Russian Draughts Strategy: 6 Tips

Russian draughts rewards calculation: because captures are forced, you can steer the opponent's pieces. Rules first? See how to play.

1. The centre

Men in the centre control more squares and can capture in four directions. Edge men are safe from capture but slow.

2. Keep the back row

Your back row stops enemy men from crowning. Move it only when the opponent's men are far from it or when a combination needs the tempo.

3. Shots

Offer a man where the forced capture drags an enemy piece onto a square your next capture needs. Count the whole sequence, including the reply.

4. Backward captures

Men capture backwards, so a piece behind your lines is a threat, not a stray. Check every jump in all four directions before leaving a man alone.

5. The first king

A flying king dominates: one king against three men often wins. Push a man through when you can do so without a sacrifice, and stop the opponent's runner first.

6. Endgames

Three kings against one king win with the main diagonal under control (Petrov's triangle); fewer and it is a draw. Learn the pattern before trading down.

The hard computer searches four plies (six when few pieces remain) on material, advancement and mobility; normal two; easy plays at random within the forced captures.

Last updated 2026-10-21