As of this writing the 4th of July 2025 is coming up in a few days. We've always said how much we like the 4th, and we've also often said that we're unapologetic American patriots. Certainly in the political sphere this has been an unusual year, but we believe a patriot always wants what's best for our country. The idea of what's best can of course vary widely across the political spectrum, but that too is part of the American way; everyone gets to have their say and to fight for what they believe in. Whether Democrat, Republican, Independent or otherwise, we can all support the idea of working to make the country and the world a better place.

Nearly every year for our 4th of July column we turn to a great checkerist, a great patriot, and a great problemist, Tom Wiswell. Here is one of his compositions.

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play and Win

W:B5,15,K31:W12,13,17,26

White is a piece up and you'd think it would be easy. But Black has a mobile king and things are not so clear. Of this problem, Mr. Wiswell says, "Simple--- therefore difficult."

Give it a good effort before clicking on Read More to see the solution.

Solution

Or 8-4. But 14-10 is premature and will only draw.

Or 3-8.

Or 7-10, but not 7-2. Mr. Wiswell explains: "7-2 26-30 14-10 25-21 17-14 21-17 2-6 30-25! and White cannot win by 14-9 5-14 and 6-9 because 17-22 and the trapper is trapped!"

No longer premature. This point is worthy of study.

White continues to a piece up win. Derived from actual play by Tom Wiswell.

And now, be sure to celebrate and enjoy the 4th!