The Checker Maven
Jump to navigationLabor Day 2026
Public Domain Pictures
Labor Day is a day we always look forward to; celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States and Canada, it is an opportunity to recognize the working man and woman, who are the soul of the economy and upon whom we all depend.
We've often said that all honest work is honorable and deserving of respect. Perhaps you're part of an elevator crew.
NARA DVIDS CC0
Or maybe you're a shuttle driver.
PICRYL CC0
A fireman?
NARA DVIDS CC0
Or even a television news anchor!
Rawpixel CC0
No matter what your profession or job, The Checker Maven salutes you, and as always for Labor Day, we present a special checker problem. Often we turn to one of the greats, Tommie Wiswell. But instead today we turn to Jessie Hanson, a member of the 1927 All-American team. Mr. Wiswell says of him, "he has published numerous problems of a very high order." Here's one of his gems.
BLACK
Black to Play and Win
B:W14,17,18,19,20,23:B1,5,6,7,11,12
We'll give you fair warning; this one is much trickier than it looks, but your labor for today is to solve the problem and then, like any good working person, check your work--- by clicking on Read More.
Solution
| 1. | 6-10* | 17-13 |
| 2. | 10x17 | 18-14 |
| 3. | 5-9* | ... |
Amazingly the only way to win. The original publication had a note showing the line 17-22 23-18 5-9 13-6 1-17 19-15 to a draw.
| 3. | ... | 14x5 |
| 4. | 7-10 | 23-18 |
| 5. | 17-22 | 13-9 |
| 6. | 22-26 | 9-6 |
| 7. | 26-31 | 6-2 |
| 8. | 31-26* | ... |
31-27 only draws.
| 8. | ... | 18-15 |
| 9. | 11x18 | 2-7 |
| 10. | 10-14 | 7-10 |
| 11. | 18-22* | ... |
14-17 only draws.
| 11. | ... | 10x17 |
| 12. | 26-31* | 17x26 |
| 13. | 31x22 | 19-15 |
| 14. | 12-16!* | 20x11 |
| 15. | 22-18* | ... |
All other moves lose. Left here as a Black win in the original publication.
| 15. | ... | 15-10 |
| 16. | 18-15* | 11-7 |
| 17. | 15x6 | 7-2 |
| 18. | 6-9 | 2-7 |
| 19. | 9-14 | 7-2 |
| 20. | 14-18 | 2-7 |
| 21. | 18-15 | 7-2 |
| 22. | 15-11 | ... |
Black Wins.
We told you it wasn't quite as simple as it looked! But now enjoy the rest of your Labor Day weekend. You deserve it!
Public Domain Pictures CC0
The Checker Maven is produced at editorial offices in Honolulu, Hawai`i, as a completely non-commercial public service from which no income is obtained or sought. Original material is Copyright © 2004-2026 Avi Gobbler Publishing. Other material is public domain, AI generated, as attributed, or licensed under CC1, CC2, CC3 or CC4 and the various CC options. Information presented on this site is offered as-is, at no cost, and bears no express or implied warranty as to accuracy or usability. You agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk. No liabilities of any kind under any legal theory whatsoever are accepted. The Checker Maven is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Bob Newell, Sr.
