Checkers
checkers: quick guide and game info
Checkers is one of the world’s most popular strategy board games, combining simple rules with surprisingly deep tactics. The goal is to capture all of your opponent’s pieces or leave them with no legal moves.
This version follows the classic 8×8 Checkers rules, making it easy for beginners to learn while offering plenty of strategic depth for experienced players. Your opponent is Marty and you can choose between easy, medium and hard. You can also have a quick one-off or keep the session running with best of 3 or best of 5.
Whether you’re learning the basics or planning several moves ahead, every match is a new strategic challenge.
game layout and setup
Checkers is played on a standard 8×8 board using dark and light squares. Each player begins with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares closest to them. Marty plays black and you red.
Before the game begins, you can:
- Choose your difficulty level
- Select a One Off, Best of 3, or Best of 5 match
Pieces move diagonally across the board, with the objective of capturing your opponent’s pieces while protecting your own.
how to play checkers
Checkers rules are easy to pick up:
- On your turn, move one piece diagonally forward to an empty dark square.
- If an opponent’s piece is next to yours with an empty square behind it, you must jump and capture it.
- Multiple jumps in a single turn are allowed and often required.
- Reach the far side of the board to promote your piece to a king.
- Win by capturing all of Marty’s pieces or blocking them so they cannot move.
Choose your difficulty level and decide on one-off, best of three, or best of five to set the length of your session.
how to win at checkers
Winning at Checkers takes patience and good positioning:
- Control the center early and try to create strong chains of pieces.
- Force your opponent into positions where you can make multiple jumps.
- Protect your pieces from being captured while advancing toward promotion.
- On higher difficulties Marty will play more aggressively and plan several moves ahead.
Start on Easy to warm up, then step up the challenge. Every game helps you spot tactics faster.
a little bit of checkershistory
Checkers is one of the oldest board games still played today, with origins dating back thousands of years. Versions of the game were enjoyed in ancient civilizations before evolving into the modern form played around the world.
The familiar 8×8 version became especially popular in Europe and later spread globally, becoming a favorite in homes, schools, and competitive tournaments. Its simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages, while its strategic depth has kept it popular for generations.
Today, Checkers remains a timeless classic that continues to challenge beginners and experienced players alike.
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