The Checker Maven
Jump to navigationSimple Elegance
Complex stroke problems are fun, and crowded middle game positions can be a challenge, but there is little to compare with the sheer, simple elegance of a well-composed 2x2 end game problem. Here is a real classic, attributed to G. H. Slocum.
BLACK
Black to Play and Win
When you've solved this, we think you'll agree that there is genuine charm in such a compact position, requiring just the right play. Click on Read More to see the main line solution as originally published long ago.
Solution
4-8, 27-23, 11-16, 29-25, 16-20, 25-21, 20-24, 23-18, 24-27, 18-14, 27-31, 21-17, 31-26, 17-13, 26-22 and Black now completes the win with 14-9, 22-17, 9-5, 8-11, 5-1, 17-14, 1-6, 11-15, 6-1, 15-10.
Other variations are possible but all end up the same way; try this one out with your computer program to fully appreciate its depth.
The Checker Maven is produced at editorial offices in Honolulu, Hawai`i, as a completely non-commercial public service from which no income is obtained or sought. Original material is Copyright © 2004-2026 Avi Gobbler Publishing. Other material is public domain, AI generated, as attributed, or licensed under CC1, CC2, CC3 or CC4 and the various CC options. Information presented on this site is offered as-is, at no cost, and bears no express or implied warranty as to accuracy or usability. You agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk. No liabilities of any kind under any legal theory whatsoever are accepted. The Checker Maven is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Bob Newell, Sr.
