Fairy chess comprises chess problems that differ from classical (also called orthodox) chess problems in that they are not direct mates. The term was introduced by Henry Tate in 1914 and has resisted change since then. While selfmate dates from the Middle Age, helpmate was invented by Max Lange in the late 19th century. Thomas Dawson (1889–1951), pioneer of fairy chess, invented many fairy pieces and new conditions. He was also problem editor of Fairy Chess Review (1930–51).
Pritchard, in The Encyclopedia of Chess Variants, acknowledges that the term is sometimes used for games although it is more usually applied to problems where the board, pieces or rules are changed to express an idea or theme impossible in orthochess.
Read more about Fairy Chess: Types of Fairy Chess Problems
Famous quotes containing the words fairy and/or chess:
“And in their fairy tales
The warty giant and witch
Get sealed in doorless jails
And the match-girl strikes it rich.”
—Anthony Hecht (b. 1923)
“An actress reading a part for the first time tries many ways to say the same line before she settles into the one she believes suits the character and situation best. There’s an aspect of the rehearsing actress about the girl on the verge of her teens. Playfully, she is starting to try out ways to be a grown-up person.”
—Stella Chess (20th century)