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Frisian Checkers Online

Watch the rows and files as carefully as the diagonals: a Frisian capture can arrive from any of eight directions.

8

capture directions

The board has eight capture directions

Frisian Checkers — Fries Dammen — uses a 10×10 board and 20 pieces per side. A man still makes an ordinary move diagonally forward. The surprise begins when a capture appears.

Position 1 · capture geometryScan all eight directions

The white man can jump diagonally, horizontally or vertically. Normal movement stays diagonal; the extra lines belong to captures.

Captures may run diagonally, horizontally or vertically. A sequence can turn from a diagonal into a row and then into a column, so familiar-looking formations hide unfamiliar attacks.

Move diagonally; scan every line

Kings make long quiet moves on diagonals. During a capture, both men and kings gain access to horizontal and vertical lines as well. Before every move, inspect all eight directions around each piece that might jump.

diagonals+rows+columns= one capture map

Piece count is not capture value

Capturing is compulsory, but Frisian priority is based on value. A king is worth more than one man and less than two: one king beats one man, while two men beat one king.

Position 2 · capture valueCount value, not only pieces

A route through two men outranks a route through one king. When the totals tie, a capture made by a king receives priority.

If a man and a king can make captures of equal value, the capture made by the king has priority. Counting pieces alone can therefore point to the wrong move.

Retrain the first glance

  • Scan the cross.Rows and columns can hide captures absent from other draughts games.
  • Then scan diagonals.Normal movement still uses them, and combinations may switch geometry.
  • Compare value.Separate captured kings from men before choosing the compulsory route.

FAQ

What board does Frisian Checkers use?

A 10×10 board with 20 pieces per side.

Can men move sideways?

Not on a quiet move. Men normally move diagonally forward.

Can men capture sideways?

Yes. Captures may be diagonal, horizontal or vertical.

How many capture directions are there?

Eight: four diagonal and four orthogonal directions.

Are kings flying kings?

Yes on open diagonals; their captures may also use rows and columns.

Does the route with the most pieces always win?

No. Capture value matters because a king is worth more than one man but less than two.

What breaks an equal-value tie?

If a man and king can capture equal value, the capture made by the king has priority.

Can I practise against the computer?

Yes. Choose Computer and build the habit of checking all eight capture directions.