ICD3 - check your eyesight and calculation

Igor's Chess Doubles - ICD #3 - GM Alex Yermolinsky's mystery!

Here is the next set. I will not post the answers or solutions until after a week or so, to give readers a chance. You are welcome to post your solutions and explanations. Please don't use computer help. The best response can request a copy of my Chess Exam You vs. Fischer book (you pay only for shipping/handling). The earliest response gets a node, when similar answers are given. Use variations only as necessary. See my answers to ICD #1 as example.

I hope you like these puzzles and my Chess Exam books.

Check these pairs of positions. For each pair –

1. Determine what is different between setups (A) and (B). White is always at the bottom (a1 = bottom left corner). 1 point for each pair. Maximum of 4

2. You always have BLACK pieces, no matter Who is to move – determine if you (Black) would rather have position (A) or (B), or indifferent. Make sure you have a good reason! You get 2-10 points, depending on complexity. Adjust your score, if your reasoning wasn't 100%. Maximum of 21 for set 3.

Overall, the maximum score for set #3 is 25. How will you do? Invite your friends to compete! Enjoy!

In #1- my friend GM Alex Yermolinsky didn't like his position (Black) in the recent Pittsburgh Open. Can you tell me if his position was 1A or 1B?

	[3 points] #1 Easy {A       B} Black to Move
	[5] #2 Moderate {A       B} White to Move
	[5] #3 Moderate {A       B} Black to Move
	[9] #4 Hard {A       B} Black to Move

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Best,

Igor

Igor Khmelnitsky

Answers - will be posted in a week or so.