Checkers

How to Play Checkers

Checkers (also known as Draughts) is a classic strategy game played on an 8x8 board using only the dark squares. Each player starts with 12 pieces. Regular pieces move diagonally forward one square. Jumping over an opponent's piece captures it, and jumps are mandatory when available -- including multi-jumps in a single turn.

When a piece reaches the opponent's back row, it becomes a King and can move diagonally in any direction. The game ends when one player captures all opposing pieces or when a player cannot make a legal move. PlayVersusAI uses standard American/British checkers rules.

Strategy Tips

• Control the center -- Central pieces have more mobility and options than pieces stuck on the edges.
• Keep your back row -- Don't rush all your pieces forward. A strong back row prevents the opponent from getting kings.
• Trade when ahead -- If you have more pieces, trading simplifies the position and makes your advantage more decisive.
• Set traps -- Bait the opponent into making a jump that gives you a double or triple jump in return.
• Get kings early -- A king is worth significantly more than a regular piece because of its backward movement ability.