How to Play Checkers: Official Rules Explained

Checkers (or Draughts) is one of the world's most popular strategy games. While the rules are simple enough for children, the strategy can challenge grandmasters.

1. The Setup

The game is played on an 8x8 checkerboard. Each player starts with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares of the three rows closest to them.

2. Movement

Basic pieces can only move forward diagonally one square at a time into an empty dark square.

3. Capturing

If an opponent's piece is diagonally adjacent and the square immediately beyond it is empty, you must jump over it to capture it. The captured piece is removed from the board.

Important Rule: In standard tournament play, captures are mandatory. If you can jump, you must.

4. Kings

When a piece reaches the farthest row on the board, it becomes a "King." Kings can move and capture diagonally forwards and backwards.