Checkers Rules
Checkers (also called American Checkers or English Draughts) is the classic 8×8 game with simple forward movement and mandatory captures.
Play American Checkers free →The Board and Setup
The game is played on an 8×8 board using only the 32 dark squares. Each player starts with 12 pieces (called men) on the dark squares of the three rows nearest them. Black moves first, then players alternate turns.
Moving
- Men move one square diagonally forward to an empty dark square.
- Men may only move forward — never sideways or backward.
Capturing
- You capture by jumping diagonally over an adjacent enemy piece into the empty square directly beyond it. The captured piece is removed.
- Men capture forward only.
- Capturing is mandatory: if a jump is available, you must take it.
- If a jump leads to another jump with the same piece, the captures continue in the same turn until no more are possible (a multi-jump).
Kings
When a man reaches the far row (the opponent's back row), it is promoted to a King. Kings move and capture diagonally both forward and backward, one square at a time. A man that reaches the back row by a jump ends its turn there, even if further jumps would be possible as a king.
How to Win
You win by capturing all of your opponent's pieces, or by leaving them with no legal move on their turn. A game is drawn by threefold repetition of a position, or when no capture or man move has occurred for 40 moves by each side.
Know the rules and want to win more? Learn strategy in our complete Checkers strategy guide and the rest of the Checkers lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who moves first in Checkers?
Black moves first, then players alternate turns.
Is capturing mandatory in Checkers?
Yes. If a jump is available you must take it, and if a jump leads to another jump with the same piece, the captures continue in the same turn until no more are possible.
Can a man capture backward in Checkers?
No. An ordinary man moves and captures diagonally forward only. Only kings can move and capture backward.
How do kings move in Checkers?
A king moves and captures diagonally in any direction, one square at a time. A man that reaches the back row by a jump ends its turn there, even if further jumps would be possible as a king.
Can a king be captured in Checkers?
Yes. A king can be jumped and captured just like a man — kings are stronger, not immune.
How do you win at Checkers?
You win by capturing all of your opponent's pieces, or by leaving them with no legal move. A game is drawn by threefold repetition, or when no capture or man move has occurred for 40 moves by each side.
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