When two Grandmasters of Composition join forces, interesting content is
guaranteed. This four-mover features two well-matched variations.
Two king moves threaten immediate mates and induce mutual
obstructions on c4 between the black knight and pawn, but
Black has new second move defences which prove adequate.
Try 1.Kg2? (threat 2.e3) 1...Sc4 2.Kh3 (threat 3.Sd3)
2...Sxe5!
Try 1.Kh3? (threat 2.Sd3) 1...c4 2.Kg2 (threat 3.e3)
2...Qc5! (1...Qa6 2.Bxh8).
White’s key induces defences which create weaknesses
which allow White to exploit the defects in the new defences
to the king manoeuvers.
1.Rf7 (threat 2.fxe6 mate);
1...Rf8 2.Kg2 (threat 3.e3) Sc4 3.Kh3 (threat 4.Sd3) Sxe5
4.Bxh6;
1...exf5 2. Kh3 (threat 3.Sd3) 2...c4 3.Kg2 (threat 4.e3)
3...Qc5 4.Rfxf5.
Dafydd Johnston: To get the most out of this problem
the solver must follow the logic of the solution, trying
first the two king manoeuvres to g2/h3, noticing that each
is defeated by a move to c4, before hitting on the foreplan
which forces Black to weaken one of those defences, either
by an overload or a self-block. Not difficult solving, but
elegant logic.
Jacob Hoover: A very clever problem.