Checkers

Step into the world of strategic brilliance with Checkers, the digital version of the timeless 8x8 board game loved by generations! This classic experience strips away the noise, offering a clean and focused arena for tactical warfare.

Whether you’re looking for a casual brain-workout or a fierce competitive duel, we’ve got you covered. Challenge a friend in Local 2-Player Mode for some classic face-to-face rivalry, or test your wits against our Smart AI to sharpen your skills. With smooth animations and intuitive controls, this is the definitive way to play Checkers on your browser. Outsmart, outjump, and outlast your opponent to become the master of the board!

Your ultimate goal in Checkers is simple: eliminate all of your opponent’s pieces or block them so they have no legal moves remaining. Use clever positioning and calculated jumps to navigate the board, reach the enemy’s back row to Crown your King, and dominate the game with superior mobility!

Board Setup

• The Battlefield: Played on a standard 8x8 grid. Only the 32 dark squares are used for play.
• The Pieces: Each player starts with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares of the three rows closest to them.

Movement & Combat

• Standard Moves: Regular pieces move diagonally forward one square at a time. They cannot move backward unless they have been "Kinged."
• The Jump (Capturing): If an opponent’s piece is diagonally adjacent and the square behind it is empty, you must jump over it and remove it from the board.
• The Chain Jump: If a piece lands in a position where another jump is possible, you must continue jumping until no more captures can be made.
• Mandatory Captures: In this version of Checkers, if a capture is available, you must take it. You cannot choose a standard move if a jump is possible.
• Kinging: When a piece reaches the farthest row from you, it is crowned a King. Kings gain the powerful ability to move and capture both forward and backward.
• Winning Condition: Capture all enemy pieces or leave your opponent with no possible moves to claim victory!

Game Controls

• Mouse/Touch: Click a piece to select it, then click the destination square to move or jump.

What are some pro-tips for winning at Checkers?

To dominate the board, keep these strategies in mind:

• Control the Center: Occupying central squares gives your pieces the most mobility and restricts your opponent’s options.
• Sacrifice to Gain: Use the "Mandatory Capture" rule to your advantage. Sometimes, letting your opponent take one of your pieces can lure them into a trap where you can perform a triple jump or reach the back row for a King.
• The Home Row Defense: Try not to move your back-row pieces too early. Keeping them in place makes it much harder for your opponent to get a King.

Does this game support Online Multiplayer?

Currently, Checkers supports Local 2-Player (same screen) and VS Computer modes. Online matchmaking is not available at this time, making it the perfect choice for playing with a friend nearby or practicing against the Computer.

Why can’t I move the piece I want?

In Checkers, if a jump (capture) is available on the board, you are required by the rules to take it. If you find yourself unable to make a standard move, look around the board—there is likely an enemy piece waiting to be captured!