Fanorona Strategy: 6 Tips

Fanorona's opening is a storm of forced captures; the game is decided by who reads lines better once it calms. Rules first? See how to play.

1. Count before you move

Every move you consider, look along its line both ways: what does it approach, what does it withdraw from, and what will the reply approach or withdraw from? A capture of two that allows a capture of five is a blunder.

2. Strong points

Points where row + column is even have eight lines; the others only four. A piece on a strong point threatens, and is threatened along, twice as many lines. Occupy them with purpose and avoid lining up on them carelessly.

3. Chains that turn corners

The chain rules forbid going straight on twice and revisiting points, so good chains zig-zag. Look for a first capture that lands next to a second line at an angle.

4. Don't offer lines

Before a paika, check whether the piece you move lines up behind another of yours: an enemy approaching the first takes both. Keep your pieces staggered rather than in rows.

5. Forced captures as a weapon

Because captures are compulsory, you can offer one piece to drag an enemy piece onto a point where you capture a line in return. Baiting is the heart of middlegame play.

6. The endgame

With few pieces, the side with more material should keep pieces together and advance; the defender should stay off lines and aim for the fifty-move draw.

The hard computer searches three to four turns ahead with chains counted as single turns; normal two; easy just grabs the biggest capture.

Last updated 2026-10-21