Checkers: the ultimate Guide for players of every level.

Checkers. A game familiar to many from childhood, played on a chequered board with simple checkers. But behind this apparent simplicity is a world of strategic depth, complex calculations and breathtaking tactical possibilities. Especially the international variant, played on a board of 100 squares, is a recognized thought sport that forces players of the highest level to deep concentration and far-reaching foresight. It is a game of perfect information, where no luck is involved - every move, every exchange, every combination is the result of pure calculation and strategic insight. Whether you want to (re)discover the basics, improve your positional play or unravel the secrets of checkers combinations, this guide is your starting point. We cover the rules, explore strategies for each stage of the game, and illuminate why checkers remains a fascinating intellectual challenge.

Table of contents

What is Checkers? A Strategic Duel on 100 Fields

This article focuses on International Checkers, the most played competitive variant in many countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium. It is played on a checkerboard of 10×10 squares (100 squares total). Only the 50 dark squares are used for the game. Each player starts with 20 discs (also called "stones") placed on the dark squares of the first four rows on their side of the board. One player plays with white discs, the other with black ones. White always starts. The object of the game is to capture all the opponent's checkers or lock them in such a way that they cannot make a legal move. Like chess, checkers is a game of perfect information; both players see the full position on the board and there are no hidden elements or chance factors.

The Rules of Checkers

The rules of international checkers are specific and crucial to know, especially the stroke rules.

  • Setup and Board: The 10×10 board is rotated so that the dark square is in the lower left for each player. The 20 white and 20 black discs are placed on the dark squares of the first four rows.

  • Movement of Discs: A regular disc may move forward only one square diagonally to an empty dark square. Discs cannot move backwards (except when hitting).

Hitting (Capturing - Mandatory Hitting!).

This is the core rule that gives checkers its character:  

  • Hitting is Mandatory: If a player can strike, he must strike. He may not make an ordinary move if a strike is possible.  
  • How to Hit: A disc strikes by jumping over an enemy disc to the empty dark field directly behind it. This can be done either diagonally forward or diagonally backward. The captured disc is removed from the board after the full stroke move is completed.  
  • Multiple Captures: If, after capturing one enemy disc, a disc can directly capture again (from the space where it lands), it must also perform this follow-up capture on the same turn. This can continue until no more direct follow-up capture is possible.  
  • Quantity Goes Before Quality (Multiple Battle Rule / Longest Battle): If a player can choose among several battle moves, he is obliged to execute the one that captures the largest number of enemy pieces.  
  • Choice stroke: If there are multiple stroke moves that each capture the same (maximum) number of pieces, the player may choose which one to execute.

The Dam (King)

  • Promotion: When an ordinary disc reaches the opponent's back row and stops there at the end of a move, it is promoted to Dam (two discs on top of each other).  
  • Move Dam: A Dam may move any number of empty spaces diagonally forward or diagonally backward along a diagonal.  
  • Strike with the Dam: A Dam strikes by jumping over an enemy disc. It may jump over several empty squares until just before the disc to be struck and lands on an empty square beyond that disc. Again, the multi-strike rule applies and direction may be changed during a sequence.

End of the Game

A player wins if:  

  • The opponent has no more discs.
  • The opponent can no longer make a legal move (all pieces blocked). The game ends in a draw (tie) if:
  • Both players agreed to a draw.
  • A given position is repeated three times with the same player on the move.
  • No disc has been captured or no pawn has reached the checker line for a certain number of moves (specific rules for endgames, e.g. 25 moves in certain checker endgames).

Strategy and Tactics in Checkers: Calculation and Position Play

Although the rules seem relatively simple, checkers is strategic and tactical in great depth.

Opening Principles

  • Center control: check fields 27, 28, 23, 24.  
  • Rapid Development: Bring rear discs forward without creating structural weaknesses.  
  • Flexible Formation: Build a solid, connected structure (classical formation etc.).  
  • Avoid Early Weaknesses: Beware of too early edge moves.

Middle Game Strategy

This is where most complex maneuvers and tactical battles take place:

  • Formations and Structures: Maintaining a strong pawn formation is crucial. Look for ways to break the opponent's formation or create weaknesses.
  • Pace: A "pace" is effectively a "move. Trying to win moves (e.g., by creating a threat that forces the opponent to make a passive move) is important to gain initiative.
  • Piece Activity and the Role of the Dam: Make sure your checkers are active. A Dam is a very powerful piece, especially in open positions. Getting the first Dam can be a big advantage. Neutralizing the enemy Dam is often a priority.
  • Exchange strategy: deliberately exchanging checkers can be advantageous to increase a positional advantage (e.g., if you have a strong center) or to repel a dangerous opponent's attack.

Tactical Motives and Combinations ("Zets").

Checkers is known for its wonderful and often surprising combinations, also called "moves" or "battle moves. These are forced move sequences that often begin with an (apparent) sacrifice and end with material gains or a decisive positional advantage.

  • Recognizing Patterns: Learn classic combinations (Coup Philippe, Coup Royal, Bomzet, Crochetzet).  
  • Calculation: Accurately calculating variants is essential.

Positional Play

  • Fix: Trying to immobilize enemy disks.
  • Surround: Isolate and encircle a group of enemy disks.
  • Creating Weak Fields: Force holes in the enemy position where your own pieces (especially a Dam) can penetrate.

The Endgame in Checkers: Precision is Crucial

When few pieces remain on the board, the character of the game changes.

  • Role of the Dam(s): Endgames often revolve around whether or not you can promote to Dam, and the correct use of the Dam(s) already on the board.
  • King activity (metaphorical): Although there is no King, the remaining discs and checkers are used more actively across the board.
  • Tempi: Winning or losing a tempo is often decisive in the endgame.  
  • Endgame theory: Many checker endgames have been studied theoretically and have known win or draw paths (e.g. 4 checkers against 1 checker). Knowledge of these is essential for strong players.

Checkers Etiquette: Sportsmanship at the Board

As with other mind sports, respect for the opponent and the game is important:

  • Touch-move: In many official leagues, a form of the "piece touched, piece played" rule applies.
  • Concentration & Silence: Avoid distractions for yourself and the opponent.
  • Hand Shaking & Respect: Be sportsmanlike in wins and losses.

Checkers Learn and Play: Online, Clubs and Titles

  • Online Platforms: Various websites and apps offer the opportunity to play checkers online, solve puzzles ("problemistics") and analyze games.
  • Checkers Clubs: Local clubs offer training, game nights and participation in competitions. 
  • FMJD: The World Game Federation (Fédération Mondiale du Jeu de Dames) organizes world championships and awards international titles, such as Grand Master (GMI), International Master (MI) and Master FMJD (MF).

Checkers as a Game of Thought: Calculation and Strategy

Checkers is undeniably a profound thinking sport that requires serious mental skills:

  • Deep Calculus: The ability to accurately visualize and calculate long and complex move sequences (especially combinations).
  • Pattern recognition: Quickly identifying tactical opportunities and positional structures.
  • Strategic Planning: Developing long-term plans based on positional characteristics.
  • Concentration and patience: The need to stay focused, sometimes for hours, and wait for the right moment.

As a game of perfect information, checkers challenges pure calculation and strategic understanding. Other mind sports, such as the recently recognized poker, make different, but equally demanding, demands on the mind, especially in the areas of dealing with uncertainty, probability and psychology.

Checkers vs. Poker: Perfect Information vs. Incomplete Information

  • Information: Checkers is a game of perfect information. All information is visible on the board. Poker is a game of imperfect information, where opponents' cards are hidden. This forces poker players to deduct, estimate ranges and work with probabilities.  

  • Calculation vs. Chance/Risk: Checkers excels in the depth of concrete calculation of move sequences. Poker requires strong skills in probability (odds, equity) and risk management when making decisions under uncertainty. The "best" move in poker does not guarantee a short-term profit.

  • Tactics vs. Psychology: Checkers tactics ("moves") are based on board geometry and rules. Psychology barely plays a role. In poker, psychology (bluffing, reading tells, managing image) is an integral part of strategy.

  • Certainty vs. Uncertainty: Dammers search for the objectively best move in a given position. Poker players must make the most profitable decision in a situation full of unknown factors.

A checker player's skill in deep calculation and pattern recognition is impressive. Poker offers a different, but equally complex, mental arena where those analytical skills must be combined with navigating chance, risk and the unpredictable factor of human opponents.

Interested in another Strategic Challenge with a Twist?

If the strategic depth and need for accurate calculation in checkers appeal to you, but you are also curious about a game where incomplete information, probability and psychology play a central role, poker could open up an intriguing new world. 

Discover a thinking sport where strategy, math and psychology come together in a dynamic battle. Try poker and test your analytical and decision-making skills in the newest recognized mind sport. Visit our Pokahroom or play online at GGPoker, the world's largest platform.

The History of Checkers in Bird's Eye View

Games similar to checkers have a very ancient history, possibly going back to ancient Egypt. Modern international checkers on 100 squares probably developed in Holland or France around the 17th or 18th century from earlier variants on smaller boards. The mandatory hitting rule and the powerful Dam gave the game its unique strategic and tactical character. Since then it has spread around the world and has a rich tradition of clubs, tournaments and world championships.

Conclusion: The Subtle Depth and Tactical Wealth of Checkers

Checkers is much more than the simple game that many remember. It is a mind sport of surprising depth, in which positional maneuvering and spectacular tactical combinations go hand in hand. The need for far-reaching calculation and understanding subtle positional nuances make it a constant challenge to the mind.

The focus, analytical ability and strategic planning required for checkers are skills that are valuable in other contexts as well. For checkers players who are intrigued by strategic games but also want to explore the elements of chance, risk and psychology, poker offers a fascinating and complementary challenge. The world of mind sports offers a wide spectrum of opportunities for those who enjoy a mental showdown.