10th March 2025
Selected by Michael McDowell
Walther Jørgensen (version by Valentin Rudenko)
1st Prize, The Chess Correspondent, 1946
Mate in 3
An intensive example of its idea which required two attempts before the optimum setting was found.
1.Bf7
1…Sc2 2.Sh4 threat 3.Sf5
1…Bc2 2.Bf4 threat 3.Bxe3
1…Se2 2.Rb4 threat 3.Rxc4
1…Be2 or Sh3 2.Be1 threat 3.Bc3
1…Sf3 2.Rxd7 threat 3.Kc6; 2…Sxe5 3.Bxe5
1…Bf3 2.e6 threat 3.Be5; 2…c3 3.Rb4
1…e2 2.Bf2
1…c3 2.Rb4
The key sets up a zugzwang, leading to three pairs of mutual obstructions.
Next week's problem will appear here on Tuesday 18th March.