Problem - Chess problems and compositions

Problem

Definition

In chess, a “Problem” (often called a chess composition) is an intentionally constructed position with a specific stipulation, such as “White to move and mate in 2,” “Helpmate in 3,” or “White to play and draw.” Unlike standard over-the-board games, a chess problem emphasizes artistic ideas, economy of force, and thematic clarity. Its solution is unique, elegant, and typically showcases motifs that are instructive for calculation, pattern recognition, and creativity.

Usage in Chess

Chess problems are used to develop tactical vision, calculation depth, and imagination. Solvers look for the “key move” (the first correct move) and explore thematic variations (“try moves,” “set play,” and “post-key play”). Composers (“problemists”) adhere to conventions like economy (using the fewest pieces to express an idea) and soundness (no “cooks” or unintended solutions). In annotations, commentators sometimes describe spectacular or unusual over-the-board moves as “problem-like” or “study-like” when they resemble ideas from composed positions.

Strategic and Historical Significance

Since the 19th century, chess problems have evolved into a sophisticated art form with schools of composition (e.g., the Bohemian school’s model mates). Legendary figures such as Sam Loyd, Leonid Kubbel, Henri Rinck, Troitzky, and Richard Réti shaped the field. Today, composition is governed by the World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC), which runs composing and solving championships. Many endgame concepts widely taught to tournament players originated in composed studies and later influenced practical chess understanding (e.g., zugzwang, stalemate tricks, and fortress ideas).

Core Types and Key Terms

Directmates: “Mate in n” problems where White forces mate against best defense, often in two or three moves. See also: Mate in n, Key, Try, Set play.
Helpmates: Black cooperates to get mated by White on White’s final move (e.g., “Helpmate in 2”). See: Helpmate.
Selfmates: White forces Black to deliver mate to White’s king, despite Black’s attempts to avoid doing so. See: Selfmate.
Seriesmovers: One side makes a series of moves without reply (e.g., “Serieshelpmate”) before the final mating move. See: Seriesmover, Serieshelpmate.
Endgame studies: Artistic endgames where the stipulation is usually “White to play and win” or “draw,” highlighting precise technique and paradoxical resources. See: Endgame study.
Retrograde analysis: Problems that require deducing prior moves to resolve questions like legality, side to move, or en passant rights. See: Retrograde analysis, Proof game, Illegal position.

Common problem-theory terms include: Cook (unintended extra solution), Dual (multiple continuations of equal value at a key point), Sound/Unsound, Economy, Theme (e.g., Bristol, Grimshaw, Novotny, Lacny, Plachutta), and many mating patterns (e.g., Model mate, Echo, Switchback, Allumwandlung/AUW).

Examples

Example A — Classic study (Réti’s idea, “study-like draw”): White to move draws by combining king pursuit of a pawn with simultaneous support of promotion.

Position (White: Kh8, Pc6; Black: Ka6, Ph5; White to move):

Key idea: 1. Kg7! h4 2. c7 Kb7 3. Kf6! and White simultaneously approaches the c-pawn’s promotion square and chases the h-pawn—an iconic demonstration of geometric king maneuvering.
Themes involved: resourcefulness, dual-purpose king moves, tempo control, and promotion races from Endgame study lore.

Example B — Directmate “mate in 2” (conceptual sketch): Many classic two-movers revolve around a quiet key move that creates a web of threats, with defensive variations neatly answered by model mates. For instance, a typical stipulation would read “White to move and mate in 2,” and the composer arranges:

A quiet key move (no check, no capture) that threatens multiple mating nets.
Beautiful geometric responses to each Black defense (e.g., Grimshaw or Novotny interferences).
Economy of force: only the pieces that contribute to the idea appear on the board.

While these positions are composed rather than played, “problem-like” finishes do occur in practical chess—for example, the spectacular queen sacrifice and mating net in Kasparov vs. Topalov, Wijk aan Zee, 1999, is frequently praised for its “study-like” beauty.

How Players Benefit

Calculation and visualization: Problems demand accurate move trees, improving concrete analysis for OTB play.
Tactical pattern fluency: Frequent exposure to themes like Pin, Skewer, Fork, Discovered attack, Zugzwang, and stalemate ideas boosts “tactic spotting.”
Creativity and resourcefulness: Unusual problem motifs inspire practical “swindling chances” and imaginative defense.
Endgame technique: Studies reinforce key winning and drawing methods (e.g., Building a bridge, fortress play, and promotion tricks like underpromotion).

Interesting Facts and Anecdotes

Sam Loyd’s compositions popularized elegant “try” moves that almost work, highlighting the true key’s subtlety.
The Babson task (requiring reciprocal underpromotions to all four pieces) long eluded composers; Leonid Yarosh’s 1983 rendering is a landmark. See: Babson task, Underpromotion.
Allumwandlung (AUW) features a single side promoting to all four different pieces within the solution. See: AUW.
Many newspapers historically featured a daily “chess problem,” seeding widespread interest long before online Puzzle culture.
Composing and solving have dedicated titles and events, with specialist communities of Chess composers, Problemists, and Solvers.

Common Stipulations and Labels

“Mate in n” (directmate): White to move and force checkmate in the specified number of moves.
Helpmate in n: Black cooperates; White gives mate on White’s nth move. See: Helpmate.
Selfmate in n: White compels Black to give mate to White’s king. See: Selfmate.
Study: “White to play and win/draw” (endgame-focused). See: Endgame study.
Retro: Determine legality, last move, side to move, or enable an en passant claim. See: Retrograde analysis, Proof game.

Quality and Correctness

Soundness: Exactly one solution path (no Cooks) and no unintended equivalent branches (Duals), unless theme-specific.
Economy and purity: Minimal pieces to convey the idea; preference for clean, thematic mates (e.g., Model mate or Echo).
Originality and theme: New uses of interference, sacrifice, clearance, and line-opening ideas (e.g., Bristol, Plachutta, Grimshaw, Novotny).

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Last updated 2025-10-27