How to start a game
- Press “Play”. The page opens with no sign-up: a name is enough, and your rating is tied to your browser.
- In “Play online”, pick a time control. If someone is already waiting in that mode, the game starts at once.
- If nobody is in the queue, the page says so plainly: there are no fake opponents. You can wait, play the computer or send a link to a friend.
Time controls
| Mode | Time per side | Increment | Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3+2 | 3 minutes | 2 seconds | Russian |
| 5+0 | 5 minutes | — | Russian |
| 10+0 | 10 minutes | — | Russian |
| 5+0 | 5 minutes | — | English checkers |
The clock starts after the second move: the first moves cost no time, but you have 60 seconds to make them. If a move is not made, the game is cancelled with no rating change. A player who runs out of time loses. Rooms with a friend also offer 15+10.
How the rating works
Everyone starts at 1200 Elo. In the first 20 games the rating moves faster (K = 40), then slower (K = 20). Beating a stronger opponent earns more. Only games with every move checked by the server count.
| You | Opponent | Win | Draw | Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 | 1200 | +20 | 0 | −20 |
| 1200 | 1400 | +30 | +10 | −10 |
| 1400 | 1200 | +10 | −10 | −30 |
| 1500 (20+ games) | 1500 | +10 | 0 | −10 |
During a game
- Draw offer: if your opponent accepts, the game is drawn; the offer lapses after the next move.
- If your connection drops: the game goes on and the page reconnects by itself. A player not back within 45 seconds loses. Games also survive site updates.
- Notation: every move is recorded as a3-b4 or c3:e5:g3. Tap any move to see that position; you can copy the record when the game ends.
- Rematch: if both agree, a new game starts with colours assigned again.
Checkers topics
Also searched as
People look for this game as checkers online free, draughts, Russian draughts, shashki, шашки. However you spell it, it is here.
FAQ
Do I need an account?
No. Type a name and play. Your rating is tied to an identifier stored in your browser, so another device starts a new profile.
Are the opponents real people?
Yes. Online mode has live players only. The computer plays only when you choose it, and it is always labelled “Computer”.
Is it played for money?
No. There are no stakes, coins or prizes. The rating reflects skill only.
Is it comfortable on a phone?
Yes. The board fills the screen width and you move by tapping or dragging. It runs in Android and iPhone browsers.
Checkers rules, explained with diagramsmoves, captures, kings, draws
Checkers vs computer: 5 real levelslevels, hints, undo
Checkers with a friend: a room in one minutelink, code, one phone