What is Checkers?
Standard American checkers (English draughts), rules-correct and documented: 12 pieces each on the dark squares, men move diagonally forward, captures are compulsory — if a jump exists you must take one — multi-jumps continue in the same turn, and a man reaching the far row is crowned a king that moves and captures backwards too. Win by capturing everything or leaving your opponent without a move.
Play the computer at three honest levels, share one device with a friend, or open a private online room with a code and QR. Legal moves are highlighted, forced captures are pointed out rather than silently enforced against you, and the last move stays marked.
Game setup
How to play Checkers
- Pick a mode: 🤖 Computer (three levels), 👥 Same Device, or 🌎 Online Friend.
- Men move one square diagonally forward. Jump over an adjacent enemy piece into the empty square beyond to capture it.
- Captures are compulsory — the game highlights pieces that must jump. Chains of jumps continue in the same turn.
- Reach the far row to crown a KING, which moves and captures backwards too.
- Win when your opponent has no pieces or no legal move.
What the screen does for you
Checkers on AllPartyGames.com is the referee, not the whole game: it gives the host Forced captures highlighted, One takeback vs computer, Draw detection. Tap the ? button inside the game for these rules at any time, or 📺 for TV mode on a big screen.
How many players?
Checkers works with 1–2 players and a typical round takes about 10–25 min. Recommended age: 6+.
Best occasions
Variations
Tips
- Control the centre and keep your back row intact early — it denies easy kings.
- When a capture is forced, look one jump further: forced chains are how double-corners fall.
- Kings win endgames: race a man to the crown row before trading pieces.
Checkers FAQ
Which checkers rules are used?
American checkers / English draughts, documented: 8×8 board, dark squares only, men capture forward only, captures are compulsory (choose freely among available captures), multi-jumps are compulsory to continue, kings move and capture one square diagonally in any direction (no flying kings — that is international draughts, a different game). A game with 40 consecutive moves without a capture or man advance is declared a draw.
Do I have to take a jump?
Yes — captures are compulsory in the standard game, and this version enforces it while highlighting which pieces must jump. It is what makes checkers tactical.
Can I undo a move?
Against the computer, yes — one takeback whenever it is your turn. In two-player games there is no undo (ask your opponent for mercy instead).
Is Checkers free?
Yes — 100% free with no account required.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, it is designed for phones first and works on tablets, laptops and TVs.