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(from TD 100) | by Waldemar Tura | ![]() |
Prospects of modern selfmate
by Waldemar Tura, International master in composition 1969
More and more frequently at the end of 20th century are expressed opinions about crisis
of modern selfmate, about exhaustion and construction schemes. The article of Petko
Petkov Les mats inverses avec pieces féeriques (DIAGRAMMES XXII 1996)
describes this problem most clearly. The great Bulgarian grandmaster perceives the future
of the kind only on composing selfmates with extra traditional figures (e. g. 2 white
queens or 4 black rooks) or with fairy units. Shortest selfmates (in 2 moves) already
belong to the past. New works of grandmaster Petkov appear to contradict this opinion.
Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that judges in serious international competitions do
not believe in possibilities composing original selfmates. From that they reward even
first prizes to less original compositions (vide: discussion about S#2 I Storo_enko
ZADACZI I ETIUDY 1997), while underestimating new and creative compositions.
The present article shows the results of my many years of work striving towards expressive
definition of themes and strategy proper only to selfmate, that creates new and very
promising possibilities of realization.
Diagram 1 Alfred Karlström 1 PR Skakbladet 1938 ![]()
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Show solution ![]() The attempts began a long time ago. In diagram 1 after the key we have two unpins of black Rook which can mate on d4 and e5. The unpin of a white figure initiates additional power on one of the mate fields and dual avoidance. In selfmate the unpin of white piece is used as an element profitable to black! |
Diagram 2 Waldemar Tura 2 PR Fieoktistow-50 1998 ![]()
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Show solution ![]() In each variant both black figures are joining in turn to show dual avoidance (diagram 2). And this is one of possibilities showing the themes of modern selfmate. It is possible to do conversely. The advantage motive of black defense with orthodox problems can function in selfmate as an element of harmfulness to the defense which makes possible a white continuation. |
Diagram 3 Waldemar Tura 1 PR Diagrammes 1994 ![]()
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Show solution ![]() In diagram 3 unblocking d5 and e5 allows realizing the combination which forces the mating of white King. Unblocking in this form was not systematically used until now. |
Diagram 4 N. Nagnibida Šahs 1970 ![]()
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Another potential and not fully used, until now, element of the selfmate strategy is white lines. One of the most dynamic themes of this group is Iwanow's theme: here in the defense black opens a white line and white can force the mate only by neutralizing this opening. The motive occurs in diagram 4 Show solution ![]() |
Diagram 5 Waldemar Tura 1-3 PR e.a. Nowe Miasto 1994 ![]()
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Almost virgin field remains the strategy of mate net, the attacking and setting free the squares around white King. In diagram 5 black overthrows the danger through the veil of mating Bishop h1. White can play by attacking d6 and eliminating duals - setting free e6 or c4 in mate net of own King. Show solution ![]() All play in this composition is possible only in selfmate. |
Diagram 6 Waldemar Tura 1 PR Szachista 1993 ![]()
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In diagram 6 white is going to realize following plan: 1. Qc7+ Kd4, 2. Rb4+ Ke3, 3. Qf4+ Sxf4#. Unfortunately on the way black King is mated (2 Rb4??#!). Therefore it is necessary to eliminate this obstacle through unblocking e3. Show solution ![]() Such strategy could be used not only in logical compositions, but also in a multivariant composition which is the structure of all strategis ideas. |
In the light of these statements I think that we should agree with conclusion of this article, that selfmate in the 21st century should pass through a period of bloom and it is hard to accept the pessimistic opinions about its decline.