In memory of Brazilian composer Almiro Zarur (June 7th, 1920 – Nov 8th, 2021), a thematic tourney for helpmates is launched.
Thematic exigency: h#2, h#2.5 or h#3 presenting pins that somehow affect the solutions.
The traditional presentation of pins is accepted, but unusual ideas (see examples) are much welcome.
Set-play, multi-solutions and twins are allowed. No zeroposition. No fairy pieces / conditions.
Entries (please include FEN-codes and use K-Q-R-B-S symbols) and questions that may arise must be sent to the tournament director: Bruno Perez (Brazil) – chessideas64@gmail.com.
Closing date: March 31st, 2025.
Judge: Ricardo de Mattos Vieira (Brazil)
I
Ricardo de Mattos Vieira
SuperProblem – TT 227 – 2019
Special Honorable Mention (= 8+13 )
h#2 b) wSg3
a)
1.Bd5? 1.Se5?
1.Se7 Bxf5 (Bd5?) 2.Bd5 (Bf3?) Rxd3#
b)
1.Bf3? 1.Se7?
1.Se5 Bd5 (Bxf5?) 2.Bf3 (Bd5?) Sxf5#
Wrong choices at B1 [a) 1.Bd5? and b) 1.Bf3?] lead to undesired pin of wB.
II
Ricardo de Mattos Vieira
Jorge Lois 60 JTy – 2007
1st Prize (= 5+10 )
Direct pin of wR/wB at B1 is responsible for the correct order of the white moves.
III
Ricardo de Mattos Vieira
J. & M. Figueiredo MT – 2010 / 2011
3rd Prize (= 8+11 )
h#2 (8+11) b) bRd5-->e5
a)
1.Sd2 Bxb5 2.Sb1 Sxe6#
b)
1.Sg3 Sxe6 2.Sh1 Bxb5#
W1 shall indirectly pin the bR but an undesired anticipatory unpin at B1 forces a second move by bS to ensure the desired pin mate.
IV
Ricardo de Mattos Vieira
Orbit 2008
5th Commended (= 6+14 )
h#2 b) bBe4
a)
1.Rd4 Rcc2 2.Sg3 Bd2#
b)
1.Bd4 Rc3 2.Bf3 Sxd3#
The pin in the diagram position ensures the correct order of the black moves.
B1 is just a Grimshaw interference and the indirect unpin is illusory because the white pinner (R) moves away before the black pinned piece leaves the pin line.