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Chinese Checkers
Chinese Checkers is a race game for two to six players on a six-pointed star board, despite its name it was invented in Germany in 1892 as Stern-Halma. Each player tries to move all their pegs from their home point to the opposite point. It is popular for being easy to learn yet rewarding long-jump chains.
Chinese Checkers Rules
The board is a star with a hexagonal center and six triangular points. Each player takes ten pegs (or fifteen in the two-player game) filling one point, and play proceeds clockwise. The destination is the point directly across the star.
On a turn you move one peg, either stepping it to an adjacent empty hole or jumping over a single adjacent peg — yours or an opponent's — into the empty hole immediately beyond. Jumps can be chained one after another in any direction, and unlike checkers the jumped peg is never removed.
There is no capturing; this is purely a race. The first player to move all ten pegs into the opposite point wins. To prevent stalling, a peg left behind in its starting point usually cannot block the opponent who needs to fill it.
Chinese Checkers Strategy & Tips
Build jump ladders
Set up your own pegs and your opponent's as stepping stones so a single peg can leap several holes in one turn. A good chain covers ground far faster than stepping.
Move through the center
The middle hexagon is the shortest route across the star and offers the most jumping opportunities. Funnel your pegs through it rather than around the edges.
Don't leave stragglers
A peg abandoned at the back has to crawl the whole board alone. Advance your group together so every peg has jumps available.
Watch what you set up for rivals
Every peg you place can be jumped by an opponent. Avoid building a ladder that helps the player racing in the opposite direction more than it helps you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chinese Checkers actually from China?
No. It was invented in Germany in 1892 under the name Stern-Halma, a star-shaped variant of the older game Halma. The 'Chinese' name was a marketing label added in the United States in the 1920s.
How many players can play Chinese Checkers?
Two, three, four, or six players. The board has six points, so all can be used; five-player games are unbalanced and usually avoided.
Can you jump your own pieces?
Yes. You may jump over any single adjacent peg, your own or an opponent's, as long as the hole directly beyond it is empty. Jumped pegs are not removed.
How do you win Chinese Checkers?
Be the first player to move all of your pegs out of your starting point and into the matching point on the opposite side of the star.