QuoUsque: Wow, I didn't know that checkers is so sofisticated game with special openings, historical games and so on - as chess, for me it was just a game for kids. I looked at Amazon now and I've found (and ordered :-)) two books about checkers. It's very interesting, thanks for your posting! :-)

Ad computerized chess players: To be honest, I like more and more the Kasparov's idea of "advanced chess" mentioned by Cassius. I'd like to try (at least) one game with computer support, rated or not, against some man&machine opponent. Anyone interested?