In standard Checkers rules, if a jump is available, you must take it. Some house rules allow optional jumps.

How to Play Checkers - Rules, Setup & Strategy Guide

Q: How many pieces does each player start with?

Each player starts with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares of the three rows closest to them on an 8×8 board.

Q: How do the pieces move?

Regular pieces move diagonally forward to an adjacent empty square. If an opponent’s piece is adjacent and the square beyond it is empty, you can jump over and capture it.

Q: How do you win in Checkers?

Capture all your opponent’s pieces or block them so they have no legal moves left. If neither player can move, the game is a draw.

Last Updated on May 9, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Checkers (also known as Draughts) is a classic two-player strategy game where players move pieces diagonally across the board, aiming to capture all of their opponent’s pieces or block them from moving. This guide explains the Official Checkers rules so you can set up, play, and win with confidence.

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How to Play Checkers

Game Pieces and Board

Checkers is a board game played between two people on an 8×8 checked board like the one shown above.
Each player has 12 pieces that are like flat round disks that fit inside each of the boxes on the board. The pieces are placed on every other dark square and then staggered by rows, as shown on the board.
Each Checkers player has different colored pieces. Sometimes the pieces are black and red or red and white (wooden board and pieces are also quite common).

More of a visual learner? Checkout our video tutorial at the bottom of the page!

Taking a Turn

Typically the darker color pieces moves first. Each player takes their turn by moving a piece. Pieces are always moved diagonally and can be moved in the following ways:

Diagonally in the forward direction (towards the opponent) to the next dark square.
If there is one of the opponent’s pieces next to one of your pieces (and an empty space on the other side), you can jump your opponent and remove their piece. You can do multiple jumps if they are lined up in a forward direction. *** note: if you have a jump, you have no choice but to take it.

Checkers board illustrating how to jump pieces and win your opponents pieces. Explaing the rules of how checkers pieces move.

King Pieces

The last row is called the king row. If you get a piece across the board to the opponent’s king row, that piece becomes a king. Another piece is placed on top of that piece so it is now two pieces high. King pieces can move in both directions, forward and backward. Once a piece is kinged, it must wait a turn in that space (you can’t king a piece, and move the new king the same turn).

Winning the Game

You win the game when the opponent has no more pieces or can’t move (even if he/she still has pieces). If neither player can move then it is a draw or a tie.

Checkers Strategy and Tips

Sacrifice 1 piece for 2: you can sometimes bait or force the opponent to take one of your pieces enabling you to then take 2 of their pieces.
Pieces on the sides are valuable because they can’t be jumped.
Don’t bunch all your pieces in the middle or you may not be able to move, and then you will lose.
Try to keep your pieces on the back row or king row for as long as possible, to keep the other player from gaining a king.
Plan ahead and try to look at every possible move before you take your turn.
Practice: if you play a lot against a lot of different players, you will get better.

Video Tutorial

Checkers FAQ

What is Checkers?

Checkers, also known as Draughts, is a two-player strategy board game where the goal is to capture all opponent pieces or block them so they cannot move.

How many pieces does each player start with?

Each player starts with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares of the three rows closest to them on an 8×8 board.

How do the pieces move?

Regular pieces move diagonally forward to an adjacent empty square. If an opponent’s piece is adjacent and the square beyond it is empty, you can jump over and capture it.

What is a “King” in Checkers?

When a piece reaches the farthest row on the opponent’s side, it becomes a King. Kings can move both forward and backward diagonally, making them more powerful.

How do you win in Checkers?

Capture all your opponent’s pieces or block them so they have no legal moves left. If neither player can move, the game is a draw.

Can you make multiple jumps in a single turn?

Yes. If a piece can jump over multiple opponent pieces consecutively, it can capture them all in one turn, following the diagonal movement rules.

Are jumps mandatory?

In standard Checkers rules, if a jump is available, you must take it. Some house rules allow optional jumps.

By understanding and applying these rules and strategies, players can enjoy a challenging and rewarding game of Checkers.