About Checkers
Checkers, called draughts in the UK and India, is one of the oldest and most loved board games. It is simple to learn and has surprising depth.
Our version uses the standard English rules, with compulsory captures and multi-jump chains played in one move.
Checkers at a glance
| Genre | Board game |
|---|---|
| Price | Free, no download or sign-up |
| Controls | Tap |
| Typical game length | 5 to 15 minutes |
| Lives | None |
| Works on | Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser |
| Daily challenge | Yes, the same puzzle for everyone each day |
How to play Checkers
- Tap a piece. Pieces that can move are outlined.
- Tap its destination. Moves are diagonal onto dark squares.
- Capture when you can. Jumping is compulsory.
- Crown a king. Reach the far row; kings can move backwards too.
Rules
- If a capture is possible, you must take it.
- Multi-jumps are completed in one move.
- A player with no pieces or no legal moves loses.
Levels and difficulty
Easy, Medium and Hard computer opponents.
Scoring
Points for each captured piece, pieces kept and a bonus for winning, multiplied by the difficulty. Daily challenge scores can be shared with friends.
Tips and strategy for Checkers
- Keep your back row filled as long as possible to stop enemy kings.
- Trade pieces when you are ahead.
- Move pieces in pairs so they protect each other.
History of the game
Games like checkers have been played for thousands of years; the modern game on an 8×8 board was established in Europe by the 1500s.
How we built and tested Checkers
We tested move generation for compulsory captures, multi-jump chains and crowning, and the Hard computer searches five moves ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Are captures compulsory?
Yes, as in standard English draughts.
Can kings move backwards?
Yes.