International Checkers (International Draughts) is the variant used in World Championship competitions organized by the World Draughts Federation (FMJD). It is the most widely played variant in Europe, particularly popular in the Netherlands, France, Russia, and many African countries. The 10×10 board with 20 pieces per side creates a game with substantially more complexity than American Checkers. The flying king rule allows kings to move and capture along entire diagonals, making them extraordinarily powerful. A single flying king can dominate large sections of the board, and combinations involving flying kings produce some of the most spectacular moves in all of board gaming. The maximum capture rule adds a unique strategic layer — you cannot choose a shorter capture sequence when a longer one is available. This means that advanced players can construct positions where opponents are forced into specific capture sequences, sacrificing pieces to set up winning combinations.
About This Game
International Checkers — more commonly known as International Draughts — is the 10×10 variant played across Europe and in international competitions. With 20 pieces per side, flying kings that move any distance diagonally, and the maximum capture rule, it offers significantly more strategic depth than American Checkers. Play online for free against AI opponents or challenge friends through our multiplayer system.
How to Play
International Checkers is played on a 10×10 board using only the dark squares. Each player starts with 20 pieces on the dark squares of their closest four rows. Pieces move diagonally forward one square. Captures work similarly to American Checkers — jump over an adjacent enemy piece. However, two key differences exist: 1) Kings (flying kings) can move AND capture any number of squares diagonally, not just one. 2) When multiple capture sequences are available, you must choose the one that captures the MOST pieces (maximum capture rule). These rules create dramatically more complex tactics and multi-jump combinations.
Strategy Tips
- 1The maximum capture rule fundamentally changes strategy. Always check which capture sequence takes the most pieces before moving.
- 2Flying kings are extremely powerful. Both promoting your own kings and preventing opponent promotions is critical.
- 3Multi-jump combinations on the 10×10 board can capture 5 or more pieces in a single turn. Learning to set these up wins games.
- 4The larger board means flanking strategies are more viable. Use the extra space to create threats on multiple sides.
- 5Center control is even more important on a 10×10 board because edge pieces are proportionally weaker.
Features
- 10×10 board with 20 pieces per player
- Flying kings — move and capture any distance diagonally
- Maximum capture rule enforced automatically
- Three AI difficulty levels
- Online multiplayer with room codes
- Free to play in any browser
In-Depth Guide
Benefits
- Experience the richest variant of checkers with maximum strategic depth
- Flying kings create spectacular tactical combinations unique to International Draughts
- The maximum capture rule adds strategic layers not found in American Checkers
- Play the variant used in official world championships
- Larger board and more pieces provide longer, more complex games
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