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What is bstephen.me.uk?

bstephen.me.uk is a personal website focused on chess composition — the art of creating chess problems and studies rather than playing competitive games. Its best-known feature is the Meson Chess Problem database, a searchable collection of composed problems and endgame studies.

What you'll find

• Chess problems: composed positions with a stipulated task, such as "mate in two" or "mate in three", where the solver must find the unique solution.
• Endgame studies: composed endgames where a precise sequence of moves achieves a win or draw against best defence.
• The Meson database: a query tool for locating problems by composer, stipulation, material or theme, useful for research and study.

Who it suits

The site is aimed at problemists, solvers, chess historians and composers who want to look up existing works, check whether a theme has been used before, or explore the conventions of the genre. Casual players may find it specialised, since composed problems often prioritise economy, originality and thematic depth over practical playability.

Because it is a niche reference resource rather than a commercial service, expect a text- and diagram-oriented presentation and material organised for lookup rather than instruction.

What is the Meson Chess Problem database?

The Meson Chess Problem database is a specialised reference collection of composed chess problems, hosted at bstephen.me.uk. Rather than covering played games or opening theory, it focuses on compositions: positions built by problemists to demonstrate a particular idea, often with a forced solution and a stipulated number of moves.

Who it is for

• Problemists and composers checking whether an idea has already been shown, and in what form.
• Solvers looking for problems by theme, composer, or source publication.
• Chess historians and researchers tracing publication details, dedications, and awards.

What such a database typically offers

• Search or browse access by composer name, theme or motif, and original source.
• Records for individual problems, usually with the diagram, solution, and provenance.
• Coverage extending to endgame studies, where the aim is a win or draw rather than a mate.

Trade-offs

The value lies in depth and precision within a narrow field. A general chess site is easier for casual players, but it will not index problem themes or award records. Conversely, a composition database assumes some familiarity with problem terminology, and its entries may be terse unless you already know what you are looking for. It is best treated as a scholarly catalogue rather than a tutorial.

How can I search for chess problems in the Meson database?

The Meson Chess Problem database on bstephen.me.uk is a specialist resource for composed chess problems rather than for game records or opening theory. Searches typically revolve around the conventions used in problem chess, so it helps to know the terminology before you start.

Useful ways to narrow a search

• By composer: problemists are usually indexed by surname, which is the most direct route if you already know whose work you want.
• By problem type: mate problems, helpmates, selfmates and studies are distinct genres, and Meson is generally organised so you can restrict results to one of them.
• By number of moves: twomovers, threemovers and longer problems are classed separately, so specifying the move count removes a great deal of irrelevant material.
• By theme or motif: thematic keys, such as pins, batteries or promotions, are the standard way problemists look for illustrative examples.
• By source: searches often extend to where a problem was first published, useful for tracing a composition's history.

Who it suits

The database is aimed at composers, solvers and historians who need precise retrieval rather than casual browsing. If you only want to play or study games, a general chess site will be easier. Expect a text-heavy interface and specialised vocabulary; learning a few problem-chess terms first will make searching far more productive.

What types of chess compositions are featured on this site?

The site focuses on chess composition — problems and studies created for solving and analysis rather than for over-the-board play. Its centrepiece is the Meson Chess Problem database, a searchable collection of composed positions.

Composition types typically covered

• Chess problems (mate problems): positions with a stipulated number of moves to force mate, including two-movers, three-movers and longer multi-move problems.
• Studies (endgame compositions): constructed endgames where the solution usually ends in a win or draw, often built around precise manoeuvres, zugzwang or stalemate resources.
• Fairy and variant problems: compositions using non-standard pieces, boards or rules, a staple of problem databases.
• Task and theme problems: positions illustrating specific compositional ideas such as Grimshaw, Novotny or Babson tasks, useful for theme-based searching.

Who it suits

The database is best suited to problemists, study composers, solvers and chess historians who want to look up positions by composer, theme, material or stipulation. Casual players looking for opening theory or game collections will find little of interest here.

The trade-off is specialisation: the material is deep and well organised for composition research, but it assumes familiarity with problemist terminology. Prices are not indicated in the supplied information.

See bstephen.me.uk.

Are there resources for solving or creating chess problems on this site?

Yes. bstephen.me.uk is built around chess composition rather than live play or opening theory, so its main audience is problemists: people who solve, study or compose chess problems and endgame studies.

Its central resource is the Meson Chess Problem database, a searchable collection of composed problems. For solvers, a database like this is useful for browsing positions by theme, composer or stipulation and for working through problems systematically rather than only seeing examples in books. For composers, it can serve as a reference tool: checking whether an idea has already been shown, comparing treatments of the same theme, and studying how other composers handle economy of force, key moves and tries.

Expect a fairly specialised, text-and-diagram style of site. It is likely to suit:

• Club players curious about the problem genre beyond ordinary tactics.
• Experienced solvers looking for indexed material.
• Composers wanting a searchable archive of published work.

The trade-off is depth over breadth. There is little reason to visit for general chess improvement, opening preparation or playing opponents; its value lies in the composition niche. Access appears open, with no pricing signals given.

What is the difference between a chess problem and an endgame study?

In chess composition, a problem and an endgame study are distinct genres with different goals and rules.

Chess problem

A problem presents a position with a stipulated task, usually "White to move and mate in n moves" against any defence. The solution is unique and must follow the stated condition. Problems often use artificial, economical positions and may include themes such as sacrifices, underpromotion or stalemate avoidance. They are judged on originality, thematic content and construction, not on resemblance to a real game.

Endgame study

A study is an endgame position with a unique winning or drawing line, but it aims to resemble a plausible game. The solution is a single main line (with possible variations) leading to a clear result. Studies emphasize depth, subtle manoeuvres and accurate play, and often explore theoretical endgame ideas in a more natural setting.

Key differences

• Task: Problems specify a number of moves and a result (usually mate); studies ask for win or draw without a move limit.
• Uniqueness: Problems require a unique solution to the stated task; studies require a unique outcome, though sidelines may exist.
• Realism: Studies look like real games; problems are typically more artificial.
• Audience: Both appeal to solvers, but studies are often used by players studying endgame technique.

The site bstephen.me.uk covers chess composition and hosts the Meson Chess Problem database, which is suited to exploring these genres further.