Chess problem

A chess problem, formally called a chess composition, is a puzzle set by somebody using chess pieces on a chess board, presenting the solver with a particular task to be achieved. For instance, a position might be given with the instruction that white is to move first, and checkmate black in two moves against any possible defence. A person who creates such problems is known as a "composer". There is a good deal of specialised jargon used in chess problems; see chess problem terminology for a list.

Abbreviations

For reasons of space and internationality, various abbreviations are often used in chess problem journals to indicate a problem's stipulation (whether it is a mate in two, helpmate in four, or whatever). The most common are:

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• # - checkmate
• = - stalemate (occasionally p, standing for pat, the French for stalemate, is used instead)
• h - helpmate
• s - selfmate
• r - reflexmate
• ser- - series

These are combined with a number indicating how many moves the target must be achieved in. "#3", therefore, indicates a mate in three, while "ser-h=14" indicates a series-helpstalemate in 14 (Black makes 14 moves in a row, such that White can subsequently make one move to deliver stalemate).

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In studies, the symbols + and = are used to indicate "White to play and win" and "White to play and draw" respectively.

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