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Checkers
Checkers (also called Draughts) is one of the oldest board games, with versions dating back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. The modern 8×8 version follows English/American Draughts rules. In 2007, researchers at the University of Alberta proved that perfect play from both sides results in a draw.
Checkers Rules
The game is played on the dark squares of an 8×8 board. Each player starts with 12 pieces on the three rows closest to their side. Pieces move diagonally forward, one square at a time.
To capture an opponent's piece, jump over it diagonally to the empty square beyond it. If another jump is available after landing, you must continue jumping in the same turn. Captures are mandatory — if you can jump, you must.
When a piece reaches the opponent's back row, it becomes a king (usually shown by stacking two pieces). Kings can move and capture diagonally in both directions — forward and backward.
You win by capturing all of your opponent's pieces or by blocking them so they have no legal moves.
Checkers Strategy & Tips
Control the center
Pieces in the center of the board have more mobility and influence than pieces on the edges. Move pieces toward the middle early — they can attack in both directions and support each other. Edge pieces are limited to one direction of attack.
Keep your back row as long as possible
Your back row pieces prevent your opponent from kinging. Once that row is empty, enemy pieces sail through to become kings. Move back-row pieces only when you get a clear advantage from doing so.
Trade when you're ahead
If you have more pieces than your opponent, trade aggressively. A 6-to-4 advantage isn't decisive, but a 3-to-1 advantage usually is. Force jump exchanges whenever you're up in material.
Build piece formations
Two pieces protecting each other diagonally can't be jumped without a sacrifice. Build these formations (sometimes called bridges) to advance safely up the board. A single unprotected piece in the middle of the board is a target.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to jump in checkers?
Yes. In standard American/English Checkers, captures are mandatory. If you can jump an opponent's piece, you must do so. If multiple jumps are available, you may choose which one to take, but you must take one of them.
Can you jump a king in checkers?
Yes. Kings can be jumped and captured just like regular pieces. The only advantage of a king is that it can move and jump both forward and backward.
Is checkers a solved game?
Yes. In 2007, a team led by Jonathan Schaeffer proved that Checkers is a draw with perfect play from both sides. The project, called Chinook, computed every possible position — nearly 500 billion of them.