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Checkers rules, explained with diagrams

The rules of Russian draughts, the most played variant in the region, based on the official FMJD-64 text. English checkers differences have their own page. Our game enforces exactly these rules: the server checks every move.

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Checkers board: GameUZB

The basics

  • An 8×8 board, played on the dark squares only. Square a1 is dark, in the bottom-left corner.
  • A man moves one square diagonally forward.
  • If an enemy piece is adjacent with an empty square behind it, you must capture. You may choose among several options.
  • A man reaching the last row becomes a king and moves any distance along a diagonal.
  • A player with no pieces or no moves loses.
Starting setup: 12 pieces each. White moves first.
A man captures forwards and backwards. Capturing is mandatory: a3-b4 is not allowed.
A choice: c3:a5 (one piece) or c3:e5:g7 (two). You need not take the most, but the chosen path must be completed.
A king captures from afar. It must land where the capture continues (e5), and may finish on g3 or h2.
On d8 the man becomes a king and, in the same move, takes c7 as a king.
The Turkish strike: c5 is taken but stays on the board until the move ends. The king cannot return over it to take e3.

When the game is drawn

SituationLimit
The same position with the same player to move3 times
Only kings move, no man moves, no captures15 moves
Three or more kings against a lone king15 moves
Both have kings, balance unchanged: 4–5 pieces30 moves
The same: 6–7 pieces60 moves
3 pieces (at least 1 king) against a lone king on the long diagonal5 moves
2 pieces (at least 1 king) against a lone king, king against king5 moves

The long diagonal (the “main road”) is a1–h8. In the last two cases, if the position is winning on move 5 (a forced capture is close), the game goes on. Players may also agree to a draw.

Common mistakes

  • “I wanted to move without capturing.” If a capture exists there is no other move. In the game those pieces get a bright ring.
  • “I wanted to take one and stop.” A capture cannot stop halfway if it can continue.
  • “I thought a captured piece goes at once.” Pieces go at the end of the move, which is why some long captures run into the Turkish strike.

FAQ

Can a man move backwards?

No, it moves forward only. In Russian draughts, however, it can capture backwards.

Must I capture the most pieces?

Not in Russian draughts: choose any option, but finish the path you chose.

How many pieces can a king take in one move?

As long as captures continue: even 5–6 pieces in a single move. Each piece can be jumped only once.

Who moves first?

White in Russian draughts, Black in English checkers. Online, colours are assigned at random.

See also

Checkers vs computer: 5 real levelsCheckers vs computer: 5 real levelslevels, hints, undoCheckers with a friend: a room in one minuteCheckers with a friend: a room in one minutelink, code, one phoneRussian draughts vs English checkers: the differencesRussian draughts vs English checkers: the differencesrules, diagrams, which to pick
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