Checkers is actually the American version of an internationally popular game called Draughts (pronounced “drafts”) which has a number of different variants. The game is incredibly old and has a fascinating history. It has also been the focus of several inventive computer programmers interested in artificial intelligence. Fortunately, learning how to play checkers doesn’t require an understanding of AI, just a sharp mind and a willingness to learn.
How to Play Standard American Checkers
While rules vary from country to country, these rules apply to American Checkers, a game that is played at every level by both children and adults.
Game Basics
Checkers Board Game is played by two players. Each player begins the game with 12 colored discs. (Typically, one set of pieces is black and the other red.) Each player places his or her pieces on the 12 dark squares closest to him or her. Black moves first. Players then alternate moves.
The board consists of 64 squares, alternating between 32 dark and 32 light squares. It is positioned so that each player has a light square on the right side corner closest to him or her.
A player wins the game when the opponent cannot make a move. In most cases, this is because all of the opponent’s pieces have been captured, but it could also be because all of his pieces are blocked in.
Rules of the Game
- Move Only on Dark Squares Moves are allowed only on the dark squares, so pieces always move diagonally. Single pieces are always limited to forward moves (toward the opponent).
Move Only One Square at a Time
A piece making a non-capturing move (not involving a jump) may move only one square.
