Composition.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

I opened this topic where everyone is welcome to publish their own composed problem.

Though I achieved recently FMJD grandmaster norm in composition (10x10), I composed only few problems in English Draughts. Somehow board geometry and games rules in English draughts are restrictive and don't give alot of chances to compose position which meets all criterias (see RI rules on FMJD site and latest changes by CPI).

Shortly, the major requirements to composition are:

1) Economic material: no extra white or red pieces allow.
2) Economic solution: no duals or alternative play allow.
3) Clear economic final position - no extra pieces in final position.

Here are two my problems which I composed back to 2004. There were few more problems, but I didn't record them.

#1. White to move and win.

A. Moiseyev, 2004

#2. White to move and win.

A. Moiseyev, EDA Journal, 9-2003

[tommyc]

No1 is a nice simple problem,can be sight solved in 3-4 mins,but has a certain amount of educational properties.What one might call a building bricks problem.Will have a look at no2 after.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

No1 is a nice simple problem

Thanks, Tommy ! Here is another one with three clear variations. I hope you and others like it too.

#3. White to move and win.

A. Moiseyev, ACF forum, 9-30-2010

[tommyc]

I found no2 a little more difficult as its not a building bricks type but more of a looking far enough ahead to get the starred** first white move kind of one,least it is to me.

[Bill Salot]

Alex, your above 3 compositions are excellent. I presume a number of players have solved and appreciated them. Your problems set such a high standard that other potential composers may be too intimidated to post one of their own compositions here. Those who have been unable, or have not attempted, to solve them are missing a treat and deserve to be shown the solutions. I get as much enjoyment out of being shown problem solutions as I do from solving problems. With that in mind, I offer my solutions to your #1, #2, and #3. Please correct me if I missed anything:

#1: *14 9, 5-14A, *10 6, 1-19, 3 26, 32-28, *31 27, 28-32, *27 24, 19-28, *26 23, WW
A-7-14, *31 27, 32-23, *15 10, WW

#2:*7 11, 27-31A,B, *32 28 (not 11 15, *23-27, *32 23, Draws), 31-27, *11 15, 27-24, *16 20, 23-27, *15 11, either trade, *11 16, WW
A-27-24, *16 20, 24-27, *11 15, 19-24, *15 19, 23-16, *32-23, WW
B-19-24, *32 28, 23-18, 28 19, 27-24, *19 15, WW

#3: (Did you get the inspiration for this from the recently discussed C. M. Wilder problem?)*14 18, 19-24A, *23 27, 12-19B, 27 20, 26-31, *18 23, 19-26, *20 24, WW
A-26-31, *18 15, 19-26, *15 19,WW
B-24-31, *18 15, WW

While I consider myself a checker problem composer, I don't expect to produce settings as clever as yours. However I will not be intimidated. Here is one I composed earlier this year:

White to play and win

Would the first person to solve it please post the solution?
Bill Salot

[Alex_Moiseyev]

#3: (Did you get the inspiration for this from the recently discussed C. M. Wilder problem?)

Yes, I did ! This idea immediately came to my head when I tried to solve YOUR problem.

The way you recorded solution of my problems is absolutely correct and perfect. I am very impressed. You have very good composer abilities and skills.

Concerning your last problem ... it is a very good one and I am still trying to solve it It is absolutely "comparable" with my problems and has it's own points. Every composer has his/her own unique style and nothing wrong with this.

You definetely have all skills and MUST continue composing problems - checkers badly needs any form of activity and enthusiats. Maybe its your niche and way to say a word to checkers community.

NOTE. When you sign the problem, you have to specify your name, date and source of publlication (ACF forum). This is imporant for your record and future re-publication and references to your problem.

Regards,

Alex

[Bill Salot]

Alex Moiseyev wrote:

"NOTE. When you sign the problem, you have to specify your name, date and source of publlication (ACF forum). This is imporant for your record and future re-publication and references to your problem."

Sorry, I'm still learning. The above 10 x 10 setting was published in the June 2010 Missouri Checker Association Newsletter and was captioned "Look, Ma, No Kings". I could say it arose in a game, but you wouldn't believe me. If you are still trying to solve it, don't peek at the published solution or you will be disqualified.

Bill Salot

[Jay H]

Sorry, I'm still learning.
Bill Salot

HAHAHAHA!!!!
Bill, you may as well give it up...if you have not learned it in 60+ years...it ain't gonna happen..!LOLOL!!!


Jay H

Perhaps you could call on some of your buddies from the Mt. Sterling Fire Department for some guidence on how to post a problem.....???

[liam stephens]

Not only is Bill a fine problem composer, he also organised and ran the International Problem Contests that were published in the ACF Bulletin in the 1970's.
Here is my solution to Bill's problem above:
28-24, 19-28, 23-18, 12-19, 20-16, 3-12, 10-6, 1-10,26-23,19-26, 5-1, 12-19, 11-8, 4-11 A, 18-15, 11-18, 1-5, 2-11, 5-32 W. W.

A = 2-11, 18-15, 11-18, 1-5, 4-11, 5-32 W. W.

Nice one Bill !

[Jay H]

Not only is Bill a fine problem composer, he also organised and ran the International Problem Contests that were published in the ACF Bulletin in the 1970's.

And WOW !!! What a finish !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alex_Moiseyev]

28-24, 19-28, 23-18, 12-19, 20-16, 3-12, 10-6, 1-10,26-23,19-26, 5-1, 12-19, 11-8, 4-11 A, 18-15, 11-18, 1-5, 2-11, 5-32 W. W.

A = 2-11, 18-15, 11-18, 1-5, 4-11, 5-32 W. W.

Yeah, I missed this maneur, 20-16 to get a new tempo on board! Beautiful. Another technical thing I like here very much - an EXACT order of white moves without duals. I know - it is not easy to get such level of clearance in positions like this.

Thanks, Bill !

Alex

[liam stephens]

Alex's Problem No 2 above also appeared as the cover problem in the English Draughts Association Journal for September 2003.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Dr. Richard Beckwith, WCDF Vice-President, recenthly returned back to USA from Netherland where he participated in FMJD Generall Assembly. When I met Ricahrd on May 14 in Cleveland, he passed to me a Composition (Problematic) International Grandmaster Diploma from FMJD signed by FMJD President Mr. Otten. I did receive this respectable title as result of some composition accomplishments in the past several years starting 2007.

Here is a scan of diploma ...