Chess Puzzle

Came across the following study while doing a thrall of the net a couple of years ago. As usual in chess, as in life, it provides an opportunity to learn something if you are willing to give it serious attention. You will, I feel, as Andrew Martin states about analysis of chess studies: "notice a distinct improvement in your perception of the game if you do."

Give it a shot, but watch out for Black's stalemate attempts!
1.Rb7!!
I hope you didn't fall for 1.Rxg1? Rf8+ 2.Qxf8+ Kg6+ 3.Kg8 Rh8+ 4.Kxh8 stalemate!
1...Rf8+
Looks like all roads lead to the same conclusion, but Sileav demonstrates a beautiful concept.
2.Qxf8+ Kg6+ 3.Kg8 Rh8+ 4.Kxh8 Qh1+
Black is aiming for the stalemate manoeuvre.
5.Qh6+!!


What a move.
5...Qxh6+ 6.Kg8 1-0


The final position - Black has no moves. The threat of Rb6 mate is crushing.

Well what did you think? Is that not a brilliant concept presented with the minimum of material.

And now just to be honest here is the link to the original article by IM Andrew Martin.

Ireland's greatest composer?

Robert Pye must have the distinction of being Ireland’s most prolific study composer. Though sadly I have little information on the man, my research has shown that he has composed at least 19 studies. Some may be familiar with his series on “STUDIES” in the ICJ in 1991. In one article Robert stated that “A composed study is thus an attempt to express a particular idea in the most economical way”. For your enjoyment I present below seven of his studies.





After playing through the above selection you have to agree that based on his own criteria Robert has certainly achieved his aim. The mind boggles at the effort required to compose these studies.

If anyone has more information on Robert Pye please contact me.