How to Play Checkers (Draughts)
Introduction
Checkers (also known as Draughts) is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. It’s a game of strategy and luck that can be played by two players or teams. The game is played on a board with 64 squares and 24 pieces (12 black and 12 white). The goal of the game is to capture all your opponent’s pieces or block them from moving.
How to Play Checkers (Draughts) Step-by-Step
1. Setting Up the Board
- Place the board between the two players, with the dark squares diagonally facing you.
- Each player places their 12 pieces on the dark squares of the first three rows closest to them.
2. Making Moves
- Players take turns moving their pieces diagonally forward one square at a time.
- Pieces cannot move backward.
- A piece can capture an opponent’s piece if it is diagonally adjacent and there is an empty square immediately behind the opponent’s piece.
3. Capturing Pieces
- When a piece captures an opponent’s piece, the captured piece is removed from the board and the capturing piece moves to the empty square behind the captured piece.
- Multiple captures can be made in the same turn if possible.
- A piece that makes a capture becomes a “king”.
4. Kings
- A king can move diagonally forward or backward one square at a time.
- Kings can also capture pieces in any direction diagonally.
- Kings are more powerful than regular pieces and can be used to gain an advantage in the game.
5. Winning the Game
- The game ends when one player captures all of their opponent’s pieces or blocks them from moving.
- If a player is unable to make a move, they lose the game.
Tips for Beginners
- Control the Center: The center of the board is strategically important, so try to control it with your pieces.
- Make Capturing Moves: Capturing your opponent’s pieces gives you an advantage, so look for opportunities to make captures.
- Be Aware of Kings: Kings are powerful pieces, so be careful when moving your pieces around them.
- Think Ahead: Consider your opponent’s potential moves and try to anticipate their strategy.