"It's just perfect. We can take a mid-day flight to Miami, and get there in time to board the ship. We'll be at sea on Thursday and Friday, arrive in Panama Saturday morning, spend the day there and fly home directly from Panama to Detroit on Sunday. Well, by way of Newark, but that's just a detail. Like I said, it's perfect!"

Priscilla Snelson was talking to her husband, Marvin J. Mavin. about their plans, or more like her plans, for Thanksgiving weekend. They were in Priscilla's upscale 5,000 square foot condo, having an after-dinner conversation in the immense living room. The butler, before leaving for the evening, had lit a warm and cozy fire in the room's fireplace.

Priscilla was sipping a glass of dessert wine while Marvin, unsurprisingly, was drinking from a bottle of Belcher's Best Ale. Marvin, as we all know, was the superstar captain of the Detroit Doublejumpers in the National Checker League, while Priscilla was CEO of the huge conglomerate Rust Belt Holdings.

"My office closes at noon on Wednesday and doesn't reopen until Monday," Priscilla was continuing, "and your league also takes a Thanksgiving break. It's the perfect time to travel to Panama on a nice little four day cruise on the Luxury Line."

Marvin, who had been hesitating all along, continued to hesitate. "I don't know, Prissy," he said, "it sure seems like a lot of chasing around and stuff. And I don't know how you can use the words 'perfect' and "Newark' in the same sentence. That's in Jersey, right?"

"Could you please not call me Prissy?" Priscilla snapped. "And it's not chasing around as you call it. It's making the most of a long weekend when we both have off. How often do we get a chance to do that? And besides, we had no Thanksgiving plans. We're not going to my parent's place, or to your Mom's, and my friends all have other plans. And yes, Newark is in New Jersey last time I looked."

Marvin murmured about how it was kind of a good thing they weren't going to Priscilla's parents this year. He had an on and off relationship with them. He also would be glad to avoid Priscilla's rarified circle of very wealthy friends. On the other hand he would have liked to visit with Mom, but this year she would helping to prepare and serve Thanksgiving meals at the Senior Center in her town.

But Priscilla was continuing to speak. "In any event, dear husband of mine, there's no use arguing. For one thing, I've already booked all the tickets. And for another, I've arranged for you to be in charge of the checker activities on board the ship."

"What?" Marvin exclaimed. "If you already booked tickets, why ask me if I want to go? Do I, like, have a choice and stuff?"

"No, actually, you don't, but I was just hoping you'd agree willingly without making a fuss. I suppose I should know better by now."

"And," Marvin said, "wassup about leading the checker activity? I was kinda lookin' forward to a coupla days off seein' as how my team got a big road trip right after the break."

"Oh, it'll be good practice for you. You know, the best way to learn is to teach and all that. Anyhow having a big name checker star like you lead the activity got us a big discount. Well, in a way. We get the premiere suite and a dinner place at the Captain's table for no extra charge."

Now, Priscilla, with her hundred million a year compensation (more in good years), could probably afford any upgrades she wished. Marvin knew it was the prestigious seat at the Captain's table that she had wanted, although he didn't think it should have been at his expense. But Priscilla was Priscilla, and as a major businesswoman, status was important to her.

Marvin, knowing he had better go along with the program, merely muttered, "Bet they ain't even got no decent beer. Probably just fancy wine and cute cocktails and stuff."

"Oh, Marvin," Priscilla said, "they'll have the best of everything." Do you think I'd go on a cruise that was at something less than the top of the first class list?"

So on Wednesday afternoon the couple flew from Detroit to Miami--- first class, of course--- and took the waiting hired limo to the docks where they immediately boarded their ship, the Luxury Line's premiere cruise vessel, the Norwegian flagged Luxe de Luxe. No sooner were Marvin and Priscilla settled in their suite (no mere cabin for Priscilla), the ship sailed. They would cruise for two days and three nights, and on the first day the shipboard activities would begin, followed by a special at-sea Thanksgiving dinner.

Marvin decided it would be nice to have a beer before bed; it was almost midnight but of course the ship had several 24 hour lounges. That's when the difficulties began. Priscilla, preferring herbal tea in their suite, stayed behind. Marvin easily found one of the lounges, and needless to say it was very upscale and not at all like the dive bars he preferred back in Detroit.

Marvin took a luxurious seat at the elegant bar. He asked the formally dressed bartender for a bottle of Belcher's Best. The bartender sneered. "Sir," he said, "we do not serve plebian beverages here. This is a top-flight liner and we will not lower our standards for the occasional, ahem, sub-standard customer. May I recommend a craft beer? Luxury Lines commissions the world's top breweries ... "

"Just gimme a beer, whatever beer you got," Marvin interrupted.

"Shall I charge that to your room?" the bartender asked. "It's thirty US dollars, unless you prefer to pay in another currency. We accept Euros, Swiss Francs ... "

"Thirty bucks? Forget it," Marvin said and, somewhat in a huff, left the lounge and went back to his suite.

"Back already, honey?" Priscilla asked. She was in her silk PJs and finishing her herbal tea.

"I ain't payin' no thirty bucks for a beer and they ain't even got Belchers. I thought you said they had everything on this ship?"

"They have everything good," Priscilla said, and then added, "and of course good things do come at a price."

The next morning, the phone in Priscilla's suite rang. "It's for you, Marvin," she said, extending her arm and pointing the phone in his direction."

"Huh?" Marvin replied. He was barely awake, sitting at a table in the bedroom, drinking coffee. "Who calls at 8 in the morning?"

"I didn't ask, dear," Priscilla replied. "Just take the call." Priscilla tried to hide a little smile but Marvin noticed.

Wearing a quizzical look, Marvin got up and took the phone. "Hullo?"

"Mr. Mavin?" a voice said.

"Yeah? Who's this? And ain't it kinda early?"

"Rise and shine, Mr. Maven!" The voice was very cheerful. "This is the ship's activity director, reminding you that you're due in Salon Twelve on Aft Deck Five at nine o'clock for your first lesson."

"Lesson? I ain't takin' no lessons ... "

"No, Mr. Mavin, the checker lesson that you are going to give. Please arrive thirty minutes early for your instructions. That will give you, oh, about fifteen minutes. Don't be late! Ta ta!"

The call disconnected. Marvin hung up the phone and turned to Priscilla. "You knew about this, dincha?" he said.

"Oh, yes, well, you know, superstars are in demand and you have a rather ... full schedule. But only three hours in the morning and three more in the afternoon. A lot of people want lessons from you so the Activity Director thought it best to book a series of one hour lessons. But don't worry, you'll have time for lunch and after 4 PM ... you're free! Isn't that grand?"

Marvin was, shall we say, less than happy. But he didn't want to act dishonorably, nor did he want to disappoint his fans. So he hurriedly drank the rest of his coffee, swallowed a couple of bites of a buttered roll, dressed quickly and went off to find Salon Twelve on Aft Deck Five.

Marvin had to ask his way a couple of times; the ship was enormous and replete with stairs and passages leading everywhere in a bewildering manner. It took a good twenty minutes to reach the venue.

The room was richly appointed with polished wooden walls, a gleaming tiled deck, and mahogany tables fitted out with elegant checkerboards and checkers. Marvin was immediately greeted by an enthusiastic young man in a formal ship's uniform. The man was slim, blonde, and athletic and had something of a commanding presence.

"Mr. Mavin!" he said, in a tone somewhat overly cheerful for eight forty five in the morning. "So glad you could make it! I'm Mr. Randolph R. Richardson, the Activity Director aboard ship. So nice to have you here, although I'll ask you to please come 15 minutes earlier tomorrow, yes? Agreed? Fine, very fine. Now," he continued, handing Marvin a manila folder, "here is your list of clients. As you know today will be individual lessons and tomorrow you will direct the Cruise Championship Tournament, a prestigious event with the first prize being a picture postcard signed by the Captain himself!"

"Uh sure, like uh ... "

"I'm so glad you understand. Now, I'm a busy person--- lots of activities for the guests, you know, and I must run off and see to the tennis lessons and the swimming contests and the champagne testing and oh, so many things! But should you need anything, just use the ship telephone and call one of my staff, who will be more than happy to assist you. Good day now!"

With that, Randolph R. Richardson was off and running, leaving Marvin alone in the Salon, holding the aforesaid manila folder with the list of clients.

And it wasn't long until the first client arrived. He was a middle aged man named Fred who came from Arkansas. He was a big fan of Marvin's and asked questions about professional checkers all throughout the next hour. Marvin was annoyed at first but then decided, it was Fred's money and he could ask whatever questions he wished. (Marvin had taken a very fast glance inside the manila folder and found that the cruise line was charging $500 for the one hour lessons.)

Marvin's next client was a grade school lad with a lot of talent, and the final client before lunch was a 30-something woman who wanted to flirt with Marvin more than she wanted to learn about checkers.

Marvin had a quick lunch and so the day continued. At the end of the afternoon, finding his way back to his suite was a little easier than things were in the morning, and he arrived in time to change for dinner and go to the main dining hall with Priscilla, to take a seat with her at the Captain's table.

It was just as Marvin had feared. While the Captain was of course impeccably dressed and the height of charm and politeness, some of the others at the table were somewhat less so.

"I hear you play checkers or something," said the man next to him at the table during the course of the dinner. He was likely in his fifties and wore an expensive suit and an even more expensive watch. "Now me, I play checkers too, and I'm really good at it, but what I really am is a hedge fund manager and ... "

On and on it went with everyone at the table trying to one-up each other. The dinner finally ended with traditional pumpkin pie, and Marvin could barely wait to get out of there.

"Having fun, dear?" Priscilla asked when they were back in their cabin. "Wasn't that a nice dinner with interesting people?"

Marvin just groaned, went into the suite's bedroom and threw himself on the bed.

The next day was the second and last full day at sea, and it was the day that Marvin would direct the checker tournament. Then, he would play the winner, with a big prize at stake if Marvin could be beaten or even drawn against.

Registration was bright and early at 8:30 with the tournament starting at 9. There would be two games per round, one with each color, and as many Swiss system rounds as needed to declare a winner. Fourteen players registered by a few minutes to 9. And that's when Marvin got an unpleasant surprise.

At one minute before 9, who came in but ... Dmitri Tovarischky.

Now, long-time Checker Maven readers will remember Dmitri as Marvin's evil nemesis. They've had various unfriendly encounters over the years, the most recent being at a charity gala.

Marvin, after recovering from his surprise, managed to stammer, "You ain't playin', my Commie pal. Strictly amateurs."

Dmitri smiled menacingly. "That is where you make mistake, maya droogh. I am no longer professional. I am quietly retired amateur. I can play in tournament. I will play in tournament."

"Yeah, I heard, you got kicked out of pro play for running some kinda racket on the side. You can leave now. You ain't welcome and that's that."

Now, the ship's Activity Director, whom we met earlier, was listening in, and approached the registration table. "What's this?" he said. "A player not welcome? Mr. Mavin, on this ship all are welcome."

"But this here Pinko is a pro and ... "

"Tut, tut, Mr. Mavin, we must treat our customers politely and ensure their full satisfaction. If Mr. ... uh ... well, I can't quite pronounce it but sir," he said, turning to Dmitri, "you may certainly play. Now hurry hurry! The game must go on! Or something like that."

Marvin had no option. Dmitri was in the tournament.

With a total of fifteen players the tournament would last four rounds, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. By about 3 PM everything had wrapped up and it wasn't surprising that Dmitri had won every single game and took first place easily.

The Activities Director returned to announce the terms of the challenge game. Dmitri would play one game against Marvin. If Dimitri won, he got the grand prize of two free drinks at the First Class bar, a $60 value. If he drew, he got the consolation prize of one free drink at the First Class bar, a $30 value. If he lost, he got a handshake from the Activities Director but nothing more. Since the tournament entry fee was $100, it seemed that the real winner was the cruise line.

Dmitri was cackling as he sat down across from Marvin. "I will be having free drink with girlfriend tonight," he said. "Checkers Boy was lucky before but no more luck for him."

Marvin looked up. "You got a girlfriend? Another Commie that don't know no better?"

'You are making insult to upset concentration? Will not succeed. Yes, I have beautiful Russian girlfriend. She is coming from Minsk. On this cruise we are having special time together. Maybe I introduce you to my Natasha one day." Dmitri laughed again. "Or maybe not. She would not like you. She does not like the American man. Or even American woman."

"Then she can go back to ... "

"Time to play, gentlemen!" the Activities Director interrupted. "The match is being broadcast on the ship's closed circuit television and there are many viewers so don't keep them waiting!"

The game began. After some back and forth, the following position arose with Dmitri to play.

"Watch this, Checkers Boy," Dmitri said. "You think being piece up is big deal. But Dmitri show you."

So saying, Dmitri played 18-15, resulting in the following position with Marvin to play.

Dmitri then started to sing rather loudly (and tunelessly).

Checkers Boy will lose this game
And must hang his head in shame.
Dmitri is our one true hero
And Checkers Boy is just a zero.

Dmitri repeated this several times. Marvin, now fuming, remarked, "You think being a Commie is cool, but it ain't. And your last move wasn't cool either. Ha ha. Watch this!

Marvin made his move.

---

What should Dmitri have played in the first diagrammed position? What did Marvin play after Dmitri's 18-15?

We don't exactly know if you're on a deluxe cruise to Panama over this Thanksgiving weekend, or if you're locked in competition with an arch-rival. But we do hope you'll have time to try today's two-part problem. To see the solutions and the conclusion of our story, click on Read More.

Solutions and Conclusion

Marvin played 2-7 and the game went on.

2-7---A 27-23 9-14 17-13 7-11 to a clear Black win.

A---9-14 is also a probable win, but not quite as clear as 2-7.

Marvin had won, and then, grinning, sang a song of his own.

Dmitri will get no free drink
Because his checker moves just stink.
To Russia he can turn and run
Because his checker days are done.

"Now, now, boys," said the Activities Director, "shake hands and be friendly. This was fun, wasn't it? And Dmitri, even though you lost, I'll give you this coupon for not just two but four free drinks, a $120 value. You and your girlfriend can get together with Marvin and his wife this evening!"

"I don't think so!" chorused Marvin and Dmitri simultaneously.

The next morning the ship made port in Panama and Priscilla and Marvin took their leave. They saw nothing of Dmitri and Natasha. But Marvin, reflecting on how Dmitri seemed to turn up unexpectedly rather often for it to be pure coincidence, suspected he hadn't seen the last of him.

---

What should Dmitri have played instead of 18-15? White actually has a man-down draw, eventually recovering the piece. The play is long and you can explore different variations on your computer.

(We give 19-15 as the move to draw, and it's the most interesting. However 30-26 and 17-13 also draw with similar themes.)

1.	...	19-15!
2.	10x19	27-24
3.	20x27	31x15
4.	2-7	17-14
5.	9-13	14-9
6.	7-10	9x2
7.	10x19	2-6
8.	13-17	6-10
9.	12-16	10-15
10.	19-24	18-14
11.	17-21	14-10
12.	16-19	15-18
13.	8-12	10-6
14.	12-16	18-15
15.	16-20	6-1
16.	19-23	15-19

To an eventual draw.

Today's problem was derived from a position in Duffy's Single Corner. The position was published with a great deal of faulty analysis but the KingsRow computer engine sorts these things out quickly. Maybe in our story Dmitri was relying on old and incorrect published play?

And now, from us to you, we hope you've had a wonderful Thanksgiving!