Play Checkers online for free against the computer or share the board with a friend. This version follows classic American Checkers (English draughts) rules on an 8×8 board, with compulsory captures, multiple jumps and kings.
Start with Beginner or work up to Hard for deeper tactical play.
Switch to local two-player mode and take turns on the same phone, tablet or computer.
Legal-move highlights, hints and undo make the game approachable for new players.
How to Play Checkers
Checkers is a two-player strategy board game. Each player begins with 12 pieces on the dark squares. Black moves first. The goal is to capture all of your opponent’s pieces or leave the opponent without a legal move.
- Move diagonally. A regular checker moves one square diagonally forward onto an empty dark square.
- Capture by jumping. If an opponent’s piece is diagonally next to yours and the square immediately beyond it is empty, jump over the piece to capture it.
- Take a capture when one is available. Captures are mandatory in the American Checkers rules used in this game.
- Continue multiple jumps. After a capture, if that same piece can make another legal capture, the jump sequence continues.
- Reach the king row. When a regular checker reaches the farthest row, it is crowned. A king can move and capture diagonally both forward and backward.
- Win the game. Capture every opposing piece or block your opponent so they have no legal move.
Play Checkers Against the Computer
Computer mode lets you choose a difficulty that matches your experience. Beginner makes quick, less calculated decisions. Easy looks ahead a little farther, Medium evaluates tactical sequences more carefully, and Hard searches deeper for stronger captures, king safety and positional advantages. You can also choose whether to play Black and move first or play Red and let the computer open.
If you are learning, keep Show legal moves enabled. Select a piece and the board will mark the squares it can legally reach. The Hint button highlights a suggested move, while Undo lets you return to the previous position and try a different idea.
Checkers Strategy Tips
Protect your back row early
Your back row makes it harder for the opponent to crown a piece. Moving every back-row checker too early can open an easy path to a king.
Think about forced captures
Because jumps are compulsory, you can sometimes offer a piece to force your opponent onto a square that creates a stronger reply. Before every move, check not only what you can capture now but what your opponent will be required to capture next.
Keep pieces connected
Isolated pieces are easier to trap. Diagonal groups can protect key squares and make it harder for the opponent to break through your position.
Kings are valuable, but position still matters
A king can move in both diagonal directions, which makes it far more flexible than a regular piece. However, a badly placed king can still be forced into a capture or blocked. Use kings to control central routes and support your remaining checkers.
Checkers Rules Used in This Game
This browser game uses the common American Checkers / English draughts ruleset: an 8×8 board, 12 pieces per player, Black moves first, regular pieces move and capture diagonally forward, captures are compulsory, kings move one square diagonally in either direction, and a checker is crowned when it reaches the opposite king row. If a regular piece reaches the king row during a jumping move, the turn ends after it is crowned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Checkers online for free?
Yes. The game above is free to play directly in your browser. There is no required download or account.
Can I play Checkers with a friend?
Yes. Choose 2 Players (same device) in Game Options. Black and Red then take turns on the same board.
Can I play against the computer?
Yes. Computer mode includes Beginner, Easy, Medium and Hard difficulty levels.
Are jumps mandatory in Checkers?
Yes in the American Checkers rules used here. If a capture is available, you must capture instead of making a normal move.
What happens when there is more than one jump?
If the piece that just captured can immediately capture again, the same turn continues with that piece. You may choose between available continuation jumps when more than one route exists.
How do kings move in Checkers?
Kings move one square diagonally forward or backward. They may also capture in either diagonal direction.
Does the game work on phones and tablets?
Yes. The board and controls resize for touch screens, tablets, laptops and desktop browsers.