THE HASTINGS CHALLENGER No. 4

SOLUTION

White to play and mate in 2

D A Smedley

3rd prize, The Problemist 1957

Key: 1.Qe3 waiting:

1…Rb2 2.Qc1 mate

1…Bb2 2.Qd2 mate

1…Ke1 2.Qg1 mate

1…Kc2 Qb3 mate

1…Rc2 2.Qg1 mate

1…Rd2 2.Qxd2 mate

1…Re2 2.Qxe2 mate

Note how in the first two variations, the black rook and bishop mutually interfere with one another’s action, allowing the mate. This R+B interference is known as a Grimshaw, named after a 19th century English composer of that name, and is one of the most famous problem themes.

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