How to Play Checkers

Checkers, also called draughts, is a simple game with surprisingly deep strategy. Here are the rules and the tips that help you win.

What is Checkers?

Each player has 12 pieces on the dark squares. Red moves first. Pieces move diagonally forward one square. You capture by jumping over an opponent's piece into the empty square behind it. Reach the far row to become a king, which can move forward and backward. Win by capturing all the other pieces or leaving them with no moves.

How to play Checkers

Tap a red piece, then tap a highlighted square.

Step by step

1. Move one piece diagonally forward onto an empty dark square.
2. If you can jump an opponent's piece, you must.
3. After a jump, keep jumping if another capture is possible.
4. Reach the last row to crown a king.
5. Capture or block all of the opponent's pieces to win.

Strategy tips to play better

• Keep your back row filled early so the opponent cannot get kings easily.
• Move pieces in pairs so they protect each other.
• Control the centre of the board.
• Use the forced-capture rule to set traps: offer one piece so you can jump two.

What kids learn

• Planning
• Logic
• Turn taking
• Spatial reasoning

For parents and teachers

Checkers is a perfect first strategy game for ages 5 and up.