3x3 and 2x2 positions

[Alex_Moiseyev]

I believe this is one of the best 3x3 problems ever published.

Lets see ... Below is my version. This is not 3x3 position, but still in the same material zone. I like this one, because when I tried to solve it first time - was failed

Does anyone is aware - who is author of this problem ? I have no clue.

Author ?

Red to move and draw

[Bob Murr]

Hi Alex, this is a very nice problem, how to get the move to avoid First Position. I believe this problem is by O. H. Richmond, I found it in Atwell's Scientific Draughts as problem # 164. Seeing these pitches at the right time is most difficult for me.

I still like the Hugh Byars problem as my favorite 3x3 and this is one of the best ever 2x3 with the least material having the most advantage.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

I still like the Hugh Byars problem as my favorite 3x3 .

OK, here are couple other fine 3x3 problems I find. What do you think now ?

#1. The late C. M. Wilder

White to move and win

#2. H.D. Lyman

White to move and draw

Regards,

Alex

[Bob Murr]

Ok Alex, you convinced me, the Byars problem is not as good as I thought. There are probably thousands just as good.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Ok Alex, you convinced me, the Byars problem is not as good as I thought. There are probably thousands just as good.

No, Bob ! This problem is great, but it is hard to say - which onr of them is "best of the best" (if any) Each has it's own points. I just took the very first book available to me - Lyman problems, and find couple. But as you said - there are hundred and thousand of them, even 3x3 only.

Lyman book has collection of 144 3x3 problems, but I beleive the total number of valuable problems in this range should be around 600.

Thanks for supporting conversation. I had fun solving and publishing problems. What is your most favor 2x2 problem ?

Alex

[Bob Murr]

Hi Alex, There are so many 2x2 themes that it is difficult find a favorite or to say that one is better that the other. First position in all of it's diverse settings is probably my favorite because it is the most useful. The American position problems are another favorite. Another useful theme is forcing a man into the double corner to change the move.
such as

Red to play and win

Another is this problem by P. M. Bradt
winning without the move

Red to play and win

Almost every 2x2 problem with certain exceptions of impossible postions such as Dr. Brown's famous "First position in embryo" is very useful.

First position in embryo
(what was white's last move?)
Dr. T. J. Brown

Red to play and win

[Bob Murr]

I have asked Jason to move this discussion to a new topic, it was not the intention to hijack your topic it just happened.

[matthewkooshad]

Thanks for the nice message you sent, Bob. I appreciate you and Alex's positions and notes that were posted about the other problems. I wasn't offended at all. Thanks for wanting to keep things organized here too.

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Matthew, personally - i would be very proud if some of my posts generated such an interesting dialogue. I think it has to be continued, here or in separate post and eventually become a permanent, on-going open conversation,when everyone may come and say:

Hey guys, there is also this problem .... Isn't better than anything else you posted ?"

==============================================================

Bob, I didn't miss your post with 2x2 problems, and still working hard trying to find something better But ... your choice was great, and everything yet I reviewd, can't beat your problems. Keep working ...

Alex

[EdTrice]

By the way, if you download the free copy of WCC, it comes with the perfect play databases for 6 or fewer pieces. It will tell you the distance to win without having to search for any 3x3 or smaller problem.

http://www.worldchampionshipcheckers.co ... /Setup.exe

[Patrick Parker]

the diagram with pieces on
w 29,4
b 30,12
i cant figure out how to win it

[EdTrice]

the diagram with pieces on
w 29,4
b 30,12
i cant figure out how to win it

The idea is to make retreating "waiting moves" since you can get play against the king in the single corner.

21-17 29-25
17-13 25-21
13-9 21-17
3-7 4-8 {if 17-13 then 7-10 13x6 10x1 4-8 and red wins with the move}
7-10 8-12
9-13 17-14
10x17 and wins.