Play Pool Checkers

How to Play Pool Checkers

Pool Checkers uses the same 8×8 board as American Checkers. Each player starts with 12 pieces on the dark squares. Black moves first. It is essentially Brazilian Draughts without the maximum-capture rule, and it has a strong tournament tradition in the Southern USA, the Caribbean, and Africa.

Rules

• Men move diagonally forward and capture both forward and backward
• Capturing is mandatory, but when several capture lines are available you may choose any of them — you are not forced to take the longest
• Multi-jump captures in a single turn are required when possible
• Reach the far row to promote a man to King
• Kings are "flying" — they move and capture any distance along a diagonal

Winning

Capture all opponent pieces, or leave them with no legal moves.

You can also play against a real opponent: hit Play Online to be paired with another player, or create a private game and share the link or code with a friend. No account needed.

Want to see how Pool Checkers stacks up against its cousins? Browse the full list of checkers variants you can play here.

Want to get better? Read our Pool Checkers strategy guide, or browse every strategy lesson.