Checkers

Checkers is a board-game in which two players play using black and white uniform pieces.

The game takes place on a checkered board (quite like a chess-board) with 8X8 or 10X10 square fields on it of alternating color.

The two players facing each other (on opposite sides of the board) will take turns moving, with the player using the dark pieces opening the game.

Pieces may only be moved diagonally, and only the dark squares of the board constitute actual playing-space. No pieces will ever be moved onto a white (or light) square. By jumping over your opponent’s pieces you can capture them, and thus have them removed from the game. In some checkers versions it is mandatory that you capture your opponent pieces, other versions make it optional.

As you move your pieces, you may only land them in an unoccupied square. Regular pieces (those that are not crowned and are also known as “men”) can only make one step forward diagonally, and when they capture opposing pieces they make two steps (one onto the square where the target piece is, the next onto the unoccupied square right behind it). In a single turn, several pieces can be captured, and while the motion always has to be a diagonal one, it can zig-zag, so it’s direction is not compulsory.

In some Checkers variants it is also allowed to capture pieces moving backwards.

As the “men” reach the furthest row forward, they become “kings” and are crowned by another piece placed on top of them. The “kings” acquire additional powers, they can move backwards, and sometimes they cam travel as far on a diagonal as the player wants them to, with the condition that they may only capture a single opposing piece during one such move.