Welcome to the battlefield. Please tell me what you'd like me to call you in this battle.






You and I are going to be playing CAPTURE THE FLAG.

There are three ways of winning:

1. Reach the end of the battlefield.
2. Capture your opponent.
3. Stop your opponent from moving.

The loser gets shot!

And, as I'm much smarter than you are, that will be you!

If you want to play White and start, just make your first move.

If you want me to start instead, press the button marked YOU START. Then you get Black and I make the first move.

Come back here when you're ready and tell me who you think should win, White or Black.

I'm much smarter than you so I'll win. Let's start now!

Go ahead! I'm not scared of getting shot.

I don't think I want to do this. I'm too young to die.


Well, kiddo, who do you think should win this game?




I think WHITE should win.

I think BLACK should win.

I'm not sure: can I play again?


You're right. White should win this game. It's just a race. But what is his best first move?

White should move TWO squares on his first move.

White should move ONE square on his first move.

I'm not sure: can I play again?


This time it's a bit different. Both pawns start on the same file. Try it out with both colours and see what happens this time.

Come back here when you're ready and tell me who you think should win, White or Black.

OK fine - I'm ready to go.

Can I come back and do it later?

I can't do this: it's too hard for me.


Who would you rather be in that game, kiddo?




I'd rather be WHITE.

I'd rather be BLACK.

I'm not sure: can I play again?


You're right. Black should win this game. What strategy should he choose?

Black should copy White's move.

Black should do the opposite of White's move.

I'm not sure: can I play again?


For our third single combat battle the pawns start on adjacent files. What difference will this make?

Come back here when you're ready and tell me who you think should win, White or Black.

This is good fun: bring it on!.

I'm sorry but I have to stop now.

No: I can't be bothered.


Hey kiddo, do you prefer White or Black this time?




WHITE will win if he plays the right moves.

BLACK will win if he plays the right moves.

I'm not sure: can I play again?


Yes, this game is also a win for Black. What should his plan be this time?

Black should copy White's move.

Black should do the opposite of White's move.

I'm not sure: can I play again?


You have now played all three SINGLE COMBAT games. If you don't understand anything come back and try again in a few days time.


I didn't understand everything: can I start again?

That was too easy! Can I go on to the next lesson?

I've had enough for now. Can I do something else?