Step 1 · Backward captures
A king is not just a backward mover. If a jump is available backward, the king must take it.
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Step 2 · Can the king slide?
The dark king has a backward jump over a light piece. What does the forced-capture rule require?
Choose what the king must do.
Quick check
- Jump backward and capture
- Slide to any empty diagonal square
- Ignore it because men cannot jump backward
Show the correct answer
Correct answer: Jump backward and capture — Correct. English kings capture backward when the jump is available.
- Slide to any empty diagonal square — A king may slide only when no capture is available.
- Ignore it because men cannot jump backward — This is a king. Kings can move and capture in both diagonal directions.
Coach narration
Step 3 · Take the jump
Now make the backward jump. Start on the crowned piece and land just beyond the light man.
Tap the king, then tap the highlighted landing square beyond the light piece.
The move: king capture
Captured. That was the last light piece, so the game is won. That is the king advantage.
Common mistake: The capture is forced. Jump over the light piece to the highlighted square.
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What you learned
You can now spot a backward capture with an English king and take it, instead of making a quiet king move.
Coach narration