First Steps on the Draughts board: Exploring Combinations in Passive Positions. Part 10

16.06.2026

As they take their first steps on the full-size board, every beginner draughts player learns about a variety of combinational techniques that can be applied in their games. One of the key steps in learning combinational moves as part of the standard curriculum is the ability to spot hidden moves in passive positions.

There are many different combinations in positions where you don’t control the center. We’ll show you the first few examples, but try to solve the last few positions on your own.

Let’s get started!

Example 1

Here, one can only speak of White’s position being passive in a very loose sense. The somewhat passive opening is compensated for by a combination.

  1. 26-21  17:26
  2. 32-28  23:32
  3. 37:17  11:22
  4. 29-24  20:29
  5. 34:1    Х
Example 2

Piece 46, along with the combination of adjacent checkers, is considered a bad pieces. But once again, a combination comes to the rescue.

  1. 32-28  23:32
  2. 37:28  26:46
  3. 29-24  46:30
  4. 34:3    Х
Example 3

I want to capture Black’s pawn. But my opponent can recapture it. However, if I look further ahead, I can see a recurring combination.

  1. 33-28  22:33
  2. 38:20  10-15
  3. 20-14  19:10
  4. 25-20  15:24
  5. 44-40  45:34
  6. 32-28  23:32
  7. 42-38  32:45
  8. 48:8    Х
Example 4

Now try solving the following four positions on your own.

White wins
Example 5

White’s Win
Example 6

White’s Win
Example 7

White’s Win
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