Everything you need to know — from basic controls to advanced endgame tactics. Master the board in no time.
Capture all opponent pieces by jumping over them diagonally, or block all their moves so they cannot make a legal move on their turn.
The game is played on the dark squares only of an 8×8 board. Each player starts with 12 pieces placed on the three rows closest to them.
Players take turns. On each turn, you must move one piece. If a capture is available, you must take it (mandatory capture rule).
Regular moves: Pieces move diagonally forward one square at a time to an adjacent empty dark square.
Capturing: Jump over an adjacent opponent piece diagonally to an empty square beyond. The captured piece is removed from the board.
Multi-jump: If after one capture your piece can make another jump, you must continue capturing in the same turn.
King promotion: When a piece reaches the farthest row on the opponent's side, it becomes a king. Kings can move and capture both forward and backward diagonally.
Winning: You win by capturing all 12 of your opponent's pieces, or by leaving them with no legal moves.
Pieces in the center of the board have more options and are harder for your opponent to trap. Avoid crowding the edges early on.
Don't rush to move your back row pieces. They protect against kings being formed on your side. Move them only when strategically necessary.
Before moving, ask yourself: "What will my opponent do after this?" Anticipating their response is the key to avoiding traps.
If you're ahead in pieces, trading evenly is good. If you're behind, avoid trades and look for opportunities to capture without losing.
Position your pieces so that your opponent must choose between two bad outcomes. No matter which piece they save, you capture the other.
Pieces that protect each other in diagonal lines are harder to attack. Build formations where each piece guards the square behind the next.
In the endgame, use two kings to corner a single king. Coordinate their movement to shrink the opponent's space gradually.
Sometimes giving up one piece to gain a double or triple jump is worth it. Sacrificial plays can completely shift the board in your favor.