Must you capture the most pieces? Choice under Russian rules
A player may have two captures: one takes one piece, another takes two. Russian checkers does not therefore require the longer option. Freedom of choice concerns the start of the capture, not permission to interrupt the chosen sequence. Check legality and value separately.
In this article
Do not import another variant's rule
The game's name matters. Different capture requirements can apply on the same 8×8 board. Russian rules allow a choice without priority for the number or quality of captured pieces; Brazilian rules require the maximum number. When changing apps or opponents, confirm the variant before moving. The general word “checkers” does not guarantee identical rules.
Count two complete routes
White's men are on c3 and g3; Black has b4, f4, d6 and a7. First option: c3×a5 over b4, one capture. Second: g3×e5×c7 over f4 and d6, two captures. Both are legal. In the long route, e5 is only intermediate: adjacent d6 and empty c7 require continuation. The final c7 square does not yet promote White's man.
Do not confuse legal with good
Free choice does not make the options equal in value. After the short capture, Black's f4 can take White's g3 on h2. After the long one, b4 can take the remaining c3 on d2. Before comparing gains, inspect mandatory replies and remaining pieces. The demonstration selects the long route to illustrate a sequence, not to claim without further calculation that it is the best move in the game.
Exercise: separate starting from continuing
Name both starting white pieces, target counts and final squares. Try the full short move, restore the position and choose the long one. A g3–e5 attempt should not be accepted as a complete move. Check Black's reply to each option, then state the rule: choose between complete sequences, but do not arbitrarily shorten your chosen one. This also helps with complex king positions where the first jump hides further captures.
Your move now.
Practise the idea on the board. You can make mistakes, try again and start over.
Open exerciseRules and sources
Use these links to check the rules and explore the topic further.