Unless otherwise indicated:

- You are seeing the problem from white's perspective (meaning white is moving north / up the page and black is moving south / down the page.) This is the case 99% of the time. If the diagram has coordinates, remember that a1 is ALWAYS on the white side of the board, at his left corner.

- White moves first. This can be indicated by a 1.? or a white dot. Black to move first can be indicated by 1. ...? or a black dot. The goal should be stated: "White to move and checkmate in two moves," "White to move and win (usually force a game-winning advantage," etc.)

Hope this helps.

ScottieK