A capture is forced; the longest capture is not. Pool rewards the route you choose, not simply the pieces you count.
Pool Checkers uses an 8×8 board and 12 pieces per side. Men move forward, capture in either direction, and become long-range flying kings.
The defining rule is simple: if a capture exists, you must capture — but you do not have to take the route with the most pieces.
A long combination is tempting, but a shorter route may reach promotion, preserve a key diagonal or avoid a trap. Pool rewards the consequence of the move, not automatic piece counting.
A capture is required, but its size is your decision. White may take one piece to the left instead of following the longer route right.
A king travels along open diagonals and captures from distance. Beyond the captured piece, more than one landing square may be available; each can reveal a different continuation.
After crossing the dark piece, the king has several landing squares. The far square keeps the long diagonal and a second threat open.
As the board clears, central diagonals matter more. A well-placed king can influence distant parts of the position without committing to the first available exchange.
A man that touches the back row during a capture does not gain flying-king powers halfway through the sequence. It continues as a man and is crowned only when the completed move finishes on that row.
The board, backward captures and flying kings are shared. The difference is choice: Brazilian Checkers compels the route with the largest capture total; Pool Checkers allows any complete legal capture sequence.
In the American Pool tradition, the darker side moves first.
Yes, although their ordinary moves remain forward.
Yes. You must capture when a legal jump exists.
No. You may choose any legal capture route and then complete it.
Across any number of empty squares on an open diagonal.
No. A man is crowned after the complete move if it finishes on the back row.
No. Pool adds backward captures for men and long-range flying kings.
Yes. Choose Computer in the setup to explore capture choices at your own pace.