Black interference defences

Narayanan's Problem corner

Black interference defences

When a black piece interferes with one of his own pieces then white can mate taking advantage of this interference. Every black piece is adapted to interference play, either as an interfering piece or as a piece interfered with, with the exception of the knight. The knight is the only short-range piece apart from the king which cannot be interfered with and which has the privilege of interfering with all the other chessmen. Because of this distinct quality, it is frequently used to produce the maximum number of interference variations in a two-mover. The problem below shows seven interferences by a single black knight, albeit with six different mates. Knight wheel, where knight visits all the eight sqaures, was a favourite task in the past years, a fine key.

(8+9) Mate in two moves

Key: 1.Qg4 (Threat 2.Qxd4)

1...Nc2 2.Qxg2
1…Nb3   2.Qc4
1…Nb5   2.Rc5
1…Nc6   2.Qg8
1…Ne6   2.Ndxf6
1…Nxf5 2.Qxf5
1…Nf3    2.Qe4

The differentiation in mates after interferences 1…Nc6 and 1…Ne6 is to be studied to see as to how skilfully the composer has avoided Nxf6 after 1…Nc6. The problem for solving shows mutual interference between a black bishop and black rook on a square known as GRIMSHAW interferences.Two self-block defences (discussed in the last article) thrown in round up a memorable meredith.

Mate in two moves

Solution to last article's problem 1.Ne4

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Glossary

symbol	meaning
+	Check
#	Checkmate
x	Capture
!	Good Move
!!	Excellent Move
?	Bad move
??	Blunder
!?	Interesting Move
?!	Dubious Move
1-0	White Wins
0-1	Black Wins
1/2	Draw
Twoer	Mate in Two Moves

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About the author

C.G.S.Narayanan, an international composer of repute, has been composing Chess C G S Narayanan problems for the past thirty years. He has won several awards for his compositions in International composing tourneys and he has an output of over 300 problems to his credit. He is the second Indian to win the prestigious Brian Harley Award for the best two-mover composed by a subject of British Commonwealth twice in 1977 and 1991. He has been editing THE HINDU Chess problem column from 1982 onwards, after S.K.Narasimhan. He has captained the Indian team in the World Chess Compositions Tournaments held by FIDE.

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