Complete guide for new players
Checkers (also called Draughts) is a two-player strategy board game played on an 8×8 grid. Each player starts with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares of the three rows closest to them.
Essential tips
- Pieces move diagonally forward only on dark squares
- Capture an opponent's piece by jumping over it diagonally — captures are mandatory when available
- When your piece reaches the opposite end of the board, it becomes a King and can move both forward and backward
- A King can make multiple jumps in a single turn if captures are available
- The goal is to capture all opponent's pieces or block them so they can't move
- If multiple captures are available in one turn, you must take the one with the most jumps (in some rule sets)
🔑 The secret the best players use
The biggest beginner mistake is ignoring forced captures. Always scan the entire board for capture sequences before moving — missing a forced capture loses the game in most rules.
Practice on BoardGame Battles — Free
BoardGame Battles has Checkers with AI at 3 difficulty levels — perfect for practicing these techniques before facing real players online. Available on Web, Android and iOS. No download required.
▶ Play Checkers Free Now