There's an old adage that when a politician says "yes" it means "maybe" and when a politician says "maybe" it means "no." There's a ring of truth to that, unfortunately.

Would that politics could be like checkers. When you win, you win. When you draw, you draw. And when you lose, you lose. There's no "maybe" about it.

But take a look at this position. It's not quite a "speed" problem but an experienced player will solve it quickly.

WHITE

BLACK
Black to Play, What Result?

B:W28,26,24,23,22,19:B15,14,13,12,11,10

Maybe Black can win. Maybe Black can't win. Maybe Black can draw. However, there is a definite answer; we're just leaving it to you to work out. However, it's a sure thing--- not a "maybe"--- that clicking on Read More will show you the solution.

Solution

14-17---A 24-20---B 15x24 28x19 11-15 19-16 12x19 23x16 10-14.

Black wins. No "maybe" about it. The White piece on 22 is doomed as there is no defense to Black's coming 14-18.

A---The only move to win, and all other moves lose!

B---23-18, 11-16 Black Wins.

Thanks to regular contributors Lloyd and "Gosh Josh" Gordon for sending this along to us.