Helpmate (h#): cooperative chess problems

Helpmate (h#)

Definition

A helpmate is a genre of chess composition in which both sides cooperate to reach a position where Black is checkmated. Unlike an orthodox game, Black deliberately helps White to deliver the mate. The stipulation “h# n” means “helpmate in n moves,” where a “move” consists of one move by Black followed by one move by White (i.e., n full moves). Unless otherwise stated, Black moves first.

How It Is Used in Chess

Helpmates belong to the broader field of chess problems and are published in specialized columns, books, and composing tourneys. They are not part of over-the-board competition but are judged for originality, economy, and aesthetic appeal.

Strategic and Artistic Significance

Co-operation: Because both sides work together, composers can explore patterns impossible in normal play—perfect “echo” mates, surprising under-promotions, and ideal piece placement.
Economy: Good helpmates use the fewest pieces and moves needed to express the idea (“economy of force”).
Themes: Popular themes include Zagoruiko (multiple solutions with changing mates), Turton (line clearance by a piece that later rides the line), and Berlin theme (reciprocal interferences).
Codex Recognition: Helpmates are formally recognized in the Codex of Chess Composition, giving them equal status with directmates, selfmates, and studies.

Historical Notes

The earliest known help-style problems appeared in mid-19th-century magazines, but the genre was established in the 1910s by pioneers such as Thomas Rayner Dawson and the Latvian composer Kārlis Bētiņš. Today the FIDE Album devotes entire sections to helpmates, and dedicated tourneys (e.g., The Slovak Helpmate Championship) attract composers worldwide.

Typical Notation

A published problem might read:

h#2         (3+2)
  White:  Kf2 Qd1 Bc1
  Black:  Kg6 Ne5

“(3+2)” lists material (3 white, 2 black pieces). Solvers must find all sequences in which Black, then White, twice each, reach mate.

Illustrative Examples

Example 1: Classic Echo Mate by Kārlis Bētiņš, 1905 (h#2)

Position after the diagram: White Kf1 Qh5 Bc1; Black Kg3 Ne3.
Solution:

… Ne3–g4 +
2. Bc1–f4 Qxf4#

Both solutions (there are actually two symmetrical lines) end with identical mate patterns (“echo mates”) on opposite wings, exhibiting harmony and economy.

Example 2: Two-Move Helpmate with Under-promotion, T. R. Dawson, 1923 (h#2)

After the initial position (White Ka1 Nb1; Black Kb3 Pa2 Pb2):

… b2-b1=R +
2. Nb1-d2 a2-a1=Q#

Dawson forces an elegant rook under-promotion followed by a queen promotion—impossible coordination in normal play.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

The abbreviation “h#” was coined by Dawson around 1915; he also introduced “s#” (selfmate) and “f#” (fairy helpmate).
World Champion Vladimir Kramnik once mentioned in an interview that studying helpmates improved his tactical vision by “showing how pieces want to cooperate.”
A record helpmate length currently stands at h#34.5 moves—over sixty-nine half-moves of intentional self-destruction!
Helpmates frequently feature in solving competitions; contestants must find every legal solution within a time limit, testing both accuracy and creativity.