Solution to chess problem No. 2
The theme of this problem is based on an expansion of the "Indian theme". This theme was originated by H.A.Loveday a Chaplain of the Bengal Ecclesiastical Establishment who died early aged only 32 in 1848. It involves moving a white piece across a critical square. Another piece then moves to this square interfering with the action of the first white piece which has just moved. The result is that stalemate of black is relieved and he can now move. Mate is then delivered by white by "firing off" the battery which has just been established. This idea is usually shown in a three mover type of problem.
In the present problem black has a wider choice of moves than is often seen in Indian theme problems so white must take more time to set up the battery. In addition, the critical square must be selected based on blacks first two moves. R.Musson in The Problemist suggested the theme of the problem might be known as a "Hesitation Indian" due to the slight delay in setting up the battery and this seems fine by me!
Key move:
1.e5 axb4 2. Rb1 b3 3. Rb2 bxa2 4. Rb6 mate or
1. .... a4 2. Rc1 a3 3. Rc3 Kxe5 4. Re3 mate.
Tries involve white trying to set up the battery using a different move order thus:
1. Rb1? axb4 2.e5 b3 3. Rb2 etc but 1...a4! refutes
or
1. Rc1? a4? 2. e5 a3 3. Rc3 etc but 1... axb4 refutes.