Checkers
American checkers on an 8×8 board. Captures are compulsory and multi-jumps must be finished. Reach the far row to crown a king that moves both ways. Three computer levels, two players on one device, or online.
Checkers, also called draughts, is a two-player strategy game played on the dark squares of an 8×8 board. Each player starts with twelve pieces and the goal is to capture all of your opponent's pieces or leave them with no legal move.
We use standard American rules: captures are compulsory, multiple jumps must be completed, and a piece that reaches the far side is crowned a king that can move both forwards and backwards.
How to play Checkers
- Black moves first. Pieces move one square diagonally forwards onto an empty dark square.
- Jump over an opponent's piece onto the empty square behind it to capture it.
- If you can capture, you must. If you can keep jumping after a capture, you must continue.
- Reach the far row to crown a king. Kings move and capture diagonally in both directions.
- Win by capturing every enemy piece or leaving your opponent with no move.
Tips
- Keep your back row filled as long as possible to stop enemy kings.
- Trade pieces when you are ahead.
- Pieces in the centre are more flexible than pieces on the edge.
Questions
Is a capture compulsory?
Yes. When a capture is available you must take it.
When is the game a draw?
If the same position repeats three times, if both players make forty moves with no capture and no uncrowned piece moving, or if both players agree.
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