During this year we have paid tribute to Finnish problemists, who were born in 1916, 100 years ago. Now it is time to remember Jan Hannelius. He was born on December 7, 1916 and passed away in 2005. Hannelius started composing in early 1930s and remained active until his death, scoring 47 FIDE Album points and richly deserving the title of an International Master of Chess Composition. He was best known and most interested in orthodox mates in two or three moves. The Hannelius theme is named after him. In addition to his compositions, he became widely known as a long-time president of PCCC. See pp. 173–176 for a small article on Hannelius with nine selected compositions. On the next page we have the announcement of three composing competitions in honour of Hannelius, Kaila and Ojanen. Please reprint!
We are glad to pay attention to three active Finnish problemists because of their significant birthdays. Kauko Virtanen celebrates his 85th birthday on Christmas day of this year, see pp. 177–179 for an article by Henry Tanner. Grandmaster in composing, Unto Heinonen, turns 70 on the same day, see p. 181. Still going strong as ever, Unto continues to amaze with his ideas! Kenneth Solja turns 60 on January 9, see pp. 179–180 for an article by Henry Tanner. Kenneth Solja 60 JT is announced on the next page.
Our society´s annual meeting of 2017 takes place on February 25 and the invitation is on p. 172. On the same day we have the Finnish Championship in Solving. For an invitation in English, please navigate to WFCC website, as the competition is a part of the Solving World Cup. Further on p. 172 we have Paha Pähkinä, a Tough Nut to Crack, selected by Neal Turner.
The awards of helpmates in 2–3 moves published in Tehtäväniekka during 2013–2014, are on pp. 182–184, many thanks to judge Živko Janevski! Warm thanks also to Sebastien Luce for his award on fairies published in 2015, see pp. 185–190.
The autumn meeting of our society took place on November 5–6 and attracted 12 participants, see pp. 190–191. The program included composing, lectures, discussions and solving. The spring meeting of 2017 will take place on April 8–9.
On p. 194 we have two additions to the helpmates award published in the previous issue, because two special commendations had been accidentally left out. On the next page Joose Norri notes predecessors and related compositions to two selfmates by Antti G. Ojanen showing the same idea, published in TN 3/2016. Nine recent successes of Finnish composers, collected by Neal Turner, are on pp. 196–198.
See pp. 199–209 for this most enjoyable treatise by Kari Valtonen on White to play -problems. For our foreign readers, please note the 33 examples, which do not require knowledge of Finnish.
The originals columns start on p. 210 and include a change in the studies department.Luckily we have Antti Parkkinen as Pauli´s successor. Many thanks to Pauli and best wishes for Antti!
Thank you, dear readers, for the year 2016! The next issue is due to appear in March 2017.
Published 14th December 2016