Checkers FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move backwards with a regular piece?

No, regular pieces can only move forward diagonally. Only kings can move both forward and backward.

However, when capturing (jumping), regular pieces can jump backwards if it's part of a multiple-jump sequence where the piece changes direction.

Is jumping mandatory?

Yes! In standard checkers rules, if you have a jump available, you must take it. This is called the "forced jump" rule.

                        Important: If you have multiple jump options available, you can choose which one to take. However, once you start a multi-jump sequence, you must complete all possible jumps in that sequence.
                    

Can I jump my own pieces?

No, you can only jump over your opponent's pieces. Your own pieces block movement and cannot be jumped over.

What happens when I reach the opposite end?

When your piece reaches the opposite end of the board (the king row), it becomes a king! The piece is "crowned" by placing another piece of the same color on top of it.

Once crowned, the piece gains the ability to move and capture both forward and backward diagonally.

                        Note: If you reach the king row as part of a jumping sequence, you must stop. The piece is crowned, but you cannot continue jumping in that same turn, even if more jumps are available.
                    

Can a king jump multiple times in one turn?

Absolutely! Kings follow the same multi-jump rules as regular pieces. If after jumping you have another jump available with the same king, you must continue jumping.

The advantage of kings is that they can jump in any diagonal direction (forward or backward), making them much more powerful.

How far can a king move?

In American checkers (also called English draughts), kings move only one square at a time diagonally, just like regular pieces. The only difference is they can move in any diagonal direction.

                        Fun Fact: In International Checkers (draughts), kings can move multiple squares along a diagonal like a bishop in chess. However, this is a different variant with different rules!
                    

Can I capture more than one piece in a turn?

Yes! This is called a "multiple jump" or "double jump" (or triple, quadruple, etc.). If after jumping one piece you can immediately jump another, you must continue jumping with the same piece.

All captured pieces remain on the board until your turn is complete, then they're all removed at once.

What if both players only have kings left?

The game continues! However, to prevent endless games, there are draw rules:

If the same position repeats three times with the same player to move, the game is a draw
If 40 consecutive moves are made (by both players combined) without any captures or piece advancement, the game is a draw
Both players can agree to a draw at any time

Who moves first in checkers?

Traditionally, the player with the red or dark pieces moves first. However, players can agree to alternate who goes first in subsequent games, or determine the first player randomly.

In tournament play, the darker color (usually red or black) always moves first.

Are there different versions of checkers?

Yes! There are many variants of checkers played around the world:

American Checkers (English Draughts): Played on an 8×8 board with 12 pieces per side - the version described on this site
International Draughts: Played on a 10×10 board with 20 pieces per side; kings can move multiple squares
Russian Draughts: Similar to International but with different capturing rules
Brazilian Checkers: Same as International Draughts
Turkish Draughts: Pieces move straight instead of diagonally

Each variant has slightly different rules, so always clarify which version you're playing!