Checker terms -- please define for me

[Alchva]

I'm relatively new to checkers, but it's a much cooler game than I had previously realized, every bit as cool as chess (in which I have more experience). I have browsed through several older checker books and I was wondering if someone could define the following terms for me:

1) Bridges
2) Landings
3) Trunk

Thanks!

[Palomino]

Definition from the CHECKER CHEST.
http://www.checkerschest.com/glossary.htm
Bridge: a configuration in a checkers game consisting of two checkers of the same color on the king row wherein there is also one empty square between the men to form a bridge position; this bridge is an important strategy, especially in the endgame.

You may be interested in this link to Jim Loy's checkers pages.
http://www.jimloy.com/checkers/bridges.htm

Regards..."Pal" Bucker

[jaguar72]

I'm relatively new to checkers, but it's a much cooler game than I had previously realized, every bit as cool as chess (in which I have more experience). I have browsed through several older checker books and I was wondering if someone could define the following terms for me:

1) Bridges
2) Landings
3) Trunk

Thanks!

In his Secrets of Checkerboard Strategy (Simon and Schuster, 1960), Tom Wiswell defines bridge this way (which might be a little clearer for you): "Bridge - When Black has men on squares 1 and 3, White must place a man on square 10 to crown on square 2; hence a bridge is formed. On the other side of the board, White men on squares 30 and 32 force Black to post a man on square 23 before he is able to crown on 31. Ben Boland has written an excellent book devoted solely to bridge positions (Boland's Bridges)."

In the same source, Wiswell defines Landing as "A mid-game position that is recognized as a familiar theme, affording a sense of safety. (Similar to 'Formation')."

And again in the same book, he defines Trunk as "The basic game from which the variations spring." Lees' Guide, among many other books, I guess, would be a good practical example of this system.

Hope this helps.

V/R,

Gary Jenkins/jaguar72

[Alchva]

Thanks Palomino and jaguar72 for your answers! As said, I'm a newcomer to the game, but I continue to get more and more fascinated. I'll check out the websites you've listed, too. Have a great New Year!

[jaguar72]

I'm relatively new to checkers, but it's a much cooler game than I had previously realized, every bit as cool as chess (in which I have more experience).

Actually, checkers is cooler than chess...cats, for example, like the checker pieces much better... . My large gray cat (his name is Chess, same as Alekhine's cat) can sail those babies across the room like high-speed frisbees, but couldn't possibly do the same thing with, for instance, the queen's bishop.

And you are entirely correct. Checkers is a wonderful game and very difficult to play well (I don't...). It has, as I'm sure you've realized, a unique and intrinsic beauty all its own.

All the best for the new year...glad to have you on the forum.

V/R,

Gary Jenkins/jaguar72