Despite Brian Hinkle's generous $100 prize offer, no correct solutions were received to his admittedly difficult Bear Claw problem, and the prize offer has now expired. However, we still would like to see someone solve the problem prior to our publication of the solution, and to that end, Brian has sent us what he calls a "trainer" position.

BLACK

WHITE

White to Play and Draw

W:W20,18,15,13,11,10,7,K4:BK32,K31,K30,K29,28,21,5,3.

Here are Brian's comments on this position:

"There are 4 solutions to the Bear Trainer position.

• If you can find one solution then you may be a minor player.
• If you can find two solutions, then you may be a major player.
• If you can find three solutions then you may be a master player.
• And, if you can find all four solutions, then you may become the next world champion checker player!"

We can't say if Brian's rating system is accurate, but we can say that you should give the position a try, and then complete your training by clicking on Read More for Brian's solutions.

Solutions

Brian's 4 solutions:

Solution #1

1. 4-8 3x12 2. 11-8 32-27 3. 15-11 27-23 4. 18-15 29-25 5. 8-3 (the king that will wiggle forever).

Solution #2

1. 11-8 3x12 2. 15-11 32-27 3. 18-15 27-23 4. 4-8 (the king that will wiggle forever).

Solution #3

1. 20-16 32-27 2. 16-12 27-23 3. 18-14 23-19 4. 4-8 (the king that will wiggle forever).

Solution #4

1. 18-14 32-27 2. 14-9 5x14 3. 13-9 3-8 4. 9-5 27-23 5. 7-3 8-12 6. 3-7 29-25 7. 5-1 25-22 8. 4-8 (the king that will wiggle forever).

If you tried to use a computer to solve this position, you undoubtedly didn't get very far; the position belongs to a class of problems that computers generally can't fathom.

After you understand these 4 solutions, then you are probably ready to retry the Bear Claw position! Although you won't win a prize, you'll be recognized here in The Checker Maven and you'll certainly have a feeling of satisfaction. Send your Bear Claw solutions direct to Brian.