Chess

The February Problem

White to play and

mate in two

THE SOLUTION to this, the regular competition problem set on the first Monday of each month should be sent to Jim Grevatt of the British Chess Problem Society at Lazybed, Headley Fields, Headley, Hants GU35 8PS to arrive by 21 February. White's first move only need be given.

The White knights look underemployed and 2.Nf4 would be mate if the Black bishop on d2 could be nailed. White has five choices: 1.Rhe3, 1.Ree3, 1.Be3, 1.e3 or 1.Qd1. Which first move is correct?

The British Chess Problem Society (BCPS) will award a year's free membership for the first correct solution drawn from a hat. Membership includes six copies of the Society's magazine, worth pounds 18. The solution and name of the winner will be published on Monday 7 March, together with next month's problem.

The January Solution

White to play and

mate in two

The solution to last month's problem is 1.Rg3 waiting. If 1...Bc2, Bd3 or Be4 2.QxB; 1...fxg3 2.Qf1, 1...f3 2.Qxg4; 1...Qb5, Qc5 or Qd5 2.QxQ; 1...Qother 2.Re5; 1...f6 2.Qe6; 1...Bc7(any) 2.Qc8; or 1...Ng6 2.Qxf7.

The aim of the problem is to show the maximum 12 possible mates by the White queen. Curiously, this can only be done if the queen is (3 + 1) squares away from the king; you can only get 10 mates if the queen is closer at (2 + 1).

The problem was composed by J C J Wainwright and published in 1906 in a book of task problems. The winning prize of BCPS membership goes to Phil Charalambous from Gorleston with our congratulations.

Find out more about chess problems by contacting Jim Grevatt at the address given in the first paragraph.