Setup
Players: 2
Materials:
- Checkerboard (An 8×8 grid with alternating light and dark squares)
- 24 Checkers (12 of one color for each player, often red and black)
Additional Setup Notes:
- Decide who plays which color (black traditionally moves first).
- Arrange checkers on the dark squares, occupying the three rows closest to each player.
Objective
The goal of checkers is to capture all of your opponent’s checkers or block them from making any legal moves. If you achieve either of these conditions, you win the game!
Gameplay
Checkers move diagonally forward one space at a time and must stay on the dark squares. If your checker lands next to an opponent’s checker with an empty dark square beyond it, you must jump and capture that opponent’s checker. You do this by hopping over their checker onto the empty square and removing the captured piece from the board. If, after a jump, you find yourself in a position to jump another checker immediately, you must continue capturing checkers on the same turn.
When one of your regular checkers reaches the last row of the board (the row furthest from your starting position), it becomes a “king.” Kings are often marked by placing a second checker on top and can move diagonally forward and backward. This gives them greater mobility and increases their ability to capture opponent pieces. Kings do indeed slay.
Tips & Strategy
While checkers has simple rules, there’s plenty of room for strategy:
- Control the Center: Controlling the central squares of the board gives you more options for movement and captures.
- Sacrifice for Advantage: Sometimes, giving up a checker can lead to a stronger overall position or the chance to get a king.
- Keep your Back Row Guarded: Don’t leave easy openings for your opponent to sneak in and capture your checkers.
Plan Ahead: Think about the consequences of your moves, try to predict your opponent’s responses, and plan ahead for potential gains.
FAQs
Can I jump my own checkers?
No, you can only jump opponent checkers.
Can kings jump multiple squares at once?
Only in the “Flying Kings” variation.
What if I can’t move?
If you have no legal moves available, you lose.
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