A task problem which illustrates how a great composer can create something
interesting from the simplest of themes.
1.Bd7 threatens 2.Se6+ Kf3 3.Bxc6 or 2...Kf5 3.Qe4. Any move of the black knight defends, giving the variations.
1...Sf6 2.Qe5+ Kxe5 3.Bd6;
1...Sf2 2.Qe3+ Kxe3 3.Bg5;;
1...Sxh6 2.Bd6+ Kg5 3.Qe7;;
1...Sh2 2.Qe4+ Kg3 3.Bh4;;
1...Se5 2.Bh4 threats 3.Qd2, Qe4, Qg3. 2...Sxd3 3.Sxd3; 2...Bf3 3.Qd2;
1...Se3 2.Qf2+ Bf3 3.Qh2; multiple mates after 2...Ke5.
The first four variations show anticipatory selfblocks by the knight. The final two variations plus the threat feature further knight selfblocks, making a total of seven knight selfblocks on different squares. The original setting did not include the pawn at b2, which the composer added to obtain an accurate mate after 1…Se5 and 2…Bf3. This suggests that a record total of selfblocks from a single knight was not his original idea.
Dafydd Johnston: The four anticipatory blocks by the black knight show excellent variety, with two fine queen sacrifices. Pity the black pawn had to be added on b2 to avoid a dual in the by-play. I prefer the original version without it.