Seriesmover

A seriesmover suspends normal turn alternation. One side makes a sequence of consecutive moves while the other side does not move during that series. The stipulation, the task printed with the diagram, states who makes the series, how many moves it contains, and what goal must be reached.

In simple series play, the moving side may never leave its own king in check. It also may not check the opposing king during the series, except possibly on the final move before play passes to the other side. These restrictions prevent the opponent's temporary inactivity from becoming permission to ignore king safety.

Common goals

• Series-mate: White makes the series and the final move mates Black.
• Series-helpmate: Black makes a cooperative series and leaves a position in which White can mate in one.
• Series-selfmate: White makes the series and reaches a position in which Black is forced to mate White.

Seriesmover names a family rather than one goal. Two problems with the same number of consecutive moves may therefore demand opposite results. The full stipulation must always be read; the word seriesmover alone does not determine the objective.