Lines of Action Strategy: 6 Tips

Lines of Action rewards shape over material. New here? Read the rules first.

1. Head for the centre

Pieces in the middle touch more squares and reach more lines. Groups form fastest around the centre, and central pieces block the opponent's lines.

2. Reduce your groups

Count your groups after each candidate move. A move that joins two groups is usually better than any capture.

3. Capture with care

Taking an enemy piece shortens their job. Capture when it breaks their forming group, when it connects yours, or when the piece could otherwise capture you.

4. Block lines

A piece on the opponent's line changes how far their pieces move, often by exactly one square, which can stop a connecting move. Look at the lines their stragglers need.

5. Use the long leaps

A crowded line lets a piece fly across the board. Keep an eye on lines with four or five pieces: they're highways for both sides.

6. Beware the double connection

If your move would connect the opponent as well as you, you still win as the mover. The reverse is also true: don't connect your pieces with a move that lets the opponent connect theirs on the same turn.

Last updated 2026-10-21