The rules of American Checkers are elegantly simple yet give rise to remarkable strategic depth. The mandatory capture rule is the defining characteristic that sets checkers apart from many other board games. Because captures are forced, advanced players can construct positions where opponents are compelled to make disadvantageous jumps — a strategy known as "shot play." Understanding this concept transforms the game from a series of individual moves into a connected strategic sequence. The King promotion rule adds another strategic layer. Regular pieces can only move forward, creating a natural tension between advancing (to promote) and staying back (to defend). Kings' ability to move backward makes them significantly more valuable, and the struggle to promote pieces while preventing opponent promotion drives much of the game's strategic interest. Our digital implementation enforces all rules automatically. When captures are available, only capture moves are highlighted as legal options. Chain jumps are completed automatically within a single turn. King promotion happens instantly when a piece reaches the far row. This automatic enforcement ensures fair play and helps new players learn the rules through gameplay.
About This Game
Whether you call it Checkers, Draughts, or English Draughts, the rules are the same. This guide covers everything you need to know about American Checkers rules — the 8×8 version played throughout North America and many other countries. From setup to gameplay to winning conditions, you will find every rule explained clearly with no confusion.
How to Play
American Checkers is played on the dark squares of an 8×8 checkerboard. The board is oriented so each player has a dark square in the bottom-left corner. Each player begins with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares of their closest three rows, leaving the two middle rows empty. The player with dark/red pieces traditionally moves first. Basic movement: pieces move diagonally forward one square to an adjacent empty dark square. Capturing: jump over an adjacent enemy piece to the empty square beyond it (must be empty). Captures are mandatory — if you can jump, you must. Chain captures: if after a jump, another jump is available from the landing square, you must continue jumping (multi-jump). King promotion: when a piece reaches the opposite back row, it becomes a King. Kings can move and capture both forward AND backward, one square at a time. Winning: capture all enemy pieces, or leave your opponent with no legal moves.
Strategy Tips
- 1The mandatory capture rule is the most important rule to remember. Always scan the board for available jumps before considering regular moves.
- 2Chain jumps must be completed in full. You cannot stop mid-chain even if continuing is disadvantageous.
- 3Kings are more valuable than regular pieces because they can move backward. Promote your pieces quickly.
- 4A single King behind your lines can cause significant damage. Defend your back row to prevent enemy promotion.
- 5When both sides have only Kings, the game becomes about maneuvering and trapping. Practice these endgame scenarios.
Features
- Complete American Checkers rule implementation
- Automatic mandatory capture enforcement
- Chain jump completion
- Visual king promotion
- Legal move highlighting
- Free practice to learn rules hands-on
In-Depth Guide
Benefits
- Learn every American Checkers rule in one comprehensive guide
- Understand the mandatory capture rule that makes checkers unique
- Know the difference between regular pieces and Kings
- Apply rules immediately with our automatic rule enforcement
- Avoid common rule misunderstandings that affect gameplay
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