Today's speed problem is a little different; it's really not a "speed" problem per se, in that it needs to be solved in seconds. Instead, we present a problem that's a good deal harder than the usual "find the tactics" speed problem, though it really isn't so difficult as problems go. As in the cartoon above, don't be hasty and err; proceed with deliberate speed.

Your challenge in this month's speed offering is to find the solution in a "reasonable" amount of time; what that means is up to you. Are we perhaps being too easy on you? Again, only you can decide; try out the problem, and then click on Read More to see the solution and a sample game which leads to the problem position. Make haste slowly!

April Speed Problem No. 1

WHITE

BLACK
Black to Play and Win

B:W21,13,K3:BK16,2,1.

SOLUTION

16-19---i,ii 3-8 19-15 21-17 15-10 8-11 1-5 11-16 2-6 Black Wins.

i---16-12 only draws; 21-17 1-5 17-14 2-6 3-7 6-10 14-9 5-14 13-9 12-16 9-5 16-19 7-11 19-23 11-7 Drawn.

ii---If 16-11 then 13-9 secures the draw.

The position arises from a line in the Single Corner opening, as follows.

11-15 22-18 15-22 25-18 8-11 29-25 4-8 24-20 10-15 25-22 12-16 21-17 8-12 17-13 7-10 27-24 9-14 18-9 5-14 32-27 3-7 30-25---iii 16-19 23-16 12-19 25-21 14-18 27-23 18-25 23-16 15-18 31-27 25-30 26-23 10-14 16-12 30-26 12-8 26-19 24-15 7-10 27-24 10-19 24-15 18-23 15-10 6-15 8-3 15-19 3-7 11-15 7-10 15-18 10-17 18-22 17-26 23-20 20-16 30-26 16-11 26-23 11-8 19-24 28-19 23-16 8-3 forms diagram.

iii---24-19 should instead be played here to draw.