Checkers Online
Capture or block all your opponent's pieces to win
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Checkers, also known as draughts, is one of the world's oldest and most popular board games. Play checkers online here for free: papergames.io features American checkers (English draughts), played on an 8x8 board by 2 players. Play checkers with a friend by link, against the computer, or against players from around the world in free checkers games that need no download and no account. The game demands sharp anticipation and clever tactics to outsmart your opponents!
Checkers variants around the world
Different regions have developed their versions of checkers, each with unique rules and board sizes:
- American/English checkers - Played on an 8x8 board with 12 pieces per player; this is the most popular version in English-speaking countries, and the one played on papergames.io
- International draughts - Played on a 10x10 board with 20 pieces per player, offering more complex gameplay
- Russian draughts - Played on an 8x8 board, with men that can capture backwards and kings that move any distance
- Turkish draughts - Played on an 8x8 board, with pieces that move straight forward and sideways instead of diagonally
- Brazilian draughts - The international rules on an 8x8 board
- Canadian checkers - Played on a 12x12 board with 30 pieces per player, providing extended gameplay possibilities
American Checkers Rules
The game is played on an 8x8 board with alternating dark and light squares. Here are the rules:
- At the beginning of the game, each player has 12 pieces positioned on the dark squares of the three rows nearest to them.
- The pieces advance diagonally, one square at a time.
- Captures are mandatory and made by jumping over an opponent's piece.
- Multiple jumps are required if possible in a single turn.
- When a piece reaches the opposite end of the board, it is crowned a "king".
- Kings can move and capture both forward and backward.
- You win when you capture all of your opponent's pieces or leave them with no legal move.
- The game is a draw after 40 moves in a row with no capture and no uncrowned piece moving forward.
Three-fold Repetition Rule
The game is also a draw when the same position occurs three times. This rule stops games from dragging on forever and makes sure they finish in a reasonable amount of time.
How to set up a checkers board
Place the board so that each player has a dark square in the corner on their left. Each player puts 12 pieces on the dark squares of the three rows closest to them, leaving the two middle rows empty. Only the dark squares are used for the whole game. On papergames.io the board is set up for you, so you can start right away.
History of Checkers
Games of capture on a grid have been played for thousands of years, and alquerque, played on a 5x5 grid, is often named as an ancestor of checkers. In medieval Europe the game moved to the chess board, giving the 8x8 version we play today.
Checkers became a competitive sport in the 19th century, with championships and professional players dedicated to mastering intricate strategies. Its simplicity and tactical depth made it a game that became popular across the globe.
Play checkers with a friend online or against the computer
- Play with a friend: click "Play with a friend" and share the link to play checkers 2 player with someone you know.
- Play online: click "Play online" to be matched with another player in checkers online multiplayer.
- Play vs robot: play checkers against the computer at the robot strength that suits you, at any hour.
- Tournaments: join the daily tournament, or create a private tournament and share the link with your group.
- Track your progress and ranking in the global leaderboard.
Advanced Strategy and Tactics
- Control the center squares to dominate the board
- Maintain your back row as long as possible for defensive strength
- Advance pieces in groups to create strong defensive formations
- Force opponents into positions where they must sacrifice pieces
- Plan your moves to create king positions strategically
- Use the opposition technique to control key squares
- Create trapped positions to limit opponent mobility
Similar Games
If you enjoy the strategic depth of checkers, you'll find several other engaging board games on papergames.io. Chess offers even greater complexity with its diverse pieces and movement patterns, perfect for players seeking deep strategic challenges. For a different style of tactical thinking, try Gomoku, where you'll aim to align five pieces in a row on a larger board. You might also enjoy Connect 4, which combines vertical thinking with strategic placement in a fast-paced environment.
Community and Tournaments
Join our active community of checkers enthusiasts! Play the daily tournaments, chat with other players, and improve your game through friendly competition. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player seeking new challenges, you'll find a welcoming environment to enjoy this classic game.
Frequently asked questions
Which checkers rules does papergames.io use?
American checkers, also called English draughts: an 8x8 board, 12 pieces each, pieces move diagonally forward, and a piece that reaches the far row becomes a king that moves both forward and backward. Captures are mandatory, and a player who can no longer move loses the game.
How do you set up a checkers board?
Turn the board so each player has a dark square in the corner on their left. Place 12 pieces on the dark squares of the three rows nearest to you, and your opponent does the same on their side. The two middle rows stay empty, and only the dark squares are used for the rest of the game.
Is capturing mandatory in checkers?
Yes. In American checkers, if you can capture you must, and you keep jumping as long as another capture is available. When you have a choice between several captures, you may pick any of them, but you have to finish the jumps of the one you chose.
Can I play checkers with a friend online?
Yes. Choose "Play with a friend" and share the game link: your friend joins in one click, and neither of you needs an account. It is the easiest way to play checkers with a friend who is far away, on a computer or a phone, and you can play again as often as you like.
Can I play checkers against the computer?
Yes. Choose "Play vs robot" and set the robot strength, from an easy opponent for beginners to a demanding one for experienced players. The robot is ready at any hour, so you can practice openings and endgames before you play people online.
How do you win at checkers?
Capture all of your opponent's pieces or leave them with no legal move. Keep your back row in place as long as you can to stop them from crowning kings, and trade pieces when you are ahead. A king is worth far more than a single piece, so race to the far row when the way is clear.
Is checkers free on papergames.io?
Yes, 100% free. You play directly in your browser, on desktop or mobile, and you can play as a guest without creating an account. Play a friend by link, play the computer, or join the daily checkers tournament at no cost.