The openings in the 10-15 that are all of the Kelso family. Therefore they are all named Kelso initially with some additions during the 2-move and/or 3-move era. One can see a fine example out of it example of them in Basic Checkers where Richard Fortman grouped the openings. The name Kelso was given by Mr. John Drummond in the Scottish Draughts Player. Kelso is a Scottish boy’s name as well as a town.

10-15 forms the openings of the Kelso Family.


10-15, 21-17, 7-10 forms The Octopus so named because it ensnares many players in its manifold tentacles. It is dedicated in Ryans Encyclopedia to A. J. Mantell of New York.

10-15, 21-17, 9-13 forms The Tyne named by an unheralded scribe as Tine or Tyne in ancient Celtic “to lose” or “be lost”.

10-15, 22-17, 9-14 forms The Nutcracker one of the barred openings. It is deemed a loss therefore usually not played unless mutually consented.

10-15, 22-17, 15-19 forms The Skull Cracker named by Leo Munger a 13 times Indiana State Champion.

10-15, 22-18, 15-22 forms the Kelso Single.

10-15, 23-18 forms Kelso Cross.

10-15, 23-18, 6-10 forms The Goatgetter.

10-15, 23-18, 7-10 forms Strickland Cross so named after William Strickland who authored the British Draughts Player.

10-15, 23-19, 11-16 forms Gemeni II initially barred but after years of analysis did enter the 3-move deck in 2003 as it is believed to be drawable.

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