The cover problem is by Carl-Erik Spåre, who sadly passed away in the
beginning of February. He was known especially as a helpmate composer. Original
ideas and elegant positions were typical of his composing style. In addition
to the cover problem, see p. 76 for an obituary with three more problems. The
solution of the cover problem is on p. 73 – but please do try first to
solve it without help.
The first pages of this issue deal with the annual meeting of the Finnish Problem
Chess Society. The annual report on finances and other activities are available
on pp. 44–47. Before the annual meeting the Finnish Championship in solving
took place. The report, results, problems and solutions are on pp. 48–49.
It was a pleasure to host foreign solvers from Estonia and Latvia.
The ECSC in Sunningdale took place in April and was a pleasant experience. The
program consisted mainly of solving competitions, but there was time for discussions,
meeting old friends and making new ones. The Finnish success in competitions
was moderate, as was perhaps to be expected. The report, problems & solutions
and results are on pp. 51–59.
The award of Raimo Sailas 60 JT is on the following page. Helpmates in three
were called for and well known composers were once again successful. On p. 61
we note the 50th anniversary of our editor-in-chief. There are plenty of dedication
problems on the following two pages and a few also in the originals columns.
Many thanks for each and every dedication!
The ST fairy and retro award for 1999 is on pp. 64–67. The award was delayed
due to various reasons, but better late than never!
Kenneth Solja has studied some incorrect helpmates found from the PDB and made
corrections, see pp. 68–71.
The results of this year´s ISC, International Solving Competition, are
finally available. The reasons for the delay are not known to us, but luckily
the situation is now OK. The complete results are on the PCCC website and top
results & Finnish solvers on p. 71.
Two Finnish problemists have recently celebrated their anniversaries: Aulis
Laiho turned 60 and Leo Lahdenmäki 70. Laiho is presented with his FIDE-album
problem and for Lahdenmäki there are two dedication problems on p. 72.
On the following pages we have composing competition announcements and other
short notices. Paha Pähkinä, A Tough Nut to Crack, is on p. 75., and
may offer an interesting solving experience.
The originals columns start on p. 77 and offer a wide range of problems from
orthodox mates to fairies, spiced with composing competition announcements etc.
We appreciate your contributions and so do our solvers and readers! Send your
efforts to our original problems editors, contact information in respective
columns.
The next ST is due to appear in summer.
Published 14th May 2010