Tremendous article by Michael Keller!

[Richard Pask]

I highly recommend reading a fine article, entitled Checkers and Draughts, by Michael Keller which has recently appeared. This has clearly involved a great deal of careful research and represents a most valuable piece of work on the game.

If I may be permitted one tiny explanation regarding the recommended moves [R] in Complete Checkers: Repertoire. Far from being random or indeed unnecessary, these are only given when, having explained that the reader is presumed to be playing White, say, three or four White options are given (and just one recommended). This approach is followed scrupulously through the book. Certainly there are tens of thousands of [implicitly] recommended moves in the book which don't necessitate the use of the [R] symbol. Also, in terms of the toughest 3-move ballot, I give the nod (just) to 9-14 23-18; 14-23 over 9-13 22-18; 11-15.

This aside, I consider Mr Keller's article to be exceptional.

[Ed Gilbert]

Checkers and Draughts by Michael Keller