How to Play Checkers (English Draughts): Rules and Strategy

Each player places 12 pieces on the three dark rows closest to them. Men move only diagonally forward. The board is positioned so each player has a double corner (dark square) on their left. Red (or black) moves first in most casual play.

Movement: men slide one diagonal square forward into an empty dark square. Capturing: if an enemy piece is diagonally adjacent and the square immediately beyond it is empty, you jump it, removing it from the board; multiple jumps in one turn are allowed when the board permits. In English draughts, capturing is compulsory - if a capture is available you must take it (if several, you may usually choose which). Kinging: when a man reaches the farthest row, it becomes a king (often a second piece stacked on top) and may move diagonally forward or backward. A king still captures by jumping. The game ends when one side has no pieces or no legal move; that side loses.

Myth: pieces can move backward. Fact: ordinary men move only forward; only kings move backward. Myth: you can choose not to capture. Fact: in standard English draughts, captures are mandatory. Myth: the king moves like a chess queen. Fact: a checkers king moves one square diagonally in any direction, not any distance.

1. Set 12 pieces on the dark squares of your three nearest rows. 2. Red/black moves first. 3. Move a man one square diagonally forward into an empty square. 4. If a capture is possible, take it - jump the enemy piece into the empty square beyond; continue jumping if able. 5. When a man reaches the opposite end, crown it a king (now it also moves backward). 6. Keep capturing until your opponent has no pieces or no legal move. 7. You win by clearing or blocking the opponent.