Draughts (Checkers)

How to play Draughts (Checkers)

Goal

Capture all of your opponent's pieces or leave them with no move.

How to play

1. Each side has 12 pieces on the dark squares of an 8 by 8 board. Black always plays first: choose Play first (black) or Play second (red).
2. Pieces move one square diagonally forward.
3. Capture by jumping over an enemy piece to the empty square beyond. Captures are compulsory, and you must keep jumping with the same piece while you can. You may choose which capture to make.
4. A piece that reaches the far row becomes a king, which moves one square diagonally in any direction. Being crowned ends the move.
5. Against the computer choose Easy or Hard. Undo takes back your last move.

How it ends

You win when your opponent has no pieces left or cannot move. Play-Ready draw rules: 40 moves each with no capture and no uncrowned piece moved, or the same position three times with the same player to move. Against the computer your score is your current run of wins (a win after Undo does not count).

Controls

Phone: tap a piece (movable pieces are marked), then a dotted square. Mode buttons switch between vs Computer and 2 Players, Easy and Hard, and Play first (black) or Play second (red).

Tips

• Keep your back row filled for as long as you can to stop enemy kings.
• Trade pieces when you are ahead.

Play-Ready differences

The draw rules (40 moves each with no capture and no uncrowned piece moved, or the same position three times with the same player to move) are Play-Ready choices.