Originally posted by BigDoggProblem These types of problems are a bit too easy to solve, thanks to all the obvious checking moves and forced replies.
I thought it wasn't all that obvious which rook to use on the first move to check at the a-file. But maybe the question should have referred to that, instead of just 'mate in 8'. Looking at the other mate-problems in this forum I can safely say: you are right. I am humbled. Rattled.
But in my defense: I cooked up the ones I posted myself; I think I did a 'nice' job (for an amateur).
Shiny Knight it was a good problem for starters 😉 But still you can get better. Chess puzzles that start with check are usually rare. A forced play is another thing that is rare; Perhaps you should look at these themes to get an idea what is used in composing classical chess problems: Novotny, Grimshaw, Bristol, Plachuta just to name a few.
Start with simple 2, 3 movers and gradually work your way up.
When composing sometimes working the other way around may help: Get a good looking mate (one that is not easy to see i.e. in the center, or with an unusual setup), and then try to add foreplay. You begin with mate in 1 and gradually add a move here and there. This will not always work but when it does, it turns out great 😉 Ah, yes, always use a computer to double check that is the only possible solution, move order, etc.
Originally posted by ilywrin Shiny Knight it was a good problem for starters 😉 But still you can get better. Chess puzzles that start with check are usually rare. A forced play is another thing that is rare; Perhaps you should look at these themes to get an idea what is used in composing classical chess problems: Novotny, Grimshaw, Bristol, Plachuta just to name a few.
Start with simp ...[text shortened]... es, always use a computer to double check that is the only possible solution, move order, etc.
I also just liked the look of it, by the way. A bit na-ive perhaps, it's all part of growing up!😛
Anyway; thanks for the advice! My next problem will contain a Loschinskij theme leading to a Barulinian longshot, ending up in a classic Dombrovski-Le Grand dilemma. 😏
(Damn, I gave it away.)
Mate in 8
26 Jun '05 13:00
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