Adapted from Peter Gyarmati's article in Magyar Sakkvilág, March 2005
On the occasion of his 75th birthday, Grandmaster Pal Benko organized an endgame tourney.
Referees' Report of "Benko 75"
We received 78 submissions. The tournament director Peter Gyarmati was of great assistance in identifying duals and anticipations.
We discarded approximately 25 problems that seem to have been inspired by database search. Nevertheless we kept two of this type, because we found that the introductory play enriched them.
Unfortunately, with regard to the use of databases, endgame composition is currently at a crossroads. Our preference is for original, creative human compositions. Perhaps machine-based works should be judged in their own separate tourneys.
The winning entries are listed below. Click on each entry to see the details. A PGN file containing the winning entries is also available.
Prizes
1. Y. Akobia - D. Gurgenidze
Following the rook-bishop duel, a surprising position arises where white can survive in spite of being a rook down, but even here precise defense is required. The crude initial move is a pity.
2. B. Jones - R. Brieger
Following an overly complicated introductory play and exchanges (the a4 bishop is a promoted piece) a delicate pawn ending with mutual zugzwang arises, where the mobile g-pawn actually handicaps the oppositions.
3. O. Pervakov - S.N. Tkachenko
This clean and economical work includes a positional draw along with an unusual way to arrive a stalemate.
4. N. Rjabinin
Not spectacular, but starting from a practical, game-like position it features several deep moves that require foresight.
Honorable Mentions
1. S. Didukh
Stalemate sequence creation, including a complete knight wheel.
2. R. Martsvalashvili - V. Kalandadze
An orgy of queen sacrifices, but the position seems familiar.
3. H. van der Heijden - N. Kralin
The thematic try deserves attention, but it is based on familiar motifs. In essence, it is a mate in 10.
4. R. Becker
Fine for play which neatly corresponds to the database position.
Commendations, Without Order
J. Bazlov, V. Bunka, J. Csengeri, G. Slepian
Judges: Pal Benko and Andrew Kalotay
Anticipations
Iuri Akobia anticipated the following studies:
1-2.p Y.Afek, 1.hm A.Botokanov, 3.hm S.N.Tkachenko.
The judges eliminated these studies.