North America is in the depths of winter once again; it's the time of year when there's been enough winter weather that you really, really want spring to come. But you'll have to wait another eight weeks or so for that.

Fortunately, checkers never gets tiresome, and if you've got to be indoors, what better way than with a hot beverage and a fine checker study? The one below, attributed to old-time player Charles Hefter, is surprisingly good.

WHITE

BLACK
Black to Play and Win

B:W19,18:BK20,K17.

Looks easy, doesn't it? Black has two kings and White has but two ordinary men. But in fact winning this position requires careful play.

Can you get the full score or will you tire of the effort? Of course you won't, and clicking on Read More will allow you to check your solution.

Solution

19-15 24-19 15-10 (15-11 19-15 BW) 17-22 18-14 (18-15 22-18 15-11 18-15 BW) 22-18 14-9 18-14 BW.

16-11 19-15 BW.

12-8 23-18 15-11 18-15 11-7 (8-4 15-8 4-11 14-10 BW; 8-3 would be similar) 15-11 BW.

12-8 10-15 into play similar to previous note.

8-3 7-11 BW.

12-8 7-3 BW.

8-4 15-11 12-8 7-3 BW.

A 2x2 study with amazing hidden depths. We hope you enjoyed it. Go treat yourself to a cup of hot cocoa!