Controls

You play by moving pieces one step along the board's lines. Tap a piece and an adjacent point connected by a line. Captures happen based on the direction you move.

Fanorona's capture rule is its defining feature:

• Approach capture happens when you move a piece toward an adjacent line of enemy pieces along the same line. That whole connected line of enemies is captured.
• Withdrawal capture happens when you move a piece directly away from a line of enemies. That line is captured too. So the same move can only ever be one or the other.

You can chain captures by continuing to move the same piece in new directions, potentially clearing many enemy pieces in a single turn.

You win by capturing all of your opponent's pieces. The computer sharpens across eight levels.

Tips

• Think in lines, not single pieces. Since you capture whole connected lines of enemies, reading the board as rows of pieces rather than individuals is how you spot the big captures Fanorona is famous for.
• Use both approach and withdrawal. You can capture by moving toward enemies or away from them, so a piece often has two capture options in different directions, and seeing both doubles your opportunities.
• Set up chain captures. Continuing to move the same piece in new directions can clear line after line in one turn, so positioning for a multi-step capture can swing the whole game.
• Avoid lining your pieces up carelessly. A row of your pieces is exactly what your opponent wants to capture, so don't leave a line exposed to an enemy approach or withdrawal move.
• Force captures to your advantage. Because a capturing move can be powerful, you can sometimes bait your opponent into a position where their capture leaves them open to a bigger one from you.
• Control the center point. The central intersection connects to the most lines, so a piece there has the most directions to move and capture, making it a strong and flexible position.

Frequently asked questions