The main road: the most important diagonal
The long a1–h8 diagonal, the main road, decides many Russian Checkers endgames. A lone king that holds it can draw against three. Endgames · lesson 2 of 2.
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The main road is the long diagonal from a1 to h8. It crosses the whole board, so a king on it watches eight squares.
Three kings against one usually win, but only if the lone king does not hold the main road. If it does, the game is normally a draw.
You have one king against three. Get onto the main road where no black king can capture you.
Try it: Put your king on the main road.
Hold the main road when you’re behind; take it when you’re ahead.
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