The Switcher defense: featured heavily in the 2022 Unrestricted Checkers World Title Match

The Switcher defense (11-15, 21-17) played a predominant role in the 2022 Unrestricted World Championship, which was ultimately won by Matteo Bernini against the champion Lubabalo Kondlo. In Game 19, Bernini follows published play which includes two instructive sacrifices. James Wyllie pioneered much of the play on the Switcher opening in the 19th century. Because of its restrictive nature and the difficulty in countering red's many attacks, it isn't seen as much in modern unrestricted play. However, Bernini proved otherwise with his masterful performance, so we may see this opening played more and more! Photos courtesy of Kim Willis.