The position shown just below arose in a game nearly 80 years ago between a certain Phildelphian named Simon Becker, and Professor Guy H. Garwood of McComb, Ohio. Now, McComb is and always has been a small village (its current population is under 2,000) and it has never had a college or university. Perhaps Prof. Garwood taught at nearby University of Findlay, a large and historical school in Findlay, Ohio; but we were unable, in the time we had available, to find out anything about the good Professor except that he was a championship-caliber player who scored some notable wins in big-time tournament play. (The photo above is obviously not of Professor Garwood.)

How, then, did he get himself into the predicament the White forces appear to suffer from? We don't know that answer, either, but we would like to at least metaphorically ask the Professor for his opinion on the position. Professor, it's your move with White, what result?

Yet another thing we don't know is if you, our reader, happen to be a Professor yourself. But that's really immaterial. In fact, if you solve this problem correctly, we'll give you the title of Honorary Professor of Checkers. With an incentive like that, we know you'll want to solve it, so do so, and click on Read More to verify your solution.

Solution

The Professor's opinion is that the position is a draw, and in the actual game he demonstrated it over the board.

25-22*---A 11-16 32-27 16-20 23-19 15x24 27-23 10-15---B, C 17x10 15-19 23x16 6x15 16-11 1-5 11-7 28-32 7-3 etc. Drawn.

A---The only move to draw. With any other try, White runs out of moves, for instance 32-27 28-32 27-24 1-5 24-20 32-28 25-22 28-32 31-27 32-28 and White must lose.

B---If 28-32, then 22-18 6-9 13x6 32-27 18x9 27x18 6-2 18-15 17-14 10x17 21x14 1-6 9-5 6-9 14-10 15x6 5-1 6-10 2-6, etc. Drawn.

C---Or 1-5 22-18 6-9 etc., to a draw similar to Note B.

If you've solved this one--- no faking, now!--- and would like a certificate recognizing your status as Honorary Professor of Checkers, send us an email and we'll email back a printable, do-it-yourself certificate.

Note: For entertainment purposes only. The Checker Maven is not a licensed or accredited degree or title granting organization.

The noble vine and its delicious fruits! The sweet, ripe grapes are in their own right a delightful treat; and the wine that might be made from them can reach loftly heights of pleasure for the palate.

But don't indulge quite yet, for after all, we have our monthly Checker School session to attend first. It, too, is a product of the noble vine; or more precisely, turn of the century checkerists T. Noble and R. Vine. Today they bring us a pair of positions that look similar but in fact are as different as white wine and red wine.

Black is a man down in both positions, yet he seems to have an advantage in mobility in both cases also. What's the difference? How can he manage to pull out a draw in the first one, but not in the second?

That's what's standing between you and (at least possibly) some sophisticated refreshments at the moment. Solve the problems, and then click on Read More to check the fruits of your labor against the published solutions. You'll also see two sample games, complete explanatory notes, and a very interesting "Advice for Beginners" article from a news column of yesteryear.

Solution

Solution and lettered notes are from Ben Boland's Famous Positions in the Game of Checkers. Numbered notes are by the editor, using the Kingsrow checker engine.

Black Plays: 23-19, 6-10, 19-23---A, 10-14, 23-27, 14-18, 27-24, 18-15, 24-27 15-19 27-32* (27-23, 19-24, White Wins), 19-15, 32-27, 15-10, 27-23. Drawn---1.

White Plays: 17-14, 30-25, 22-18, 25-22---2, 21-17, 22-15, 14-10. White Wins.

Game: 11-15, 22-18, 15-22, 25-18, 8-11, 29-25, 10-15, 25-22, 4-8, 23-19, 7-10---B, 27-23---C, 9-14, 18-9, 5-14, 24-20, 15-24, 28-19, 11-15, 32-28, 15-24, 28-19, 8-11, 22-18, 1-5, 18-9, 5-14, 19-16, 12-19, 23-7, 2-11, 26-23, 10-15, 31-27---D, 3-8, 30-26, 15-18, 23-19, 8-12, 19-15, 12-16, 15-8, 16-19, 8-3, 6-9, 27-23, 18-27, 26-22, 27-31, 3-7, 9-13, 7-10, 31-26, 10-17, 19-24, 20-16, 24-27, 16-11, 27-31, 11-7, 31-27, 7-2, 27-23, 2-6--E. Forms above position. Black to Play and Draw. T. Noble vs. P. Thirkell, Draughts World, Aug. 1902, Page 1346.

Game: 11-16, 24-19, 16-20, 22-18, 10-14, 26-22, 8-11, 30-26, 4-8, 28-24, 7-10, 22-17, 9-13, 18-9, 13-22, 25-18, 5-14, 18-9, 6-13, 32-28, 11-15, 29-25, 1-6, 25-22, 8-11, 19-16, 12-19, 23-7, 2-11, 24-19, 15-24, 28-19, 11-15, 19-16, 15-18, 22-15, 10-19, 26-23, 19-26, 31-22, 3-8, 16-12, 8-11, 12-8, 11-16, 8-3, 16-19, 3-7, 19-24, 27-23, 24-27, 7-2, 6-9, 2-6, 27-31, 6-10, 20-24, 23-18, 31-27, 18-15, 27-23, 15-11, 24-27, 11-7, 27-31, 7-2, 9-14, 10-17, 31-26, 2-6, 26-30---F. Forms above position. White to Play and Win. G. O'Connor vs. S. Levy, Glasgow Weekly Herald, and Game 3715 in the Melbourne Weekly Times.

A---19-24, 17-14,26-17, 14-18. White Wins.

B---9-13 and also 12-16 are quite drawable.

C---19-16, 12-19, 27-23, and Black is chasing the draw. H. Egan.

D---J. Steele vs. H. M. Smith at Springfield, U. S. A., Game 1404 Draughts World, July 1902 played 30-26, 6-9, 26-22, 9-13, 31-27, 3-8, 21-17, 14-21 and Steele won. A note suggests that 31-27 might draw. In the D. W. for Aug. 1902, the late Peter Thirkell pointed out that the game via 31-27 had been played between him and T. Noble.

E---G. O'Connor vs. S. Levy in the 1936 British Championship Games, continued with 26-30 and lost as in the above position.

F---Mr. Levy here suggested a draw, which was accepted; but 26-30 loses (as above); as pointed out by A. Fyfe. O'Connor then showed the draw by keeping the King on 26, then the 23-27 see-saw. See above play.

1---Right back where we started from, just about! The key to Black's draw lies in maintaining the "vise" with the king on 26 and the man on 13, holding the White king on 17 and the man on 22. In the second example, the Black king is on 30 instead of 26, and that makes all the difference.

2---23-19 avoids the shot but White then simply grinds out the 4x3 ending to a win.

The above position by R. Vine may be found as No. 330, Draughts World, Sept. 1895. King on 6 is a man, but the play is the same. Kear's Encyclopedia give it with "Author Unknown."

The writer came across the above position thus: Ben Boland, No. 125 the New Checkergram, June 1934. Black---5, 11, 12, 25, and White---13, 14, 19, 20. White to Play and Draw: 13-9, 25-30, 9-6*, 30-26, 6-2, 26-23, 2-7, 23-16, 14-10, 5-9, 10-6, 9-14, 6-1, 14-18, 1-6, 18-23, 6-10, 23-27, 10-14, etc. Drawn as above. If 7-3 instead of the last move 10-14, Black Wins as above, by R. Vine with a man on 27 instead of a King.

The winning idea however goes back to No..70 "Sturges' Critical Situations," 1808. Black---12, Kings 9, 18, 19, and White---15, 20, Kings 3, 11. White to Win by 20-16, 19-10, 11-7.

ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS
By HUGH EGAN
(In Melbourne Weekly Times)

"At the beginning of a game, it is better to play your pieces towards the centre of the board in the form of a pyramid, than to play into the side square, because a piece at the side can move only in one direction, and consequently loses half its power."

This seems logical, no doubt, and the, "pyramid idea" is regarded as gospel by the compilers of some handbooks on indoor games in which draughts receives somewhat indifferent--- in fact, harmful--- treatment.

Architecture in draughts, however, fails to stimulate the practical player's imagination. Certainly he finds some strength and beauty in exposed rows, and more particularly in diagonal lines; but he has no taste for "pyramid building."

When confronted with play of this kind, he at once sets to work to lay his hidden "mine" in an effort to shatter the structure to his own advantage. It is with the "pyramid builder" that the expert player has vast opportunities for those "pyrotechnical displays," those shots and strokes, which so astonish the newcomer.

"Don't play to the side" has no force with the expert exponent of the game. The power of the point that "A piece at the side can move only in one direction," is not felt by him simply because he is unable to ignore that other more vital fact, that the piece at the side is not exposed, and consequently loses all danger of capture whilst "marking time" as a side issue.

No. Present-day experts (nor past never had for that matter) have no faith in this ancient axiom. They play what they think is the best move under the circumstances, whether it be to the side, to the middle, or even the sacrifice of a piece or two--- at which latter phase of the game they are, of course, quite adept--- and the new-comer would do well to follow their example.

The novice should, however, examine each position carefully, and move always with an object in view, even if it is only an immediate threat, of giving "1 for 2," or "2 for 3."

11-15, regarded by players as the best starting point of a game, received the most attention from 19th century authors. Many players developed into "two game" players, playing 11-15 with Black, and always adhering to one particular opening with White--- such as the "Single-Corner" 22-18 in reply to 11-15; or "Ayrshire Lassie," 24-20 in reply to 11-15.

This naturally led to some method for broadening the scope of play, and the "two-move restriction" was brought into force in 1901. "Broadened by restriction" is not here a contradiction, as each player is forced to choose a starting move by ballot.

There are seven first moves for the Black pieces, with seven replies for White--- making 49 openings in all, with the opening moves decided by the two-move ballot.

Actually, 43 openings, were used, however, because 9-14, 21-17 and 10-14, 21-17, were rejected entirely; while 9-14, 23-18 and 10-14, 23-18, became known as "barred" openings, and were not in general use.

This made the two-move restriction as used for 35 years in British and American tournaments.

The two-move restriction is likely to be supplanted for modern play by the United States three-move restriction, which makes 137 openings; bringing 9-14, 23-18, and 10-14, 23-18, again into active use.

Shown above are the board and pieces for the game Konane, also commonly know as "Hawaiian Checkers" even though the game has nothing at all to do with checkers! Still, it's an excellent game of skill, and has been played in Hawai`i since ancient days.

Seemingly less common in Hawai`i is our own game of checkers; we can't find any history of formal competition and there is certainly no officially recognized state champion. But local checker fan Geoffrey Pang is about to change all that. He's organizing and sponsoring an honest-to-goodness checker tournament in Mililani, on the island of O`ahu, on July 24, 2010, at the Mililani Town Center. The tournament is informal (and not an official American Checker Association event). If you're on O`ahu on the 24th, we encourage you to play. There is no entry fee. Simply contact Geoff at gpang_abm@msn.com to let him know you're coming, and show up at 9:00 AM. The tournament will take place at the beautiful outdoor location shown below. The Checker Maven will be on hand to cover the event, and we'll publish the results in a forthcoming Saturday edition.

Now, for today's column, we really couldn't come up with a Hawaiian-themed checker problem. But after a little thought, we decided that given Hawai`i's storied history of kings, queens, and other royalty, a problem involving many kings might be just the ticket; and fortunately, we were able to locate one. It's diagrammed below, and a festival of kings it surely is.

This one is really easy enough to have been a fifteen second speed problem, but in Hawai`i, we're hardly ever in a hurry, so take your time, then click on Read More to see the royally simple solution.

Solution

10-15 19x10 28-24 20x27 32x16 White Wins.

A`ole pilikia --- no problem, bra!

The Fourth of July, American Independence Day, is one of our favorite national holidays, as we've said in these columns many times before. We're unabashed patriots, happy and proud to celebrate the anniversary of America's birth each and every year.

The Checker Maven, when marking a special occasion, invariably turns to the dean of American problemists, Tom Wiswell. In keeping with that tradition, we present a problem that Mr. Wiswell says is one of his earliest, taken from actual play. He calls it practical and pleasing; we call it spectacular, providing a display of checkeristic fireworks to go along with the aerial fireworks traditional on the Fourth of July.

Black is going to press the White man on 27, at the very least. How can White save the day? Take this one along with you to the Fourth of July picnic, and solve it with your checker friends; then be sure to click on Read More to check your solution. Enjoy the fireworks, both on and off the board!

Solution

Lettered notes by Tom Wiswell; numbered notes by the editor with the Kingsrow engine.

18-14---1 11-16 1-6 15-19 6-9---A 19-24 9-6 24x31 6-10 31x22 23-19 16x23 14-9 5x14 10x19 12-16 19x12 20-24 12-16 24-28 16-19 Drawn---3.

1---White cannot escape with 26-22; after 12-16 18-14 15-19 23-18 19-23 White loses a man.

A---If 6-10 or 6-1 Black wins by 5-9, 14-5, 19-24 and two White men must go---2.

2---6-10 5-9 14x5 19-24 26-22 24x31 23-18 31-26 22-17 26-22 etc.

3---A most spectacular finish to a most spectacular problem.

We're giving over much of this week's column to unabashed advertising, but when you read the rest, you'll surely support our efforts, and will be confident we haven't abandoned our non-commercial policies.

For years, Richard Fortman's Basic Checkers has been the veritable bible for 3-move checker players. Certainly, new works such as Solid Checkers, The Golden Dozen, and others, have come on the scene to correct, supplement, and expand upon Mr. Fortman's original work, going beyond the 137 opening ballots in use 30 years ago. But every serious checkerist is likely to have studied Basic Checkers at some point, and may even have a copy of the original seven self-published, typewritten, spiral-bound booklets.

The Checker Maven is proud to announce that a newly typeset, professionally bound and printed edition of Basic Checkers is now available. Your editor, in conjunction with Jim Loy, John Acker, and artist Louisa Gilani have combined forces to produce this new 2010 edition, with all seven volumes in one 6x9, 504 page trade paperback, which is being sold at a price that nearly anyone can afford. Completely reformatted and set in clear, readable type, it is our hope that this work, which is now hard to find and expensive even if found, will once again be placed in the hands of checker players everywhere.

100% of net income will go to the American Checker Federation Youth Fund in honor of Mr. Fortman.

The book will be sold at the Nationals this August for just $25.00. If you can't be at the Nationals, you can get a copy online through CreateSpace. Additionally, the book will be available in a few weeks directly from Amazon or by special order in bookstores, for $30.00 plus shipping.

And now, let's look at a problem position taken from the book. It stems from the 9-13, 24-19, 6-9 opening.

Game: 9-13, 24-19, 6-9, 22-18, 11-15, 18-11, 8-24, 28-19, 4-8, 25-22,8-11, 22-18, 9-14, 18-9, 5-14, 29-25, 11-15---A, 19-16, 12-19, 23-16, 1-6---B, 27-23, 7-11,16-7, 2-11, 25-22, 3-8, 32-27---C, 8-12,27-24, 11-16, 24-20, 16-19, 23-16, 12-19,22-17, 13-22, 26-17, 14-18, 20-16, 18-23,16-11, *6-9, 17-13, 9-14, 11-8, 23-27, 31-24, 19-28, 8-3, 15-19, 3-7, 10-15, 7-11,14-18, 30-26---D.

Notes A to D below are excerpted from Basic Checkers with minor editing.

A---Instead of 1-6.

B---Instead of 1-6, Freyer v. Zuber in the 1981 Florida Open played 14-18, into Banks-Hellman, 2nd National Checkers Association Tournament.

C---Here 31-27 is usual, then 8-12, 27-24, 11-16, 24-19, 15-24, 23-19, 16-23, 26-19, 13-17, 22-13, 14-18, 30-26, etc., drawn. Credited to Denvir and Bradford. The text would seem to be a fine vary, used by the late Colorado master on mail play.

D---Forms a fine problem to arise in play--- Black to move and draw.

Basic Checkers, despite the title, is a rather advanced work, but the problem above isn't as difficult as you might think. Solve it and then click on Read More for the snappy solution ... and then order your copy of the book!

Solution

Solution and notes by the Editor with the KingsRow computer engine.

28-32 13-9---1, 2 18-23! 11x27 32x30 drawn.

1---21-17 leads to the same result after 18-23 11x27 32x30 drawn.

2---11-16 or 11-7 avoid the 2x2 shot but give up all hope of a White win, for instance 11-7 32-27 7-10 18-23 26-22 etc. drawn. There are many interesting byways in this solution and we urge you to explore the position further.

Willie's title for this entry in his fabled Tricks Traps & Shots of the Checkerboard is appropriately named, for at least two reasons. One is that the solution to Willie's position resembles, in an imaginative way, the action of a windmill as represented on a checkerboard. The other reason is that Willie seems to have been tilting at windmills a bit, and makes a most atypical misjudgment of the final outcome. Let's have a look and a listen as Willie sets forth his premise.

"This time we have a combination in-and-out shot of the type most frequently missed in actual play. The experts seldom 'muff' a straight or ordinary in-and-outer, but there are many kinds of in-and-outs, and the more complex varieties are often overlooked, even by top-flight champions.

The original terms of this position were Black to Play and Win---Ed.

A---If black plays 13-17 here, white brings home the draw with this timely stroke: 13-17, 18-15*, 11-18, 12-8*, 3-26, 31-22-15-6, 7-11, 6-2, 11-15, 2-6, 9-13, 6-9, 14-18, 21-14, 15-19, 30-26, 13-17, 9-13, 17-22, 26-17, 19-23. Wm. F. Ryan.

B---Caught and caged! Black now executes a whirlwind shot with a double-action in-and-outer. Of course, 30-26, 17-21, 26-22*, 21-25,19-15, 11-18, 22-15, 14-18, 15-11, 7-10,12-8, 3-19, 27-24, will corral a draw easily. Wm. F. Ryan."

1---28-24 might be better here as Black now gets a small advantage---Ed.

2---14-17 would have held Black's small edge---Ed.

Can you find the combination shot that draws (not wins) for Black, or will you tilt at windmills yourself? Work it out and spin your mouse to Read More to see the solution and a bit more analysis.

Solution

"Continue: 3-8!, 12-3, 17-21, 3-17, 13-31, 16-7, 31-15, and black wins---3. Wm. F. Ryan."

3---But alas, Black doesn't win as the position is a dead draw. Had the Black man on 21 been on 22, the story would have been different. Black's spectacular double shot isn't quite enough. We don't know what happened here; perhaps Willie thought he saw a Black win in this position but, most uncharacteristically, missed a move somewhere. For instance, 7-3 15-11 30-26 21-25 26-23 25-30 23-19 30-26 19-16 11-15 16-11 29. 15x8 3x12 etc. to a simple draw. Other approaches don't work, either. If you see something we missed, please write us and let us know.

You probably recognize the device shown above; it's called a Tesla Coil. It delivers a very high voltage but an extremely low current and so is a relatively safe gadget, and was used back in the day to do all sorts of "shocking" and "unbelievable" tricks such as making a woman's hair stand up and other stunts of a similar ilk. Of course, shining the light of scientific explanation on these parlor tricks demonstrated clearly how it was done and provided a modicum of education as well as amusement.

So, we weren't sure whether to call this column "Shocking" instead of "Believe It Or Don't" because today's problem contains an element of both sharp surprise and incredulity; and it's entertaining as well as didactic. Let's go straight to the diagram.

Although you may not believe it at first glance, Black has an easy win in this position! As with many such "unbelievable" things, a little deeper look usually reveals the truth of the matter. Still and all, Black seems to be in as much of a jam as White; how can he pull off what might be seen as a rather shocking quick win? As they say, believe it and make it so.

When you've come up with your answer, click on Read More for the electrifying and completely believable solution.

Solution

2-6 4-8 3-7 8-3---A 7-10! 14x7 6-2!---B Black Wins.

A---8-4 6-10 Black Wins.

B---Every move now loses for White. 12-8, 3-8, and 18-15 all lose two men at once while 18-14 loses a man right away and two more next move. Truly a shocking example of the dominance of tactics and the need to look for all possible resources in a position.

Croon, June, spoon, moon ... these were the rhymes used in many a song during the days of what was known in the music business as "Tin Pan Alley," which had its reign during much of the same era that the game of checkers had its own, from the late 1800s through perhaps the 1930s. Though the songs of Tin Pan Alley might seem trite and shopworn to a modern audience, in their own day they were, as they say, "The Cat's Meow."

You certainly aren't reading our column, though, because you think checkers is shopworn or trite; we're certainly of the opinion that it remains as fresh and interesting as ever a game could be. So, to help you croon at the start of June, we've brought you an especially pleasing speed problem. Bit we won't give you the typical three or so minutes that a Tin Pan Alley song would last; you've got only 20 seconds--- maybe just enough time for a quick chorus.

When you're ready to croon, click on the link below to display the problem and start the clock ticking. When you're done, come back and click on Read More and we'll sing out the solution.

June Speed Problem (20 second time limit; fairly easy)

Solution

31-26 12-16---A, B 25-22 17-21 22-18 14-23 26-12 White Wins.

A---17-21 25-22 12-16 returns to the main line of the solution.

B---14-18? 25-22 (or 26-22) White Wins.

Perpetual motion, like alchemy, was a dream of scientists of a bygone era. Not equipped with the knowledge and tools of later days, they hoped to build a machine that was self-sustaining and would operate forever. Alas, such a thing is not possible; reaching 100% efficiency in the practical world simply doesn't happen, and, lacking energy input of some type, everything runs down in the end. As with the search for a way to turn base materials into gold, the quest for perpetual motion was never to succeed. Still, much time, effort, and ingenuity was expended designing devices such as the one shown above.

Perpetual motion of a different kind, however, can be found in the game of checkers. While we're not going to give away any more than that, you'll understand our meaning when you've worked through today's problem, which is diagrammed below.

White has five men against four kings; his extra piece is going to go fast and then four men have to face four kings. It seems hopeless, but there is a brilliant way to draw which demonstrates once again the incredible possibilities present on the checkerboard.

Don't just go through the motions; perpetuate your efforts and find the solution! And as you know, clicking on Read More is our perpetually-valid means of moving to the solution.

Solution

White goes from one man up to two men down before achieving a man-down draw.

26-22---A 18x25 21-17 1-5 9-6 2x9 17-13 9-14 13-9 14x7 8-3 5x14 3x17 25-30 17-22 30-25 22-17 etc. Drawn by "perpetual motion," better known as the "see-saw."

A---Absolutely nothing else works, for instance here is one alternative line of play: 21-17 18-15 9-5 15x6 8-4 29-25 17-13 2-7 4-8 7-11 8x15 6-9 13x6 1x19 5-1 19-15 1-6 15-18 6-10 25-30 Black Wins.

The title for today's Checker School lesson, taken from Ben Boland's Famous Positions in the Game of Checkers, has less to do with the position itself than with the commentary that follows it in the original book. We'll look at the position first, and we'll discuss the commentary in the solutions section of our column.

White seeks to obtain a man-down draw; as usual, there are compensatory factors that must be relied upon to make up for the material deficit. Here, White's better mobility seems to be his only edge, but whether or not that's enough depends on the skill and technique of the White checkerist.

Can you untangle this one, or will it remain a knotty problem? No worries, you can click on Read More to unwind the solution, explanatory notes, and a sample game, as well as viewing the "Tangled Skeins" commentary.

Solution

Lettered notes are by Mr. Boland; numbered notes are by the Editor.

18-14, 28-32, 19-24---5, 12-16---1, 24-20, 16-19, 20-16, 19-24---2, 16-11, 32-27, 11-15, 27-23, 14-9---3, 5-14, 15-18---4. Drawn.

1---Obviously Black will not simply play 32-28, leading to an eventual repetitive draw, but being a piece up must try for the win---Ed.

2---This is better than 19-23 as White now cannot continue to chase with 16-20 because of 32-27 to a Black win---Ed.

3---14-10 loses to 23-18---Ed.

4---The "Double Breeches" --- and a spectacular save for White.

5---Trying to press the Black man on 6 looks like the simple solution, but it doesn't work: 19-15 12-16 14-10 32-28 10x1 16-19 15x24 28x19 1-6 19-15 6-1 15-10 Black Wins. Many a player would not (or could not) look ahead far enough and would lose this one!

Game: 11-15, 21-17, 9-13, 25-21, 8-11, 17-14, 10-17, 21-14, 6-10, 22-17, 13-22, 26-17, 15-18, 24-20, 1-6, 29-25, 18-22, 25-18, 10-15, 28-24, 15-22, 24-19, 6-10, 27-24, 11-15, 23-18, 22-25, 18-11, 7-23, 30-21, 3-7, 32-28, 2-6, 17-13, 10-17, 21-14, 7-11, 24-19, 4-8, 28-24---A, 23-27---B,5, 19-15, 11-18, 24-19, 27-32, 31-27, 32-16, 20-4, 18-23, 4-8, 23-27, 8-11, 27-32, 11-15, 32-28---C,6. Forms above position. J. Evans vs. T. G. Richards, Game No. 3666, The Weekly Times, Melbourne, Australia, July 11, 1936.

A---14-10, 6-24, 28-19. Draws. J. Evans.

B---Left here as a Black Win in Game No. 3475, the Weekly Times. Then in Game No. 3645, G. O. Scace, suggested White could draw.

C---In the above game J. Evans played; 12-16, 14-10, 32-28, 10-1, 16-19. Black Wins; 32-28 was shown to draw and was given as Problem No. 3838, by J. Hatton, July 4, 1936.

5---Computer analysis actually does show a highly probable Black win here with 23-27---Ed.

6---This last move blows away the win. Correct is an immediate 12-16 and Black goes on to a very instructive win, for instance 12-16 15-18 16-19 18-22 32-27 22-18 27-31 18-15 31-26 15x24 26-23 24-28 23-18 Black Wins. While the computer often plays moves that humans never would, here KingsRow uncovers an elegant win which even highly skilled analysts overlooked---Ed.

The above position by A. J. Heffner may be found as No. 295 in Horsfall's Problem Book. It may also be found as No. 49 by R. Robertson, Dunne's Guide, No. 837 in Dunne's Draughts Column, March 22, 1890, this in turn was taken from the Glasgow Herald. And also by W. Beattie as No. 414 in the Liverpool Weekly Mercury, 1896.

This theme "The Double Breeches," may be found in "Boland's Familiar Themes."

And now, here is the commentary printed below this problem in the original book.

"The Tangled Skeins!"---Mr. Shearer gave the following advice to rising problemists:—"Have a preference for problems with natural settings, such as might occur in actual play, and therefore, critical end-games and brilliant coups' are always welcome. The big involved stroke, however, will always have a charm for the novice, and also for fair players who have not yet joined a draughts club. The stroke, in order to merit its place, should be sufficiently well concealed to baulk a good player from solving it off the diagram. Open positions, where a number of clever moves forces a stroke or coup, are attractive to all grades of players. The hard endings, where the result has to be achieved by long sustained tactics, repels the weaker player, and appeals to the highest class of solver. The educative value to all grades of checkerists of the last category of problems is so great that they are indispensable. In composing such problems as the big sweep or forced coup the advice given by the best authorities is to fix on the idea you wish to illustrate, and then conceal it as carefully as possible by building an involved position or by retracting the moves and adding a piece or two if a coup is desired."

---The Draughts World

Given the fact that stroke problems are a "love 'em or hate 'em" affair for most checker players, we're not quite sure what Mr. Shearer was trying to tell us, back in the day. We gather that Mr. Shearer was no fan of stroke problems, viewing them as something to entertain novices, who didn't have what it takes to appreciate difficult endgame problems which have far greater intrinsic merit. Is there a bit of elitism here? We're not sure; Mr. Shearer does explain how to make the stroke "attractive to all grades of players." In the end, we do detect a bit of an edge in Mr. Shearer's remarks, though far short of the "harrumphing" approach of pedantic checker writers such as Harvey Hopkins.