An unusual Albino. The star variation 1...d3+ 2.e4 features a selfblock allowing a
cross-check mate with self-interference. 1...Qxg5 puts the queen out of range,
allowing an interference, while the captures on d3 and f3 meet correction moves by the e5
knight. It was perhaps fortunate to win a prize, as the judges (V. de Barbieri and P. H.
Williams) were aware of the following problem by Rudolf L’Hermet.
(7b) Rudolf L’Hermet
1st Prize, New York Staats-Zeitung, 1894
Mate in 2
1.Bh6 ()
1...B random 2.e4 (Pin-model after 1...Bxc6)
1...Qg5,Qxh6 2.e3
1...Bd3 2.exd3
1...Bf3 2.exf3
1...S~ 2.Bxf4
1...Qe3 2.Bxe3
One of Westbury’s most artistic half-pins. The pair of reciprocal interferences plus
shut-offs are particularly fine. The modern composer would probably move the Bg8 to h7 and
remove f7, ignoring the dual after 1...Bg6.
5 half-pin variations from a light setting. All of the play is set, the key simply
providing a threat. Good quality for an “ordinary“ contribution. The following
month Ellerman won a prize with a version of the same matrix. Westbury’s setting is
dual-free, while some moves in Ellerman’s allow the major dual 2.Bf4.
An original half-pin, with four variations from two pawns. Each pawn by departing its
square allows two mates, which are separated by arrival effects. The white economy could be
improved by moving f2 to h3, and replacing the pawns at b2 and c2 with a BPc2 and BRc1. The
play is then completely accurate.
A half-pinner with a fine thematic key which pins the queen in preparation for the matching
bishop unpins. Note the set mate 1...c5 2.Bd5. Ellerman showed the same main
variations in the following problem, but his key is inferior, and the major dual 2.Qb3
arises after some queen moves.