Rules of Checkers / Draughts Online

Ages: 6 to Adult
Number of Players: 2
Time Needed: 20 minutes to 1 hour

The Origins of Checkers

Checkers, also known as "Draughts" has been around for quite some time, some reporting it being played all the way back to 200 BC by the Egyptians, and is even referred to in Homer's Odyssey. The size of the board has changed throughout a number of years and locations, between 64 squares, 100 squares and even 144 squares is often used in Canada.

What You Need To Play Checkers

1 8 square by 8 square board using two alternating colors (like red and black)
12 black checker pieces
12 red checker pieces

Rules of Checkers

To set up the board, each player sets up checkers on their side of the board putting their pieces on every other square, starting with the lower left square. When completed, there should be three rows filled with four pieces in each row, with all pieces being on the same color. Red always starts the game.

The players alternate turns, moving their pieces one square at a time diagonally and forward. This way, all of the pieces will always remain on the same color.

Jumping in Checkers

You can capture the piece of an opponent by jumping over it in a straight line, landing directly on the other side of the opposing player's piece. If that space is occupied, you may not jump the piece.

Multiple-Jumping in Checkers

If you jump a piece, and have the opportunity to jump another piece right away, you can, so long as you are always moving forward. You can jump several pieces this way.

Kinging in Checkers

If a player gets a piece of their color to the row closest to their opponent, they get to "king" their piece. Depending on the kinds of checker pieces being used, one can signify a king by putting another piece on top of the kinged piece, or some pieces will allow you to just flip the piece over to show a different pattern.

Winning at Checkers

The first player to capture all of their opponent's pieces wins. If a player cannot make a legal move, they lose the game.

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