György Páros
György Páros (1910 – 1975) was one of the most important figures in the
history of the helpmate, and here presents two well-matched solutions.
1.Rg2 Re6 2.Kc4 c3 3.Bc5 Re3 and
1.Bg2 Be6 2.Kxc6 c4 3.Rc5 Bc8
The solutions show three pairs of reciprocal interferences between rooks and bishops, with the pawn-one-two
adding to the unity. The only small artistic flaw is that 3.Bc5? fails in the second solution solely because
it continues to guard the line of the mating check, whereas 3.Rc5? in the first solution is not a
realistic possibility since the rook is required to block b5.
Richard Stein: One can see why this won first prize: two Grimshaws on g2 and c5, the latter a self-block
besides, the two-way battery on e6, and alternate single or double steps by the white pawn. Carefully selected
ingredients go into the brew and you have a magic spell.