Puzzles Page by Aubrey de Grey.

Here is the first of what we hope to make a regular feature of the novices' section: a batch of puzzles, varying in difficulty from very easy (testing no more than your understanding of the rules of Othello) to moderate (may take experienced players a few minutes; novices longer).

If you've got this newsletter, then you've probably also got a copy of `Othello: Brief and Basic' by Ted Landau, which is sent to all new members of the Federation. We encourage you to make use of the relevant parts of the book as an aid to improving your understanding of the topics addressed by the puzzles that follow.

Diagram 1:

Diagram 2 :

Diagram 3:

1 List the legal moves for each player in the position shown in diagram 1.

2. It is Black to play in diagram 1. Which move turns the most pieces?

3. Black to play in diagram 2. How can he stop White from taking a corner with his next move?

4. Find the moves which lead to the position shown in diagram 3.

Diagram 4:

Diagram 5:

Diagram 6:

5. Why could the position shown in diagram 4 never occur in actual play?

6. White to play in diagram 5. What is the worst move here?

7. White to play in diagram 6. What sequence is perfect play from here on?

Answers are here.