Do you have to capture in Checkers?

Yes. In this German draughts ruleset, a capture is mandatory. If the same piece can jump again after a capture, it must continue the multi-jump.

Can Checkers pieces move backwards?

Ordinary pieces move and capture diagonally forward only. A piece that reaches the far row becomes a king and can move or capture forwards and backwards.

Checkers

Rules · Checkers

How to play

German draughts on the dark squares — capture, chain your jumps, and crown your kings.

Move diagonally

On your turn slide one piece one square diagonally forward onto an empty dark square. Only the 32 dark squares are ever used.

Capturing is mandatory

If a jump is available you must take it. Men capture forward only: leap over an adjacent enemy piece onto the empty square diagonally beyond — never backward. Keep jumping while the same piece can capture again. Captured pieces stay on the board and block you until your move is finished, and they only come off once it is.

Crown your kings

Reach the far row and your piece becomes a king. A king glides any distance along a clear diagonal in all four directions, and jumps an opponent piece from any distance — but it must always land on the square directly behind the piece it captures.

Winning the game

No moves left: You win the moment your opponent has no legal move — every piece is captured, or none can move or capture.
Forced captures: Because captures are compulsory, a single offered piece can steer your opponent into a losing chain.
Draws: A long run of moves with no capture ends the game in a draw.

A little strategy

Control the centre. Central pieces reach more diagonals and are far harder to trap against an edge.
Use the forced-capture rule. Offer a piece that forces a jump, then answer with a longer chain back in your favour.
Hold your back row. Keeping the home row intact denies your opponent easy promotions to king.

Each move has a 60 second timer — if it runs out, the game is forfeited.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to capture in Checkers?: Yes. In this German draughts ruleset, a capture is mandatory. If the same piece can jump again after a capture, it must continue the multi-jump.
Can Checkers pieces move backwards?: Ordinary pieces move and capture diagonally forward only. A piece that reaches the far row becomes a king and can move or capture forwards and backwards.

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