Originals from Pat a Mat 25 - second part

Comment on original for solving:
Helpmates and selfmates are today by Slovak authors. 404 has theme that is very easy to spot, ...

Solution:
a) 1.Kf4 Sxd4 2.Df5 e3#
b) 1.d2 e3 2.d3 e4#
c) 1.Kf6 e4 2.Se7 Sxd4#

Cycle of white moves with model mates without deeper motivation. (JL) Cycle of white moves in h#2 - it isn't unusual today, but to have two moves by the same piece - it is not su usual (Bohus Moravcik). Smart moving of black pawn in twins, but it is too little for such distinguished composer. (Jozef Lozek)

Comment on original for solving:
... 405 is a little trap for solvers.

Solution:
a) 1.Kd8 O-O 2.Ve8 Vb1 3.Ve7 Vb8#
b) 1.O-O Vf1 2.Kh8 Vf5 3.Vg8 Vh5#

Little retroanalysis shows that in b) white cannot castle. Model mates (JL) Short castlings are unifiying elements of noth phases. Otherwise simple helpmate too (Jozef Lozek).

Comment on original for solving:
406 plays with letters, ...

Solution:
1.d4? A g6 2.a5 B, 1...a5! a
1.a5? B g6 2.d4 A, 1...d4! b
(1.g6? a5 2.Db3, 1...d4!)
1.Sxg7! t., 1...a, b 2.A, B

Theme Vladimirov (author). Very schematically composed problem, I'd say "neo-non-strategical". (JL) A few combined cycles of moves or squares, it depends on point of view. (Bohus Moravcik)

Comment on original for solving:
... while 407 and ...

Solution:
1.Dc2! th. 2.Dxc3+ Jxc3#
1...Sd7~ 2.Jd2+ Jxd2 3.Jxa3+ Vxa3#
1...c6 2.Vd4+ cxd4 3.Jd6+ Sxd6#
1...Jd2 2.g8D+ Se6 3.Jxa3+ Vxa3#

Triple unpin of Jb4. (JL) Unifying elements of variations lies in removing obstruction that prevents execution of 3rd move, while first of them is removed by defence. (BM)

Comment on original for solving:
... 408 have more strategical ambitions.

Solution:
1.Df2! th. 2.Jxe6+ Sxe6 3.Vxf5+ Sxf5#
1...c3 2.Jd3+ Ke4 3.Jc5+ Kf4 4.Dd2+ cxd2# (2.Jg6+? hxg6 3.Dd2+ Kg4!)
1...d4 2.Jg6+ Kg4 3.Jf4+ Kxf4 4.Dxd4+ Sxd4# (2...hxg6 3.Dxd4+ Sxd4#, 2.Jd3+? Ke4 3.Jc5+ Kd5!)

Theme of last WCCT is the basic idea - black defends by unpin of Je5, but this defence motive is exactly the error. White play doesn't contain only dual avoidance on 2nd move, but also more motives determining moves of white knight. Very interesting selfmate. (JL)