Recently the award from the 2020 The Problemist came in and one of my problems took the top spot. It was an exhilarating feeling to see my artwork honored in such a way. The judge said it was a perfect example of the Zagoruiko theme which is 3 different mate changes for 2 defenses. Below is the problem.
1.Qc1? (>2.Qf4)
but 1…e5!
1.Qc3? (-)
1…e5 2.Qd3
1…R~ 2.Q(x)e3
1…Re1 2.Qxe1
but 1…Sf3!
At this point it is clear that 1…e5 and 1…Sf3 are the two thematic defenses, in fact there is a set mate for every move except. All of the first moves now do something about these defenses.
1.Sb4? (-)
1…e5 2.Bd5
1…Sf3 2.Bd3
1…cxb4 2.Qd4
1…R~ 2.R(x)e3
1…Re1 2.Qxe1
1…S~ 2.f3
but 1…b2!
1.Qh8? (-)
1…e5 2.Qa8
1…Sf3 2.Sc3
1…R~ 2.R(x)e3
1…S~ 2.f3
but 1.Re1!
1.Rg3! (-)
1…e5 2.Sc3
1…Sf3 2.Rg4
1…R~ 2.R(x)e3
1…Re1 2.Qxe1
1…S~ 2.f3
The problem shows anti-critical play with the wS mating on c3 after different self-blocks. There is also Black correction. There are also changes after the initial try 1.Qc3? 1…e5 2.Qd3; 1…Re3 2.Qxe3. A mirrored bK in a light and pleasing setting. Interestingly, I’m still on the fence on whether I should have used the following version which swaps the try 1.Sb4? with the key 1.Rg3! The editor, a grandmaster of composition, said that he prefers Rg3! as the key because it is harder to spot. However, Sb4 has more play and better use of the wQ, so it’s somewhat of a toss up. In any case this was one of those magical compositions that gave me a special feeling when it came together.
