Quick winning principles
- Play 11-15 (old 14-18) or 9-14 as Black; as White respond with the Cross or Single Corner systems.
- Keep pieces on the long diagonal (a1-h8 for White) until you can crown safely.
- Look for dyke and ripple shots — two-for-one captures that win material.
- In king endings, use the opposition on the main diagonal to restrict enemy kings.
Ideal strategy
- 1
Opening theory: the Old 14 (11-15 22-18 15x22) leads to balanced middlegames; avoid premature 6-9 pushes that weaken the double corner.
- 2
Shot patterns: study the Payne shot, Duffer shot, and Laird's double — these recur from standard formations.
- 3
Bridge positions: when ahead a man, trade into simplified king endings rather than complex piece play.
- 4
Endgame: two kings vs one is a win if you control the main diagonal; three kings vs two requires precise maneuvering on the edges.
- 5
Tempo: every move should either develop, attack, or restrict — passive retreat on the wings invites breakthrough shots.