How to play Checkers

American/English checkers on an 8×8 board — one published rule set, no surprises.

Setup

Twelve pieces each on the dark squares of the three rows nearest each player. Dark moves first.

On your turn

• Men move one square diagonally forward onto an empty dark square.
• Capturing is compulsory: jump an adjacent enemy piece into the empty square behind it.
• Multiple jumps in one turn are allowed and required when available; you may choose between capture sequences.

Special rules

• A man reaching the far row is crowned and the turn ends. Kings move and capture diagonally both ways.

Winning, draws and losing

• Win by capturing every enemy piece or leaving the opponent with no legal move.
• A draw by agreement or 40 moves without a capture or crowning refunds both stakes.

Online rules and fair play

• Compulsory captures are highlighted so nobody is caught out.
• Every game runs on a server clock: running out of time loses.
• A disconnected player has 60 seconds to return before forfeiting.