Checkers, free online
Checkers is one of the oldest strategy games there is: two players, twelve pieces each, and a simple rule that makes it deep. You must capture whenever you can, so every move can set a trap or walk into one.
Play the computer on easy, medium or hard, or pick 2 players to play a friend on the same screen. Pieces that can move are outlined, possible squares are marked, and full screen gives you a bigger board.
How to play Checkers
- Each player starts with 12 pieces on the dark squares. Red moves first.
- Pieces move one square diagonally forward onto an empty dark square.
- To capture, jump diagonally over an opponent's piece onto the empty square beyond it. If you can capture, you must.
- After a jump, keep jumping with the same piece if you can. One move can capture several pieces.
- A piece that reaches the far row becomes a king (it gets a crown) and can move and capture backwards too.
- You win when your opponent has no pieces left or no legal move. Forty moves each without a capture is a draw.
Checkers tips
Keep your back row
Pieces on your back row stop the opponent from crowning. Leave two of them there as long as you can.
Trade when you are ahead
One piece up is a big lead in checkers. Swapping pieces one for one makes that lead bigger in proportion and easier to convert.
Use forced captures
Because captures are compulsory, you can offer a piece to pull an enemy piece where you want it, then jump two in return.
Control the center
Pieces in the middle of the board have more moves and support each other. Pieces on the side edges are safe but slow.
Frequently asked questions
Which rules does this game use?
Standard American checkers, also called English draughts. Captures are compulsory, jumps chain together, kings move one square in any diagonal direction, and a piece that is crowned during a jump stops there.
How strong is the computer?
Easy sometimes makes random moves and is good for learning. Medium looks four moves ahead. Hard looks seven moves ahead and knows how to convert a winning endgame.
Why can't I move the piece I tapped?
If any of your pieces can capture, you must capture. The status line tells you when a capture is required, and only the pieces that can move are outlined.
Can two people play on one device?
Yes. Choose 2 players and take turns on the same screen. Red always moves first.
