Dama · Variants

Dama maximum capture

Dama also uses a maximum-capture rule. When captures are available, the line that takes the most pieces is enforced.

4 min · 3 steps

This is the written edition of an interactive Boardgammon lesson — in the app, the coach narrates while you play every move on a live board.

Step 1 · Take the most pieces

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758596061626364
On the board: Maximum line

Dama also uses a maximum-capture rule. When captures are available, the line that takes the most pieces is enforced.

Coach narration

Step 2 · Why keep jumping?

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758596061626364

One light piece can take two dark pieces in a straight line, and the other can take only one. Which capture rule applies?

Choose the Dama capture rule.

Quick check

  • The maximum capture is required
  • Either piece may capture
  • Captures may run along diagonals
Show the correct answer

Correct answer: The maximum capture is required — Correct. Dama captures straight and must take the maximum available.

  • Either piece may capture — Not here. The two-capture line takes more pieces, so it is the only legal move.
  • Captures may run along diagonals — Dama captures in straight orthogonal lines.

Coach narration

Step 3 · Complete the straight line

12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758596061626364
On the board: Straight maximum

Follow the vertical path through both captures.

Tap the highlighted light piece, then tap the square marked Finish. One tap plays both jumps.

The move: 42x26x10

Maximum Dama capture complete.

Common mistake: Tap the two-capture piece first, then tap the square marked Finish at the end of the straight line.

Coach narration

What you learned

You can now apply Dama maximum capture in straight orthogonal lines.

Coach narration