In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, January is a cold month, and so a warmup might be just the thing! Here is a simple problem to get you started with this month's Checker Maven challenges--- but beware, they all won't be this easy!
Brian Hinkle sent us this run-up from the Double Corner opening:
9-14 | 23-18 |
14x23 | 27x18 |
12-16 | 22-17---A |
16-19 | 24x15 |
10x19 | 31-27?---B |
A---A defense from Teschelheit's Master Play of the Checkerboard, unfortunately unsound.
B---Loses at once, although White is probably already lost. One alternative line of play from the KingsRow computer engine is this: 26-23 19x26 30x23 11-15 18x11 8x15 32-27 5-9 31-26 4-8 25-22 8-11 23-18 15-19 27-23 11-16 17-13 7-11 29-25 1-5 22-17 3-8 17-14 8-12 25-22 11-15 18x11 9x27 Black Wins.
After 31-27, the following position arises:
How quickly can you solve this one? Click on Read More for the solution - but give it a good try first.
Solution
The solution involves a basic 3 for 2 shot:
19-24 28-19 11-15 18-11 8-31 Black Wins.
Or:
19-24 27-20 11-16 20-11 8-31 Black Wins.
Tactics, tactics, tactics!
Article edited and expanded on 9 July 2016.