Mate in 4 [Composition]
Sort:
@K_Simonson You got one of the lines 
But what if black replies another way? (there's 3 possible replies to your first move)
It's a good problem! From a technical viewpoint you could remove Pa5 and Ph2. It's different for a "white win" endgame but in a #4 challenge there is no virtue in giving black material superiority. It only makes white's task easier as he knows he must place a threat before blacks promotion piece interferes.
Edit: Setting up your challenge efficiently as suggested in the preceding paragraph also opens the door to new options. Below is an even more efficient version with a few thematic "tries". Do you see them and why they don't work?
I just noticed I commented on some of your previous compositions as well. You might feel I am a litlle over-critical but I actually comment because I think your problems show nice ideas. It takes practice to raise a composition to a top level and it is not unusual for one composer to improve on the ideas of another. Often these "versions" are republished as a joint contribution by both composers. The last diagram is worth being remembered by future generations of problemists.
This is very nice. How would it play out as a study?
That would be hard with the overwhelming presence of Pe7. We'd have to go back to the original position of the OP and tweak it until we find something interesting. He was actually in 2 minds about deciding it was an endgame or a direct mate problem. You can't do both at the same time though there are some exceptions. In my version you can't even begin to think about adding a black pawn on h2 since 1. Nxa6! would win straight away.
A very nice sacrificial problem by the lot of you!
Thnx! The OP didn't report back but this is over 50% his achievement!
Arisktotle wrote:
I just noticed I commented on some of your previous compositions as well. You might feel I am a litlle over-critical but I actually comment because I think your problems show nice ideas. It takes practice to raise a composition to a top level and it is not unusual for one composer to improve on the ideas of another. Often these "versions" are republished as a joint contribution by both composers. The last diagram is worth being remembered by future generations of problemists.
I'm actually extremely happy with your contributions, I should've probably replied something. I see your name a lot in the forums and I quite respect your opinion on the topic of puzzles, so I can assure you I only feel encouraged when you post some new tips and stuff.
The reason I posted most of these compositions on this site here in the first time is because I like hearing some feedback from you and other people anyway, cause I share most of my puzzles with just my friends.
Anyway, thanks for all the feedback here in official message! I'll hopefully keep improving and sharing. I'd love to make some real gems someday, where everything just seemingly falls into place, but for now I'd just like to think I'm making some decent progress on certain areas
I'm back again with another attempt at creating a puzzle.
A little simpler this time.
White to play and mate in 4.
As always, feedback's appreciated.
Hope you enjoy solving!