KrapkyMiddlegame: diagonals, pockets and races
Once capturing and rescuing come naturally, shape decides the game: how many dots it takes to close a loop, where your opponent has only one way out left and who closes their loop first.
A diagonal is a valid link
A loop can connect dots horizontally, vertically and diagonally. Diagonal links enclose more space with fewer dots. Eight dots arranged in a square enclose one grid point; the same eight dots in a diamond enclose five.
Eight blue dots form a diamond. The last dot, at 5-5, closes the loop and captures three red dots.
The pocket
A group with just one way out left is trapped in a pocket: one move can close it. Look for pockets around your opponent’s groups and count the exits around your own.
The group of four red dots has one exit: 6-4. Blue closes it and captures all four dots.
The race
Sometimes both players build loops at the same time. What matters then is not how many dots are inside, but how many more moves each player needs to close their loop. Count your moves and your opponent’s: the first to close their loop makes the capture.
Corridors and close combat
A corridor is a narrow passage between two chains of dots. Blocking one end turns it into a pocket around the dots inside.
When dots stand side by side, almost every move both attacks and defends. What matters most here is seeing both sides’ threats one move ahead.