Racing for the first king

In Russian Checkers the first flying king often wins the game. Learn to count the race and run the right man safely. Endgames · lesson 1 of 2.

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The lesson in words

With few pieces left, the first king usually decides the game, and in Russian Checkers a flying king is even stronger than in American checkers.

Count how many moves each man needs to reach the far row.

Your man on f4 is closest. The black man on d6 can capture anything that lands on e5.

Try it: Run the closest man forward safely.

Count moves to the far row, and run where no black man can capture you, forwards or backwards.