Play Free American Checkers Online vs Computer
Welcome to Checkers on Prasun Games. Challenge our intelligent Minimax computer opponent or play locally with a friend in 2-player mode. Designed with high-performance CSS and JavaScript, this game runs smoothly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices with zero downloads required.
Official Checkers Rules
This edition implements standard American Checkers rules (also known as English Draughts):
- Board Layout: Played on an 8×8 grid containing 64 squares. Play takes place exclusively on the 32 dark squares.
- Starting Positions: Each player starts with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares of their first three rows. Red moves first.
- Jumping & Capturing: You capture an opposing piece by jumping over it diagonally to an empty square immediately behind it.
- Forced Jumps: Capturing is mandatory. If one or more jumps are available, standard non-jumping moves are blocked.
- Kingship: Reaching the back row promotes your piece to a King, enabling it to move and jump both forward and backward.
History of Checkers & Draughts
Checkers is one of history's oldest board games. Historians trace its roots to an ancient game called Alquerque played in the Middle East thousands of years ago. By the 12th century, the game was adapted to the 64-square board in Europe. Standardized as English Draughts and American Checkers, it remains one of the world's most popular strategy games.
Checkers Strategy Tips
- Control the Center: Occupying central squares gives your pieces more movement paths and traps opponent pieces.
- Protect Your Back Row: Keep your home row intact to delay your opponent from crowning Kings.
- Force Mandatory Jumps: Set up sacrifices that force the computer or opponent into jumps that set up multi-captures for you.