There's theory and there's practice. The electrician shown working above is applying practical knowledge no doubt mostly obtained through study and experience. A similar concept applies to our game of checkers. We need to learn the theory but in the end, practical application is what wins games for us, and the more experience we have, the better.

In the diagram below, credited to regular contributors Lloyd and "Gosh Josh" Gordon, White is a piece up but Black threatens to get it back, and White will have to work for the win.

Now, being something in the nature of a speed problem, the win is neither difficult nor sophisticated; instead it's an example of applying practical technique and thus is well worth your time. What are Black's weaknesses and how do you exploit them?

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play and Win

W:W25,21,13,K24,K1:B20,18,K32,K23

Experienced players will have little trouble; improving players may take a bit longer, but either way, it's a nice little workout. Give it a practical try and then take the practical step of clicking on Read More to see the solution.

Solution

24-27 23-26 27-31 26-22 1-6 22x29---A 31-26 20-24---B 6-10---C 24-27 10-15 27-31 15x22 to a White Win.

A---Black evens the piece count but at the cost of trapping his king.

B---Not 29-25 26-22.

C---Now with the Black king stuck on 29, White goes after the unsupported Black man on 18.