Yes, Gary- the draw would occur if the score was 8-8 and a capture is made which sacrifices 2 stones making the score 10-10. I suppose play could continue from that point until one player broke the tie; although it is interesting to think that a draw might be possible in pente. Also if play is required to continue it makes strategy even more complicated, because until now play has just been focused on how to reach 10 stones, now it would have to include what would happen after reaching ten stones as well. Could be interesting and certainly challenging. As far as points 2 and 3 go, I agree with your assessments on those points. Tom
P.S.- since 10-10 may or may not be an allowable resolution to the game, I will just say that white can play the game to 10-10 with best play by black. If it's not a draw, it is still the solution I'm seeking. If the puzzle had been originally stated as I had intended it, there would have been one or two fewer stones captured by black making the forced win in 7 moves the best outcome which black could achieve. This is the one Mark was the first one to send me a correct solution for. These puzzles are hard to make!