Reciprocal continuation in three-mover

The theme involving reciprocal continuations of white moves in three-mover deeply interested me for the sheer paradox in the choice of mates with anti-dual avoidance element. The theme found its profound presentation in an article by Russian grandmaster Alexandr Kuzovkov in the magazine ‘64’ on ‘Alternation in three-move play’ with 20 odd problems with varied and bewildering strategies. The first example below by the British master made a stunning impression on me.

Robin Mathews I prize, Problemblad 1953

Mate in three moves Thematic attempts by the white king fail in the diagram: 1.Kb8? Bg3! 1.Ka7! Bf2! 1…Bb4(a) 2.KB8!(A) Bd6 3.Bxd7#, 1…Bc3(b) 2.KA7!(B) Bd4 3.Bxd7#. Key 1.Ne4! (2.Qxf7) and now for the same moves of the bishop the second moves of white alternate, and the mating move changes: 1…Bb4(a) 2.KA7!(B) Bc5 3.Na5#, 1…Bc3(b) 2.KB8!(A) Be5 3.Na5#. The alternation mechanism is clear in the first move. White removed control from the d7-square, and Bxd7 mate but White at the same time prepared mate Na5 by guarding the squares and now forces Black to interfere with BRF5.

L. Loshinsky was the first to produce the alternation of second moves with

a Roman theme. 1.Nf7? Bg3! 1.Ne6? Bf2! Try 1.Bc6? ~ 2.Rc5+ Kd4 3.Ne6 1...Bc3 (a) 2.NF7!(A) Be5 3.Nxe5#, 1...Bxb4 (b) 2.NE6!(B) Bc5 3.Rxc5#. 1...Rh5! Key 1.Bf5! (threat 2.Rc5+ Kd4 3.Ne6) 1...Bc3 (a)2.ne6!(b) Bd4 3.Rxd4#,1...bxb4(b)2.nf7!(a) Bd6 3.Nxd6#.classical Roman with overlap plus alternation of White's second moves.

Lev Loshinski

I prize, Dso-spartak 1962

Mate in three moves

Now a reciprocal change for solving

Thioa Gyok Hing

I prize, Probleemblad 1963

Mate in three moves

Solution to problem for solving in the article ‘Pavel Musharev excels;

1.Bf3? (>2.0-0-0) cxb2 2.Rd1; 1…c2 2.Nc1;1…kc2! Key 1.Na3! (>2.Rd1) Bxa3 2.0-0-0; 1…Kxd4 2.Qxd5; 1…c2 2.Nc1. Pseudo le Grand with 0-0-0 and Rd1 as thematic moves