen; but this would p rob ably be the case u nder ordinary circumstances. Indeed, it is with the object of eliminating this personal predilection factor from adjudication that the syst em is being promulgated. Por some reason. Harley cites five positions which he says "amused him most," but which his system scored out of the honour list. It so happens that amon gst these are our favourites. They include two five-fold White Queen unpinners-our No. 9 and another by Bettmann, which we overlooked last month. Per sonally, we cannot see mu ch in a five -unpinncr to amuse, but we can see a tremendous lot to thrill over and admire. The scheme remains a most in genious and praisevrorth~' attempt to absolutely standardise problem judging. and out of it perhaps, there may eventually be evolved a system which will meet with general acceptance. Then anybody with an ordinary knowledge of chess problem terminology and strategy will be able to place accurately in order of merit (as per system ) any series of problems submitted to him. It would effectually prevent a recurrence of those notorious discrepancies in the ap praisements of the same position by different judges which ha-.,~e occasionally , in the p ast, scandalised problemdom. We particularly invite our solvers' attention to our No. 24 in th is issue. Although its author is probably

12

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS 1" YIAGAZINE.

unknown to most of them, this gem, which is one of the prettiest miniatures ever published in Australia, together with his fine Magee junior, No. 17, and his miniature three-er in September issue, will make them want to see more of his work. He has sh own us a superb Magee which we feel sure will be about when the prizes a re being given out in the current G:C. Tourney, and he r ecently sent us an excellent four-fold White Queen unpinn er. · When we mention that Mr. H eydon wr ites u s that he had never composed a two-er until t his year, our readers will be with us in believing that a n ew star has arisen in our problem world.

Solutio n s of September Problems . No. 9. (Ellerman.) 1. P e 7. Five White Queen unpins by interposition. No. 10. (Charlick. ) 1. Q c 2. No. 11. (Mosely.) 1. Q a 3. No. 12. (Heydon .) 1. Q a 1, any; 2. K b 2, etc. No. 13. (Char lick.) 1. N b 5, K c 4; 2. B e 2, eh., etc. If K c 2; 2. Q a 3. etc. If K e 3; 2. Q e 1 thr ~at; 2. Q c 3 eh. · No. 14. (O'Keefe and H awes.) 1. Ne 4, Q R d 5 ; 2. Q d 4, etc. If K R cl 5; 2. Q e 5. etc. If R cl 4 ; 2 Q x R, etc. If R e 5; 2. Q x R etc. If K x N; 2. B g 2 eh ., etc. If Q N moves; 2. Q f 6 c11 .. etc. Threat 2. Q a 8, etc. No. 15. (Shinkman.) 1. Q c 1, K b 3; 2. B b 6, K b 4; 3. Q c 2, etc. If K x B; 2. (-l b 2, K a 4; 3. K c 6, etc. No. 16. (Granfland. ) 1. ~ g 5, B x N; 2. B a 6, K e 6; 3. B e 2, P qu eens; 4. B f 3 eh., Q x B, stalemate . .Correct solutions received from:- ' ' En Passant'' and C. N. Kite, all positions; T. S. Russell, Nos. 9. 11, 12, 13, 14 ; J. R. Smith , Nos. 9, 10. 11, 12, 13, 14; E. J. Stenning, Nos. 9, 11, 12, 13, H , 15 ; G. J. Tustin , "Nos. 9, 11, 16; "Sabretache, " Nos. 9. 10, 11 ; \ V. E . Stopford, Nos. 9, 10, 11 ; W. A. Elston , :\"os. 9, 10; "G" (Blackheath ) , Nos. 9, 13, 14. In No. 10, 1 KXP is defeated by 1 .. Q h 8. I n No. 14 th e mainplay follows 1 .. Q R d 5 and K R d 5. Only one solver gave these defences. " En Passant" establishes h is claim to absolute impossib ility in No. 7, as the position cannot be arrived at, even assuming promotion. H e also calls attention to the resemblance between No. 12 (Heydon) and this three-er by S. Lloyd: 8, 8, 5 B 1 ).', 3 B 4, 3 p 1 k 2, 7 K , 3 P .J, ~.

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE .

JVo

17.

13

Jflo. 18.

{By J. K. Heydon, Sydney.) Original. Black.

(By W. J. Smith, Newtown, Sydney.) Original. Black.

White. ;\1a te in Two.

White. Mate in Two.

JVo . 19.

Jflo. 20 .

(B) F. T . Hawes, Armatree, N.S.W.) Original. Black.

(By B. G. F egan, To cumwal, N.S.W.) Origina l. Black.

\Yhite. Mate in T wo.

White. Mate in 'l'IYO.

Solutions to problems are invited, and will be r eceived for three weeks after date of publication.

14

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

No

21.

(By H. Beechey, Bnrwood, Sydney.) Original. Black.

White. Mate in Two.

No.

22.

(By B. G. Fegan, Tocumwal, N.S.W.) Original. Black.

White. Mate in Two.

No 23.

No. 24.

(By J. K. Heydon, Sydney.) Original. Dlack.

(By J. K. Heydon, Sydney.) Original. Black.

White. Mate in Three.

White. Mate in Four.

Solutions to problems are invited, and will be received for three weeks after date of publication.

AUSTRA LASIAN CHESS MAGA Z I NE.

15

DRINK

RESCH'S AUSTRALIAN LA(;fK, riLSfNfR, DINNtR 1\Lt and STOUT 6rewery : Dowling Street, Redfern

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l\Ir. F. T. Hawes, one of Australia's ablest composers, makes this generous offer, which we are sure will be gladly accepted by aspirants. ''To those who have' never tackled problem construction, but to whom t h e subject may appeal, the invitation is given to correspond with F. T. Hawes, of Armatree, N.S .W., who will be pleased to indicate ways in which problem construction may be approached.''

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AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

Referring to the occasion when Capablanca played 38 games simultaneously at London, the ''Daily Express'' says:'' It was like Saladin, the Saracen, whipping off heads. with his scimitar. The young champion stepped from board to board, scarcely pausing. He saw the move which the seated player made as he stepped in front of the board, at once moved a piece in reply, and went on. Now and then he reflected for a second or two. Sometimes one of the thirty-eight had a second, third, or fourth move ready. So had Capablanca. He instantly made his replies, passed on, leaving the seated player rubbing his chin, or scratching his ear, or clutching his hair. Here and there a player was inspired to a further move after a moment's thought. By this time Capablanca had stepped on, and was about to deal his next opponent a lightning blow. He just looked back to the board he had passed, crossed his hand over, moved a piece in reply, and then delivered the blow he had already conceived, and stepped on, leaving two opponents smitten at once. Everyone was fascinated with this astonishing chess champion -a young man with large, dreamy, dark eyes, black hair· brushed straight back, a clean-shaven pale face, and a mind that works as swiftly as a ·photographic shutter.''

Problem Pages. All communications concerning problems should be addressed to Dr. J. J. O'Keefe, Kogarah, Sydney. The notation we use in these pages is the International, and was chosen because we think it much less.. cumbersome and less likely to ambiguous interpretation than the ,ordinary English notation. It is sometimes erroneously referred to as the German notation, probably because it was introduced into England by H. F. L. Meyer, who, for many years, was chess editor of the ''Boys' Own Paper''; but the Good Companion Club has established conclusively that it was first used in France half a century before it was adopted by the Runs. As some of our readers are apparently unaccustomed to it, we will here explain it, referring to diagram No. 33 as an illustration. The files, beginning with White's. Queen Rook file, are lettered a to h, and the ranks, from White's side of the board, are numbered 1 to 8.

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

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Thus White's Q R 1 is a 1 and Black's K R 1 is h 8. In No. 33 the White Bishop on Q Kt 3 is on b 3, the White Queen on K B 2 is on f 2, the Black Bishop on K B It 2 is on f 7, and the Black Queen on Q 6 is on d 3. will be seen from this that in the International notation each square on the board has but one denomination, whereas in the English notation each square has two denominations, one for White and one for Black, which is a feature making for confusion. In the October ":B~older" of the G.C.C.P.C. there are some interesting remarks by A. C. White upon the Harley system of judging two-ers. His conclusion is that it is too early yet to pass final judgment upon the scheme or to make practical use of it. In the meantime he offers two substantial prizes, one for ordinary and one fo;r lVIeredith (twelve or less pieces), positions which will score highest marks under the system. Of course, in this competition composers will concentrate upon those features to which Harley allots highest marks, and endeavour to incorporate as many as possible of them in one position. This should produce some curious and interest- . ing results. No. 36 is another fine example of lVIr. Heydon 's skill. In the initial position, mere unpinning of the White Queen would allow her to mate in four different ways, yet in the actual solution each of Black's thematic defences not only defeats the threat, but also frustrates three out of the four possible Queen mates. In this respect the position is unique so far as we know.

Solutions of November Problems. No. 25 (Ellerman).-1 . Q c 8. A fine example of cross-checks combined with self-interference. This master 's magic touch invariably infuses new interest into oid themes. ~o. 26 (Henriksen) .-1 . Q d 5. An elegant lay-out of a semi-waiter in :Meredith calibre. Most composers would eliminate the dual after 1 .. Q x B. No. 27 (Heydon) .-1 . B e 7. An excellent lVIageetwo Black pawns produce four variations by interference. That the White Rook is necessary to meet 1 .. R d 5 is

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AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

a lucky stroke, as it prevents a charge of artificiality being laid againf>t the fourth thematic variation. No. 28 (Hawes) .-1 . R b 4. The key is tame, but otherwise the position is a neat example of what Janet has christened a horse-block-four self-blocks by two Black knights. No. 29 (Snowdon).-1 . N d 4. Good key with some interesting after-play. The surveillance of the N ( e 2) is costly. No. :10 (:B'egan).-1 . Q e 1. An incomplete Black knight wheel with four flights. A difficult task, but the numerous captures of the theme-piece make it rather mechanical. No. 31 ('l'ate).-1 . Q h 2. We have already expressed our appreciation of this fine maiden effort. No. 32 (Heydon).-1 . B b 5, K e 4; 2 •Q g 5, etc.; if K g 4; 2 . Q f 4, eh. , etc.; if K e 5; 2 . B c 4, etc. A pretty solus-king miniature with flight-giving key. Its attractive exterior has tempted one of our solvers to make his debut in three-ers. Correct solutions received from '' Sabretache '' to all pos1twns; "En Passant" to all positions; J.R.S. to ali positions; ''Little Pawn '' to all positions, commenting thus: No. 25 (has anyone seen a bad Ellerman), No. 26 (bad key) , No. 27 (excellent problem, splendid key ), No. 28 (very neat), No. 29 (very good, key in fine style). No. 31 (good), No. 32 (the mates of the bishop are pleasing) ;, T. S. Russell, all except No. 32; E. J. Stenning, all except No. 29; W. E. Stopford, Nos. 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31 ; J .G.D., No. 25. " ::\l.B.G." also forwards solutions ' to all Novem ber problems. '' Sabretache. ''-Congratulations on clean score. W.E.S.-Your K K Kt 3 for );o. 29 is obviously a slip. If you intended Kt K Kt 3 it is a cute try defeated by 1 .. R Q Kt 4. · T.S.R.-Sorry No. 32 caused insomnia. It is really very simple and pretty. J .R.S. and others.-Key ·only in two-ers is sufficient. In longer problems White's continuations in the principal variations should be given. The actual mating moves mav be omitted . ·· J.G.D.-The keys you send satisfactorily meet the replies mentioned, but a correct key defeats every one of Black's possible defences.

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

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.J{o. SS.

.J{o . S4.

By G. W. :Melheuis!t, Vancouver, B.C. Original. (Per favom G.C.C.P.C.)

By Don A. Fontana, Switzerland. Original. (Per favour G.C.C.P.C.)

Black.

Black.

White. Mate in Two.

White. :\>fate in Two .

./Vo. S5.

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s6.

By J. K. Heydon, Sydney. Original. Black.

By J. K. Heydon, Sydney. Original. Black.

White. Mate in Two.

White. Mate in Two.

Solutions to problems are invited, and will be received for three weeks after date of publication.

AUSTRALASIAN CHESS MAGAZINE.

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Jt/o. 57.

Jt/o. 58.

By H. Beeehey, Burwood, N.S.W. Original. Black.

By J. J. Glynn, Summer Hill, N.S.W Original. Black.

Mate in Two.

No. 59. By B. G. F egan, Toeurnwal, N.S.W. Ori:;inal.

White. Mate in Two.

Jtlo. 40 . . By 0. Wurzburg, Michigan, U.S.A. (First Prize, Pittsburgh Gazette Times, 1919.)

Black.

Black.

White. Mate in Two.

White. Mate in Three.

Solutions to problems are invited, and will be re for three weeks after date of publication.

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