7 FEBRUARY 1958, Page 26

Chess

By PHILIDOR No. 139. E. I. UMNOFF (`Schachmaty,' 1921)

BLACK (8 men)

WHITE (8 men) WHITE to play and mate in two moves: solution next week. Solution to last week's problem by Rietvelt: Q x P!, no threat. 1 . . . Kt (2)-K 3; 2 Q-Kt 5.

1 . Kt (2) any other; 2 R-Q 5. 1 . .. Kt (1)-K 3; 2 Q-B 6. 1 . . . Kt (1) else; 2 R-B 6. 1 . . . P-K 4;

2 B-B 8. 1 . P-K 3; 2 Q-Q 6. 1 R x R;2 B x R. 1... R-Kt 4; 2P x R. 1 ...R else; 2R-B 4. .1...B x Qch; 2 KtXB.1.. .Belse; 2Q x P. Magnificent 'correction unpin' problem: in words of J. M. Rice in the Prob/emist, 'perhaps the finest example of the theme ever composed.'