Original Problems (78)

No.137 Julia Vysotska
A very interesting and difficult idea – white forms anti-batteries Lion/Leo and simultaneously it blocks the neutral piece which gives mate! This ambitious problem is implemented in a very light and elegant Meredith-position. The long maneuvers of neutral figures are also very beautiful. Bravo, Julia!
But here I put such a question: is it possible to extend the play, for example – to a HS#4 (or even more moves!) adding one white half-move in the initial setting? It is only an idea of course. Such addition would be acceptable only if the added new half-move has some thematic value (block, line-opening or line-closing, etc). However, the mechanical, non-thematic extension of the play is a big weakness. I do not advise younger colleagues to do so!
Another idea here would be the following: we change the initial setting so that the first black move is a promotion in neutral R (and neutral B respectively). These promoted pieces execute our already well known maneuvers. In theoretical aspect, such a modification of the initial scheme allows to achieve model mates (for example – with twins – a) black Sh6; b) Black Sh5). How viable would be these options?
In conclusion I want to emphasize – Julia has found a very interesting circuit, but it is so rich that here are possible a lot of new variations.
And one more note regarding this problem – in HS# genre, as a general trend, the mating moves with blocked neutral pieces are rare. I would say, that such blocks can be a separate topic with great opportunities.