daMongMan CC BY 2.0

In baseball, we're told to "keep your eye on the ball" and this phrase has spread widely; it's often heard in business discussions, for instance. In ice hockey, there's a saying that goes "keep your eye on the puck and you won't get a puck in the eye." There are other examples like "keep your eye on the prize" and "keep your eye on the birdie" and no doubt many others.

Yes, checkers too. The phrase "keep your eye on the draw" is well-known in checkers and is often attributed to Tom Wiswell. It's something of an appeal for caution; we are to ensure that each move we make won't, at minimum, lead to a loss.

In the following position, from actual play between regular Toronto based contributors Lloyd and "Gosh Josh" Gordon, the draw is all there is, and both sides need to make several star moves to avoid a loss. It's a keen eye that must be kept on the draw.

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play; Both to Draw

W:W17,19,21,23,24,27,29,30,31,32:B1,3,5,6,7,10,12,14,15,16,20

Eyeball this one and see if you can find the draw for both sides; then when you're ready, click on Read More to lay eyes on the solution.

Solution

23-18*---A 14x23*---A 27x2 16x23*---A 2x9 20x27*---A 31x24 5x14 to a Draw---B.

A---Anything else loses.

B---Per KingsRow. It's clearly a draw but perhaps worth playing out.

Did you get it? We think it's one of Lloyd and Josh's best problems. Thanks, guys!