Fundamentals. They are the basis of success in any sport. Knowing how to swing your bat or position to catch a fly ball in baseball. Blocking and tackling in American football. Making free throws in basketball. And there are fundamentals in our game of checkers, too.

Today we have something that's not quite a speed problem but does fall more into the novice or beginner category. It's a sound exercise in those checker fundamentals--- seeing a win when one is there and then carrying it out.

WHITE

BLACK
Black to Play and Win

B:W19,22,23,24,26,28:B10,11,12,13,14,15

An experienced player won't have any difficulty with this one; if you fall into that category, see how quickly you can solve it. For the less experienced player, please don't give up until you find the solution, as it relies on relatively simple play that will score you many a point over the board. When you're ready, it's fundamental to know that clicking on Read More will show you the solution.

Solution

14-17 24-20---A 15x24 28x19 11-15 19-16 12x19 23x16 10-14 16-11 14-18 Black Wins.

A---23-18 11-16 Black Wins.

Today's problem was sent to us by regular contributors Lloyd and "Gosh Josh" Gordon, and is taken from one of their nightly contests.

Practice, practice, practice!