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So what's the correct spelling of "encylopedia"? (The younger amongst you might even ask "What's an encylopedia?" as they've just about gone the way of the dinosaurs.) The modern spelling is as just given--- encylopedia. But the older spelling is more like "encyclopaedia" although not exactly --- the 'a' and 'e' in the 'ae' combination are really a single character once called "ash" which represents the Latin 'ae' dipthong. A bit on the academic side? Perhaps, but interesting nonetheless.

The following checkerboard situation, also on the academic side, is derived from the famous opening guide called Kear's Encylopaedia, and we'll stick with the classier old style spelling as Kear himself did. It's on p. 370 and arises from a variation in a Souter opening. Black has just erred and now White has what is truly a textbook win. The problem is slanted more towards the advanced beginner or lower intermediate player, but our expert readers should see how quickly they can solve it.

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play and Win

W:W14,19,20,23,27,31,32:B2,4,5,7,8,11,12

It doesn't require encyclop(a)edic knowlege to solve this one, but it does require a grasp of some endgame basics. Give it a try and then click on Read More for the solution.

Solution

It's interesting to note that below, White's initial 27-24 is the only move to win. All other moves allow for a Black win! Try it out on your computer and see. As an example, 32-28 2-6 28-24 6-10 Black Wins.

Kear left this as a White Win. The Black pieces on the side cannot escape and will be soon be held by the White king.

Black can't escape with 4-8; after 19-15 the man on 8 will be pressed by the White king and lost.

White goes on to win with the classic one holds two pattern. A very instructive example of this must-know endgame device.

Joi Ito, BY CC2