OzProblems

Australian Chess Problem Composition

Welcome to OzProblems.com, a site all about chess problems in Australia and around the world! Whether you are new to chess compositions or an experienced solver, we have something for you. Our aim is to promote the enjoyment of chess problems, which are at once interesting puzzles and the most artistic form of chess.

Problem of the Week


735. Robert Gray
Sunday Mail 1943

An in-depth introduction to the art of chess composition, examining various problem types and themes.

Prominent Australian problemists write about their involvement in the contemporary problem scene, and present some of their best compositions.

A comprehensive collection of Australian chess problem materials, including e-books, articles, magazines and columns (all free downloads).

A chess problem blog by Peter Wong, covering a range of subjects. The main page provides a topic index.

See latest post below, followed by links to other recent entries. 

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Walkabout

An “extraordinary” moment in Gukesh-Ding WCC Game 13 and knight-switching proof games


18 Dec. 2024

During Game 13 of the World Championship match between Gukesh and Ding, I was watching the livestream on Chess24 where the commentators (both terrific) were GM Peter Leko and GM Daniel (Danya) Naroditsky. When Gukesh played 15.Sh5 (see diagram below), an eagle-eyed Leko pointed out that this knight on the right-edge came all the way from b1 while the knight standing on c3 originated from g1. The two commentators were amused as well as amazed by such an unusual occurrence, with Leko calling it “extraordinary” and Danya saying his mind is blown. As a problemist I was reminded of certain proof game compositions where two equivalent pieces must paradoxically switch places, to attain a position as quickly as possible. Then to my surprise Danya expressed a similar thought.