Russian checkers: mandatory capture and backward jumps
In Russian checkers on an 8×8 board, a man moves forwards without capturing but can capture in both directions. If any of your pieces can capture, a quiet move with another piece is forbidden. A sound plan begins by checking mandatory captures across the whole board.
In this article
Separate movement from capture
A man's quiet move goes diagonally forwards to an adjacent empty dark square. To capture, an opposing piece must stand diagonally adjacent, with an empty square immediately beyond it. Jump over that piece to the empty square. Check all four diagonals: the ban on quiet backward movement does not ban backward capture. An occupied landing square makes the jump impossible.
Find the only mandatory capture
White has pieces on b2 and f4, Black on a7 and e3. The f4 man can jump over e3 to empty d2. White must therefore play f4–d2, even though it moves backwards. The quiet b2–c3 is illegal because a capture by another white piece takes priority. The e3 piece is removed and White's piece remains a man.
What to calculate before moving
Do not inspect only the piece you planned to move. Check all your pieces, then the opponent's mandatory replies after your choice. A careless advance can allow a capture with further jumps. Russian rules allow a choice between different captures; taking the maximum number is not required. But the chosen sequence must be completed. Do not apply this distinction to Brazilian or international rules.
Make checking a habit
Make the capture, then try “Mandatory capture” and “A man captures backwards”. Before each move against a bot, ask where an adjacent enemy piece has an empty square beyond it. Review one missed backward capture afterwards. Practise spotting legal options yourself, even when move highlighting helps.
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.