Tommy Canning the Author

[Alan Millhone]

Hello Checker/Draughts Players:

Tommy has a new book coming out on the 12 added openings and is an excellent compilation with lines of play, annotations, diagrams and worht adding to your library for study. Any new book in our game is a 'plus'.

Please support Tommy by buying a copy when published:-) I have a 'sneak preview' copy and it is a jewel.

Sincerely:
Alan Millhone, President
American Checker Federation

[Nathan Gogo]

How new are these 12 openings?

[JR Smith]

Nathan the last 12 opening added to the 144 deck making it 156. Voted on this in 2003 in Anderson, SC at the Nationals.

Elbert Lowder did a phenomenal performance in the opening business session at the 2000 Nationals in Toledo. He requested a vote to add these same new openings to the 3-move deck. EDA and most other federations were already playing the 156 deck in 2000. ACF did include these last 12 openings 3 years later at the Nationals in Anderson, SC.

These are the same Pask called the Golden Dozen.

All 12 openings approved by ACF in Aug 2003 at 2003 National Ty, in Anderson, SC for 3-MOVE PLAY (New Deck 156 Openings)

Inferno 9-13, 22-18, 10-14 forced exchanges 18x9 5x14, then 26-22* or 25-22

Wilderness I 9-13, 22-18, 11-16 (1 of 3 non-exchange) openings

Wilderness II 9-13, 23-18, 11-16 (2 of 3 non-exchange) openings

Garter Snake 9-13, 23-19, 10-15 forced exchange 19x10 then 6x15* or 7x14

The Twilight Zone 9-13, 24-20, 11-16 forced exchange 20x11 with 8-15* or 7x16?

The Black Hole 10-14, 22-17, 9-13 forced exchange 17x10 6x15* or 7x14?

Denny Dodger 10-14, 22-17, 11-15 forced exchange 17x10 7x14 then 23-19* or 24-19 or 25-22 or 23-18

Gemini I 10-14, 22-17, 11-16 forced exchange 17x10 then 6x15* or 7x14?

Gemini II 10-15, 23-19, 11-16 forced exchange 19x10 then 6x15* or 7x14

Wilderness Companion 11-16, 22-17, 9-13 17-14* trade then 10x17 21x14 exchange (after 913 2522 or 26-22)

Black Widow 11-16, 23-19, 16-23 forced exchange 26x19* or 27x18?

The Skunk 12-16, 24-20, 10-15 (3 of 3 non-exchange) openings

[tommyc]

J.R WROTE::::Garter Snake 9-13, 23-19, 10-15 forced exchange 19x10 then 6x15* or 7x14 ......just a few words on that (tc)>!!

As far as i know the 7-14 jump is considered by many to lose and wasnt used in Mail play, i did analyse a draw in this line as far back as 2001 which i have included in my recent book "Cannings Compilations 2007" and at this moment in time i consider it a sound draw (altho its critically thin)until proven otherwise (and which may well happen).

I would be interested if anyone can show it to lose and would offer a copy of my "Compilation" as a prize to that person.!! (Tommy Canning Ireland)

[tommyc]

The Twilight Zone 9-13, 24-20, 11-16 forced exchange 20x11 with 8-15* or 7x16? ....JRs tread

You may find the star* should be on the 7-16 with the q/mark on the 8-15?!!!

[Patrick Parker]

7-14 draws i agree with that

[JR Smith]

you are correct Tommy, star* should be on the 7-16 with the q/mark on the 8-15

I recall W Carter like to play 7-16 but Sherman, you, and a few other put him to the sword.

[tommyc]

Yes i got alot of my inspiration from Sherman Gardiner in my early days in Mail play, i always liked playing Bill Carter nice guy.!!

O f course twas Kings row and e.gilbert who has shown 7-16 to be best .

[Alex_Moiseyev]

7-14 draws i agree with that

Maybe ... have to look ... something totally new to me !

Should we name Tommy as "Cookie man" ?

[tommyc]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.....Yes you may find a few cooks in it Alex........cookie?mm i been called worse .!!!