Good old times 8

a) 1...c8PR 2.Kxe8 PRd6#

b) 1...c8PA 2.Kxe8 PAc7#

Not exactly an example for the currently running 24th TT CCM C 10.10.2008 as there are only 2 positions here. But there can be a possibility of multiplying the content by introducing some other fairy piece.

1.g1N dxc8N 2.Ne2 Nxa4 3.Bc8 gxh8N 4.Ng7 bxc8N 5.d1N Bf4 6.Nf2 Ng6=

Andernach tourney in 1989 was dedicated to stalemate problems with normal orthodox kings in which all 8 squares next to the stalemated king are empty during the whole solution. Mutual paralysis in Madrasi allows guarding such squares. If nightriders are used, one pair can take care of two squares, therefore four pairs of mutually paralyzed nightriders are needed. To reach this aim, 5 nightrider promotions are needed.

If the previous problem have won only the third prize, what could have won the tourney? Somethig like this:

1.Ke6 2.c1Q 3.Qxc6 4.Qh1 5.c5 ... 9.c1R 10.Rc5 11.Rg5 12.Rg1 13.g5 ... 16.g2 Qxd4=

In the initial position bK is surrounded by 8 empty squares and it moves to another square with 8 empty squares around.

a) 1.b1Q 2.Qh1 3.Qxh7(Bf1) 4.Qxg8(Qd1) 5.Qd8 6.Qxb6(b2) 7.Qd8 Sfxd8=

b) 1.d1R 2.Rh1 3.Rxh7(Bf1) 4.Rxf7(Sb1) 5.Rf6 6.Rxa6(a2) 7.Ra8 Qxa8=

c) 1.f1S 2.Sh2 3.Sg4 4.Sh6 5.Sxf7(Sb1) 6.Sh6 7.Sxg8(Qd1) Bxg8=

Any single phase is nothing special, but together they form great whole.

Two of three black pawns on the second rank are blocked by reborn white pieces, captured in cycle BQ-BS-SQ, the third black pawn promotes to the capturing piece and finally is captured on its own Circe square.

1.h4 Bc8 2.h3 Ba6 3.h2 Bc8 4.h1R Ba6 5.Rh3 Bc8 6.Rxa3 Ba6 7.Rh3 Bc8 8.Rh8 Bh3 9.Rc8 Bf1 10.Rc1 Sa3#

Interesting geometry. Actually all bishop moves are tempo moves - and they are precisely determined by collisions with important Black unit - future blocker of c1.

1.Bb2+! Ka2 2.Bc3 Ka3 3.Bd2 Ka2 4.Bh6 Ka3 5.Bxf8+ Ka2 6.Ba3 Kxa3 7.Bc8 Ka2 8.Bg4 Ka3 9.Bxf3 Ka2 10.Bd1 Ka3 11.Bc2 Ka2 12.Bb1+ Ka3 13.Ba2 Kxa2 14.f4 Ka3 15.f5 Ka2 16.f6 Ka3 17.f7 Ka2 18.f8R Ka3 19.Ra8 Ka2 20.Rxa4#

Typical for Duel chess. White needs to promote pf2, but this is initially prevented by two pieces on f-file. To ensure bK does not escape, check by bishop must take place first, the bishop is then sacrificed. The other bishop eats pf3 and is sacrificed too. Rook promotion instead of queen is nice Duel extra.