The Checker Maven

The Side of the Road

20250106-sideofroad.jpg
Pexels CC0

It looks like someone is over on the side of the road. That might be okay, or it might not. It depends on the circumstances.

In today's speed problem, all of the pieces are on the side of the road, but White especially is sidelined and a piece down besides.

BLACK
20250106-sidelined.png
WHITE
White to Play and Draw

W:W9,K6,K5:B2,K25,K17,K14

There's a draw here, and it won't be a lot of trouble for you to find it. See how quickly you can solve this one. An expert should see it at once but the problem is well within the range of an attentive novice. Don't stand on the sidelines; solve this one and click on Read More to verify your solution.20050904-symbol.gif



Solution

It's really easy:

6-10* 14x7 9-6* 2x9 5x30 to a draw. Black doesn't have "the move" and can't prevent White from reaching the double corner.

This problem, as with many of our speed problems, was kindly provided by Lloyd and "Gosh Josh" Gordon, and derived from their regular over the board play.

03/01/25 - Category: Problems
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