private int getDirection() {
        if(startY > getY()) {   //true if checker moved up the board
            if(startX < getX()) {   //true if checker moved right
                return 1;
            } else {
                return 2;
            }
        } else {
            if(startX > getX()) {
                return 3;
            } else {
                return 4;
            }
        }
    }