Two natural lines of play in the Nemesis opening (10-14, 24-19, 6-10)

The Nemesis opening (10-14, 24-19, 6-10) is one of tremendous scope, with multiple key variations to know and understand. In this video, I try to cut down on the amount of scope by showing and analyzing two of the most natural ways to play it: one from red and one from white. As I mentioned previously, this is not one of my favorite checkers openings, but it is an important one to know.
The two variations I cover are really just the tip of the iceberg, and I'm happy to discuss additional major variations in a future video.

[@johnguetta1474]

very informative, sure does make one think past the natural. thanks

[@azcheckers]

Yes, unfortunately many of the variations in this opening are unnatural. But hopefully the two variations I highlight in this video will serve as a good starting place!

[@travisarbon558]

Could you tell me where you got your board? I’m struggling to find a good green and white board of the right size

[@azcheckers]

Hi Travis, you should be able to find this board and pieces (or very similar) on the official ACF website: usacheckers.com.

[@majomajo2332]

Hi Ryan, could you explain 🤔 the issue for red with 4-8 at 14:06? Not fully understood

[@azcheckers]

Hello my friend! After 4-8, the single corner is in an immediate bind, as red can never go 11-16 because of the constant 2 for 1 threat from white. For example, if 4-8 is played, then 26-22, and now if 11-16 is played, white can play 24-20 and take two pieces (15x24, 20x4). If other moves besides 11-16 are played at that point, then white can play 23-18, 14x23, 27x18, to further cement the bind to win. 3-8 instead of 4-8 at least allows for 11-16 to potentially be played, because there is no longer an exposed elbow, and red can have some trading power. I hope this explains it better. If not, let me know and I'll talk about it in more detail in a future video.

[@majomajo2332]

@@azcheckers got it, thanks. I learned this the hard way a while ago, the sequence 24-20 after 11-16 resulting in a loss of a piece and even the loss of the game as the opponent will crown soon... Sometimes trying to keep the bridge intact is no good, as discussed before. So 4-8 limits your mobility... thanks! Joachim

[@azcheckers]

​@@majomajo2332 Yes, it's so natural to want to develop a column out of the single corner, and typically, it's not a bad strategy! However, when you are restricted in the single corner as I show in this video, and you become more familiar with those types of restrictions, then finding alternative moves to play such as 11-16 or 3-8 instead of 4-8 may work out better in your favor.

[@thomasengel1459]

2:18 at this position Ryan, Red has many choices besides 11-16: 11-15, 1-6, 3-8, 9-13 and maybe even 2-6. Are you personally always going to play 11-16 here or how do you decide when to mix it up a bit? I think this is what is most confusing to me about the game.

[@azcheckers]

Great questions, Thomas! You are correct in that red has many choices in that position, and all of the moves you listed are probably sound (except for 2-6), but they also allow white some tempo and more scope. 11-15 and 3-8 are both a little anti-positional and lose tempo (as well as unnatural). 1-6 is a transposition from a Double Corner opening, and 9-13 is perfectly OK, but I wouldn't consider either of those moves to be as natural or even as strong as 11-16.

[@mak1005]

Are there free sites to play online?

[@azcheckers]

Hello! Indeed there are -- the site I recommend is playok.com. It's free to sign up, or you can also play as a guest.

[@mak1005]

@@azcheckers thank you

[@azcheckers]

@@mak1005 You got it!

[@robtaylor9782]

So many openings 🤷‍♂️ why can’t it be like chess and have a system opening like a colle opening or stonewall 🤣🤣🤣 Got to say though best opening credits on Ytube

[@azcheckers]

It's true! There's nearly a limitless amount of scope in both games (at least that humans can comprehend). And thanks for the feedback on the video intro -- all credit goes to Mike Mitchell for the animation.

[@robtaylor9782]

@@azcheckers and please keep up the vlogs even though they give me brain melt 🤣🤣🤣

[@azcheckers]

​@@robtaylor9782 Haha -- I will do my best! I know it can be knowledge overload at times, which is why I highly recommend repetition, allowing the ideas and moves soak in, and then playing out the moves on an actual board. Doing this can help cement the themes and ideas behind the moves and also gives you an opportunity to try out other moves to see why those weren't shown or considered in these videos.

[@robtaylor9782]

@@azcheckers that’s been the best advice I’ve had seen or read thanks

[@azcheckers]

@@robtaylor9782It's very true with chess and many other games, too. There's unfortunately no quick formula to becoming an expert overnight. It takes a lot of study, patience, and grit. But in time, you will get there -- and it will be worth the wait!

[@jairblx8317]

To comment

[@Revamp930]

Wish ubcould train me

[@azcheckers]

Hopefully the library of videos on this channel are helpful!

[@jairblx8317]

First