Selection from award of Martin-Zilina 1998-1999 - s#2-3

1...Ke6, Kg6 2.Qg4+, f5+

1.Rh7? zz,
1...Ke6, Kg6 2.f5+, Qe4+
1...bxc3!

1.Rcd3! zz,
1...Ke6, Kg6 2.Qe4+, Qg4+

For the first time Rice cycle in selfmate. Motivation is selfmate-typical, it reaches its top in solution. Excellent construction, interesting and original mechanism worked out by a master leaves strong artistical impression.

1.Rxg5? A th. 2.Rgxd5 C
1...Kf4! a

1.Rg3? B zz,
1...g4 b 2.Rxd5 C
1...Kd4 2.Rg4+
1...Kxf5!

1.Rfxd5! C th. 2.Bxg5
1...Kf4 a 2.Rxg5 A
1...g4 b 2.Rg3 B

Highly esthetical complex of modern themes - changes of functions of both white and black moves in three phases constituing original cycle. Combination of Urania, Salazar and Vladimirov themes is shown with master touch.

a) 1.h8Q! d3 2.Qd4 d2 3.Qxa7+ Bxa7#

b) 1.h8R! b5 2.Rh4 b4 3.Rxb4! B~#

c) 1.h8B! f4 2.Bd4 f3 3.f3 Bf2 Bxf2#

d) 1.h8S! f5 2.Sg6 f4 3.Sxf4 B~#

Splendidly executed twins with AUW at h8, esthetically coloured by other three corners - wK, bK and mating piece. The hero is in the unit of bp, not only making 8 moves, but also differentiating promotions. The ode to black pawn in 4 acts has premiere. Excellently shown witty idea.

1.Qd2! th 2.Re3+ Rxe3 3.Qc3+ Rxc3#
1...Rg4 2.Sg6+ Kxe6 3.Qd6+ Qxd6#
1...Rxg5 2.Sc6+ Ke4+ 3.Qd5+ Rxd5#
(1...Bc2 2.Rf5+ Bxf5 3.Qc3+ Rxc3#)

Unusual black indirect battery after rook defences creates royal batteries that are used by white by ingenious interference of own lines.