10-14 24-20 7-10

[williamdocherty]

Greetings to all

I wanted to share this opening information with the checker playing community;

Way back in the 1980's when I was in tough training with the legendary John McGill, we drew the opening 10-14 24-20 7-10.

John with black's took the standard 11-16 defence to which I answered 26x17!!!

I have not seen or heard of this being played before either in practice or match. The result of the game was (if memory serves me well) was a white win for me.

The computer does not drastically condemn this move compared to the usual 25x18, which makes it a nice "surprise" "attack" against well posted 3 move wizards.

BR

William

[Alex_Moiseyev]

In nowdays after 10-14, 24-20, 7-10, 22-18 red often plays way better 10-15 which equalize game. In WQT 2016 in Rome both me and Sergio Scarpetta played this move for red leading to 2 draws.

I played 10-15 with Ed Bruch about 10 years ago (draw), and also with Elbert Lowder in 2004 USA 3 moves National (missed win for red).

Conclusion: for get about weak 11-16!

AlexM

[williamdocherty]

Hi Alex

Thanks for this exchange,...one point to make on the defence in this opening is that in GM Richard Pask's book Complete Checkers "todays bible without any doubts " is that 11-16 is classed as recommended, 1st position, 9-13 second choice and 10-15 3rd choice.
As I always say, the best defence in a weak opening is the one that you know best
Incidentally, I always like to choose the "best weak defence" when playing the weak side first, as this usually incites the opponent to use a lot of energy in trying to find the win!!...then with the strong side you whip him!!! I guess that could be called Oldbury tictacs!!

Greetings
William