Checkers (also known as Draughts in the UK) is played on an 8x8 grid where opponents begin with 12 pieces each on the dark squares. The objective is simple: capture all opponent pieces or block them so they cannot move.

• Movement: Regular pieces move one diagonal step forward onto empty dark squares.
• Capturing: You capture by jumping diagonally over an adjacent enemy piece into an empty square beyond it. Captures are mandatory in official tournament rules.
• Kings: When a piece reaches the farthest row, it is "crowned" a King. Kings can move and capture diagonally both forwards and backwards.
• Multi-Jumps: If you land on a square where another capture is possible, you must continue jumping until no captures remain.

While Checkers seems simple, master-level play involves deep calculation. Here are reliable setups for beginners:

• Control the Center: Pieces in the center of the board have more options than those on the edges. Try to form a pyramid or wedge shape advancing up the middle.
• The Back Row Defense: Avoid moving your back row (the "King row") pieces until absolutely necessary. This prevents your opponent from getting an easy King early in the game.
• The "Forced Move" Trap: Since captures are mandatory, you can often sacrifice one piece to force your opponent into a bad position where you capture two or three of theirs in return.

How do you set up a standard Checkers game?

Checkers starts with twelve pieces per player on the dark squares of the three nearest rows of an 8x8 board. The middle two rows stay empty. Win by capturing every opposing piece or leaving your opponent with no legal move.

Do you have to jump in Checkers?

Checkers uses mandatory captures when Casual Rules is off. If any of your pieces can jump, you must make a capture; continue with the same piece while another jump is available. Turning Casual Rules on makes both captures and follow-up jumps optional in OnlineCardGames.io.

How does a king move in Checkers?

A Checkers piece becomes a king when it reaches the opponent's back row. Kings move one diagonal square forwards or backwards, and capture by jumping an adjacent opposing piece into the empty square beyond it. They cannot jump friendly pieces.

What happens if you cannot move?

You lose when it is your turn and none of your pieces has a legal move, even if you still have pieces on the board.

More Checkers guides:

• Beginner Checkers Tactics
• Checkers vs Chess
• History of Checkers
• Benefits of Checkers