Solvers and their Criticisms. (Canterbury Times.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 52

Solvers and their Criticisms. (Canterbury Times.)

Problem No. 1662 (No. 20 in Otago Witness Tourney) ; two moves ; key, R-K Xt 5. — A good and very difficult key; all mates economical, and one piire; a cax^ital and well-constructed problem (95). Argo, Maori Pa, Kaiapoi. — Good, quiet key, doubly sacrificing -E ; play of black X exceedingly pretty, its six moves resulting in six different mates ; other mates rather ordinary (90). Alfordian, Christchurch. — Very fine and beoiitiful first move; after the style of the Bohtmian school ; many economical mates ; nearly pure mates also veiy numerous (96). Tertius, Kaiapoi. — Good waiting key; seven variations; good and economical problem; no pure mate; 'free from duals (75). G. F. W., Spreydon. — Key well hid; no pure mate; a near try is B-R 4, only met by B-Kt 4 (75). F. C. L., Ormond, Gisborne. — Deep waiting key, shutting off Black R from interposing in mati, following B moves ; several mates highly economical and nearly pure; strategy high; vsnety excellent (91). 0. L. Power, Wharau, Carter-ton. — Splendid waiting key; exposes i\ to danger from two black pieces; mates artistic; good block problem (82). F. Woodford. — Good key ; two pure mates, four economical ; good variety (85). S. S., Lincoln road. — Also solved by G. H. Roclmell, Christclmrch.

REVISION.

To Argo, Tertius, and S.S. — Only one mate is economical, and none pure; with so great variety not much more is possible.

To G. F. W.— There are 11 different mates, and taking one mate as representing the author's main idea, there are ten variations.

To F. C. L— The try B-R 4 is defeated by B x R or B x P, as well as by B-Kt 4.

To J. L. Power. — We do not know what you mean by a mate being " highly economical."

" Economical,"' as applied to a mate is a technical term, signifying that every White major piece left on the board is essential to the mate. If one major piece does not participate, the rnatij is nearly economical ; but " highly economical" has no meaning as applied to a mate. A problem, regarded as a whole, is " highly economical " if all the pieces are utilised thoroughly well in the solution.

Problem No. 1663 (No. 21 in Otago Witness Tourney) ; motto : " Simplicity " ; two moves. — Author's solution (R-Q 8) received from Alfordian, Argo, G. F. W., F. C. L., J. L. Power, F. Woodford and S. S. — Accidental solution (Q-K 8) received from Alfordian, Argo, Tertius, G. F. W., J. L. Power, S. S., J. W., and G. H. Roclmell.

Problem No. 1664 (No, 22 in Otago Witness Tourney) ; two moves ; key, P-Kt 4. — Capital, difficult, well-hidden key ; one pure mate ; well constructed problem, with good strategy; splendid Xt's play (95). Argo, Maori Pa, Kaiapoi. — Key good, allowing X to take Xt ; one pure economical mate; other mating strategy only fair (75). Alfordian, Christchurch. — Good first move ; usual complicated mates with four Xt's on board; no pure mate; economical mates nearly pure (80). Tertius. — Good waiting key ; seven variations ; good and economical problem ; one pure mate ; no duals (75). G-. F. W. — Key sacrificing Xt subtle; strategy and economy good; one pure mate (86). F. C. L. — Good problem, with good strategy ; iwo pure mates, not quite economical ; others neither ; White B, on B 8 and Black B not much to do (85). J. L. Power. — Rather unexpected first move, offering sacrifice of Xt; afttrplay pleasing; one pure mate; artistfc construction (72). F. Woodford. — Key good;, one economical mate; no pure mate; good aftc-rplay (80). S. S. — Also solved by J. W. and G. H. Kodmell. REVISION. To Tertius, J. L. Power, and S. S.— There is one pure mate, which is also economical ; every other mate i 3 at least two degrees short of being eithei pure or economical. To G. F. W.— There are seven different mates ; six variations.