The forced maximum capture rule means that when captures are available you must play one, and you must take the line that captures the greatest number of pieces. You are not allowed to make a quiet move if a jump exists, and you cannot choose a smaller capture to avoid giving up material — the rule forces the biggest haul. If two capturing lines take the same number of pieces, you may pick either. This rule makes counting captures a core skill: before moving, look for every jump chain and calculate which sequence removes the most enemy men.