English Checkers, often known as Draughts, is a classic two-player strategy board game played on an 8x8 checkered board. The objective is to capture all your opponent's pieces or block them so they have no legal moves remaining.
Players move their disc-shaped pieces diagonally forward, capturing opposing pieces by jumping over them. It's an accessible yet deep game, perfect for players who enjoy tactical thinking and outmaneuvering an opponent, available to play directly in your browser.
In English Checkers, or American Draughts, the game uses 12 pieces per player, typically red and black, placed on the dark squares of the board. Pieces move only one square diagonally forward. Captures are mandatory: if a jump is available, you must take it.
Multiple jumps can be made in a single turn if they are available consecutively. Regular pieces can only capture diagonally forward, but once a piece reaches the opponent's back row, it becomes a "king."
Kings are powerful pieces in English Checkers. They can move and capture both forward and backward diagonally, giving them much greater mobility across the board.
However, kings still only move one square at a time and capture by jumping over an adjacent opponent's piece into an empty square beyond it.
The strategic placement of your kings can often turn the tide of a match, allowing you to control more of the board and set up complex capture sequences.
Winning at English Checkers goes beyond simply making moves; it's about foresight and planning. Controlling the center squares is crucial, as it provides more options for movement and attacks.
Sacrificing a piece might seem counterintuitive, but it can open up a path for a king or create a multi-jump opportunity that captures several of your opponent's pieces. Always look several moves ahead, anticipating your opponent's responses and setting traps.
Blocking your opponent's pieces and limiting their available moves is also a key tactic.
You'll often find yourself trying to create a "bridge" or a strong defensive line to protect your back row pieces from becoming kings. Conversely, pushing your own pieces towards the opponent's back row to promote them to kings should be a primary goal.
Since captures are mandatory, understanding how to force your opponent into unfavorable jumps can lead to significant material advantages. Practice playing against different opponents, whether AI or other players, to hone your strategic skills.
Play English Checkers instantly and for free right here in your browser. There are no downloads or installations required, making it easy to jump into a game whenever you want.
Enjoy this classic board game on any device, whether you're at school, work, or home, as it works seamlessly on most networks.
The goal of English Checkers is to capture all of your opponent's pieces or block them so they have no legal moves left.
To play, use your mouse or touch screen. Left click or tap a piece to select it, then left click or tap an empty diagonal square to move it.
If a capture is available, you must take it by selecting your piece and then the empty square beyond the opponent's piece.
Pieces move diagonally forward one square at a time. If a piece reaches the opponent's back row, it becomes a king. Kings can move and capture both forward and backward diagonally. Remember that all captures are mandatory, so always look for available jumps.
Control the Center - Maintaining pieces in the middle of the board gives you more options for movement and attacks. Force Trades - Sometimes sacrificing a piece to open up multiple captures for yourself is a winning strategy.
Protect Your Back Row - Keep pieces on your back row to prevent your opponent from kinging their pieces too early. Aim for Kings - Getting a piece to the opponent's back row to become a king significantly increases its power and movement options.
Look Ahead - Always consider your opponent's possible moves and look for opportunities to set up multi-jumps or traps. Block Opponent - Try to limit your opponent's mobility by strategically positioning your pieces to block their progress.
