A problem whose appeal lies in the combination of a crystal clear
logical theme with model mates.
There are two thematic tries. 1.Kd6? threat 2.Qe7 mate, is easily refuted
by 1...c4+! 1.Qxh7? threat (1...Sxg1) 2.Qg8+ Ke7 3.Sd5, is refuted by
1...Bb3! The key, 1.Qd7, threatens an echo of the previous mate,
2.Qe8+ Kg7 3.Sxh5, which is again a model mate if Black removes
the g1 knight. Black can defend by 1...Bd1, when 2.Se2
renews the threat and decoys the bishop. After 2...Bxe2 White
reverts to 3.Qxh7 and Black must defend by 3...Bc4,
blocking the pawn. 4.Kd6 threatens 5.Qe7, leaving only
4...Bf7 5.Qxh6 mate. Strategically the problem shows two classic
decoy themes where an effective defence is replaced by an ineffective
one – the Roman theme, which involves one piece (the
bishop’s good defence Bb3 is replaced by the bad defence Bc4) and
the Dresden theme, which involves two pieces (the good defence c4 is
replaced by the bad defence Bf7).
Dafydd Johnston: A recent survey of Dresden's contribution to
problem chess claimed that this is the most beautiful logical problem of
the 20th century, and I could well believe it. The decoy of the bishop,
the mirroring of the two threats, and the final surprising model mate
are all marvellous.
Peter Niehoff: One of the most beautiful combinations of Roman
and Dresden. A memorable problem.