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14. January 2009, 08:47:29

MrWCF

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Subject: An Interesting Cam Ending

Modified by MrWCF (14. January 2009, 17:13:57)

Another interesting position, this time at the end of the Cam game between PerGioco and dragonchild (archive #3685011: Cam (dragonchild vs. PerGioco)). The players agreed to a draw. I believe that no Cam position is drawn--one player can always force a win--but that is unproven. Do you think that this game is a draw, or a win for Black? I would like to hear your intended strategy as Black to try for the win.

14. January 2009, 11:32:12

AbigailII

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Subject: Re: An Interesting Cam Ending

MrWCF: You might get more response if you make your references to games actual links.

14. January 2009, 17:10:23

MrWCF

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Subject: Re: An Interesting Cam Ending

AbigailII: Thank you, I'll do that in future messages, and I'll edit the two previous messages. I appreciate your help!

1. December 2009, 08:15:09

MTC

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Subject: Re: An Interesting Cam Ending

MrWCF: You said that you believe no Cam position is drawn. However, I have come across a position I believe to be drawn:

Cam (MTC vs. DarwinKoala)

In this position, if black’s one remaining piece always moves between F3 and G4, then white has no choice but to keep forming this position, to stop black winning. I can see no way for white to avoid that.
For black, making any other move seems to result in a forced win for white (and that is what happened in this game).
So I’m under the impression that with perfect play from both sides, this position will keep repeating and the game is therefore drawn. Am I wrong?

1. December 2009, 13:25:06

MrWCF

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Subject: Re: An Interesting Cam Ending

Modified by MrWCF (1. December 2009, 13:36:01)

MTC:

Good question!!

However, after Black moves 1....F3-G4, White wins with 2.D5-C4! Now, if 2......G4-F3, then 3.E4-D3. Next, if 3....F3-E2, then 4.C4-B3! E2xC4, 5.B3xD5 wins. (Other retreating Black second moves allow White to defend his Castle with one piece while advancing toward Black's Castle with the other piece, as might have happened in the game.)

By the way, I think that if any Cam position is drawn, it will probably entail an ending with two pieces vs. two pieces. That is the most common type of drawn ending in Camelot, though I probably shouldn't say "common" since with accurate play, almost all Camelot endgame positions are not drawn.