1st Prize
13th TT Chess Composition Microweb C 15.2.2004
Nr F06
1.Qa8!
1...fxg6 2.Ke2 g5 3.Kf1 g4 4.Kg2 g3 5.Kh1 g2 6.Qa1 Rxa1#
1...fxe6 2.Kc2 e5 3.Kb1 e4 4.Ka1 e3 5.Bb1 e2 6.Qa2 Rxa2#
Good key sets up two variations with echoed strategy on either side of
the board, whilst not unpinning the bR too early (1.Qa4?). The route-marches
of bP and wK don’t add anything of strategy but work neatly enough and
are of the minimum length necessary, before neat specific unpinning forcing
moves by the wQ. Excellent economy, with the wR playing its part in forcing
the wQ to a1 in one line, and the wB forcing Qa2 in the other.
Spotlight comment by Juraj Lörinc:
It is not easy to add something new to judge's comment - if the reader knows how Mars Circe works. But if not?
So what is the definition of Mars Circe? It is a modification of Circe, in which any capture or check starts at Circe square of checking or capturing unit. In the diagram position Pf4 may make 2 moves, captures Pf4(-f7)xe6 and Pf4(-f7)xg6. On the other hand, Rd1 cannot move as this would allow Qe4 to check from d1, i.e. Rd1 is pinned by queen, and Ke1 cannot move as any its move would allow wK to capture the bK, i.e. this would be multiple self-check.
Now what is the solution about? Simply said, white holds bR pinned and marches by the king to the corner, where the mate follows specific move by wQ allowing self-unpin capture by bR. The rook in turn checks wK as it ends mating move on the square of appropriate colour. Skillfully thought up!
Mars Circe
