We've come again to the Thanksgiving season, that great American holiday which we enjoy so much. It's a great time for family, food, and celebration; a time to reflect on the many good things that we enjoy each and every year.

At Thanksgiving we like to feature a problem from a leading American problemist. This year, we turn to Ben Boland, whose work is often featured in our columns. Today's study isn't easy (most of Mr. Boland's problems definitely present a challenge) but solving it, or making a good effort, will earn you the traditional coffee and pie that will round out your day in an excellent fashion.

Here's the problem:

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play and Draw

W:W20,19,14,13:B25,12,11,5.

When the problem was originally published, we were told "you will be well repaid for your efforts should you solve it--- without looking at the solution." We too admonish you: "Don't peek!" It's a fine problem and well worth your time.

When you've given this a good effort--- and not before!--- click on Read More to see the solution.

North America is well into the autumn season, and what's left of the leaves on much of the continent is blowing away fast. Winter is just around the corner in most northern locales; there isn't much time left.

We hope that today's speed problem won't blow you away, but you'll have to act quickly as indeed there isn't much time. We think 15 seconds is more than enough for a problem that merits a difficulty rating of "moderate" at most. We'll warn you: there are actually two winning paths; one is much longer than the other.

Don't get frozen out; click below to display the problem and start the clock. Then come back and click on Read More to verify your solution.

November Speed Problem (moderate difficulty; 15 seconds)

Marvin J. Mavin had seemingly mended his errant ways, and had returned to the captaincy of the Detroit Doublejumpers in the National Checker League. (In a previous column we related how Marvin had been sent down to a single-A farm club after showing disrespect to his manager.)

Marvin J. Mavin

Today, the Doublejumpers were in Miami for an exhibition match with one of Florida's top amateur teams, the Dancing Draughtsmen. Sponsored by the National Ballroom Dance Federation (NBDF), the Dancing Draughtsmen were captained by none other than NBDF President Vincent "Vinnie" Boggler. Vinnie, in addition to being a ballroom dancing star, was a strong amateur checker player who could have turned pro had ballroom dancing not been his first love.

Vincent "Vinnie" Boggler

A large crowd was in attendance to cheer for their local favorites and their anticipation grew as match time approached.

Marvin, in his position at first board, was making what he thought were clever remarks to himself prior to Vinnie's arrival. "Ballroom dancing," he muttered. "That's for old fogeys who watch too many movies with that guy Freddie whatchacallit. Give me a rave any day!"

"Did you say 'rave'?" he heard a voice ask. Marvin looked up and his face immediately turned red. Vinnie had arrived and evidently had heard Marvin's last comment.

"Raves are for people with no dancing talent. Not everyone has what it takes to excel at ballroom dance. And," Vinnie continued, "not everyone has what it takes to excel at checkers." With this, he gave Marvin a pointed look and offered to shake hands. Marvin did so in a half-hearted fashion. Embarrassed on the one hand for being overheard, he was angry on the other over Vinnie's sharp put-down.

Vinnie took his seat just as the whistle blew to signal the start of the match, and didn't hear Marvin mutter, "From the looks of you, you ain't never been to a rave, ballroom boy, and you don't know the first thing about them."

The game started out as follows.

Marvin was grinning and couldn't keep back a comment. "Nerves, Vinnie? Three moves and you already blew it," he said. "Face it. I'm a checker pro and you're some kind of fancy-pants dancer. You don't have a prayer." And so saying, Marvin quickly made his move---- a little too quickly, in fact.

Marvin sat back in his chair with a smug expression, then took a second look at the board. His expression quickly changed, being replaced with one of concern, then of dismay. Vinnie looked at him and smiled. "Trip over your own feet, did you? Nerves, Marvin?' he asked.

Vinnie concentrated intently. He and Marvin both knew that Black now had a draw in sight. The margin was slim and careful play would be necessary, but Vinnie was determined to put Marvin in his place. For his own part, Marvin knew that he had blown away the win. He could only hope that Vinnie stumbled in his attempt to find the right steps that lead to the draw.

WHITE (Marvin)

BLACK (Vinnie)
Black to Play and Draw

B:W32,31,30,29,27,24,23,22,21,19:B16,14,12,8,7,6,4,3,2,1.

A---A weak move which very likely loses. 7-10 or 6-10 would have been best.

B---22-18 preserves the probable win.

Can you match steps with Vinnie and find the draw, or will the rhythm elude you? We'll warn you up front that the path to a draw is a long one. Take a whirl with it and then dance your mouse over to Read More to see the solution and the conclusion to our story.

Once before, we thought we had run out of plays on the word "stroke" but the Checker Maven staff managed to come through. This week, they've done it again, although warning that it would probably be the last acceptable instance of "stroke" wordplay.

We're not at all sure that we would cover our office walls with the color selected by the woman in the photo above, but you get the idea, and for all we know, she might be an expert checker player in addition to modeling brush strokes.

Today's stroke problem is indeed no brush-over; it's complex and requires the best in visualization skills.

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play and Win

W:WK2,6,K10,11,15,K18,19,20,21,31:B1,3,4,12,13,23,K24,25,27,K29.

Don't paint yourself into a corner, and after a good brush with this problem, click on Read More to see the solution.

Labor Day is another holiday that we particularly like because, as we note every year, it celebrates the greatness of the common guy and gal, those hard-working not-so-ordinary "ordinary" folk who have made America what it is today.

We're sorry to say that our politicians have in recent times let the common man down, seemingly oblivious to the economic plight faced by so many. We know that the problems of the American economy are tough ones and not easy to solve, but if there's a will there's a way. It's just that we haven't seen much in the way of will from our leaders in Washington.

So The Checker Maven would like to tell these leaders: Millions and millions of Americans want and need something better, and they're willing to work long and hard to make it happen. You need to help them out. The American workforce is nothing less than awesome. Don't let us down any longer!

We always celebrate this holiday with an offering from one of the greatest American problemists, Tom Wiswell, and Mr. Wiswell is certainly someone who never lets us down. Here's one that we know you will enjoy. It isn't easy, but it's elegant and a bit surprising.

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play and Draw

W:W31,29,K15:B14,13,12,9.

White is a man down and will have to truly labor to obtain a draw. A lot of checker insight is needed to visualize the conclusion. We suggest that you put in your hours and work on this one; if you're able to solve it you'll feel amply rewarded. Then be sure to enjoy Labor Day along with us; you've certainly earned it.

Does it seem like summer speeds in and just as quickly speeds out? It's already August, arguably the hottest month in most of the Northern Hemisphere, but September lies just around the corner, bringing with it the fall season.

But we'd like you to stay in gear for a few moments and contemplate this month's speed problem. It's from actual play in a game won by on-line checkerist Chris T. from Wales in the United Kingdom. The problem is not terribly hard but requires keen "checker vision," something Chris T. seems to have in spades.

We'll be generous and give you 15 seconds to solve it. When you're ready, click on the link below to display the problem and start the clock. After you've speedily found the solution, click on Read More to check your work.

August Speed Problem (moderate difficulty - 15 seconds)

The term zig-zag is of uncertain origin. It seems to have first appeared in print in a Dutch publication in 1706; it appeared in English around 1728. It is probably a variation of the German word "zickzack." This word evidently referred to castle fortifications, which were often built in a zig-zag form; the word "zick-zack" was also used in English, along with "zic-zac," until "zig-zag" seemed to become the standard--- if such things really have standards.

Today's checker problem definitely has a zig-zag nature, as can be seen in the diagram below.

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play and Win

W:W22,26,30,32:B9,13,17,19.

This is supposed to be an easy problem, but in fact it requires some thought. Can you make those pieces zig and zag to a White win? Give it a try and then zig-zag your mouse over to Read More to see the solution.

Every year we celebrate the 4th of July. As unabashed and unapologetic patriots, it's one of our favorite holidays. America is a great nation, the American people are a great people, and we're proud to honor our country on its birthday.

We won't go quite so far as to say that checkers defines the American character, but as we've said before, there's a democratic side to checkers that appeals to us. Anyone can play and anyone can succeed. It's just a matter of how hard they're willing to work.

America has produced great checkerists such as Marion Tinsley, Asa Long, and many more. But when it comes time to publish an American checker problem, as we're wont to do for the week of 4th of July, we usually turn to all-around great Tom Wiswell. Today is no exception as we present a Wiswell composition that is as elegant as it is difficult. It was originally published under the title The Rainbow.

BLACK

WHITE
White to Play and Draw

W:W32,31,28,K22:B23,20,19,16,12,8.

Mr. Wiswell stated that this problem requires White to make no less than 12 "star" moves (a star move is the only move that will work in a given situation), and little wonder; White is down not one but two pieces. We're setting a tough task here, but we can guarantee that it will be worth the time and effort. Give it your best, and then give it some more, and don't give up. When you're finished, click on Read More to see the solution.

The young woman in the picture above has a little problem: she's got a square peg and she needs to fit it into a round hole. We suspect that this will not be an easy feat to accomplish, though we surely wish her the best of luck.

Checkers is filled with little problems as well; often they're called "miniatures" and involve just a few pieces per side. They are very often both practical and challenging.

The little problem shown below seems to fit the description perfectly.

WHITE

BLACK
Black to Play and Win

B:W25,17,K3:BK11,2,1.

This situation surely arises often over the board, so knowing how to win it could make a real difference. We think it's challenging, but ultimately not all that difficult. Certainly, it's not in the "square peg in a round hole" category.

Can you peg this one just by looking at the diagram? Give it a square try, and then move your mouse 'round to Read More to reveal the solution.

June's speed problem is taken from an actual game played on the It's Your Turn Internet site. The winning player in our problem situation uses the screen name Yearof57; his real name is Flavious Burgess and he hails from Beulah, Kentucky. Mr. Burgess says that he plays in a few tournaments around his home state and tries to play in the Majors Division, but at times "has to" play in the Masters Division. We're hardly surprised at that; Mr. Burgess is a very skilled player.

There's no doubt that he spotted the win in today's problem rather quickly, and you probably won't need a lot of time either, so we'll "help you out" by not giving you much! 10 seconds is all that's left on the clock; click on the link below when you're ready to begin.

June Speed Problem (10 seconds; easy)