Classic checkers
American checkers — rules and training
American checkers favour short moves and tempo control. Kings do not fly, so structure, blocking play and safe promotion matter greatly.
- Board
- 8×8 · 32 playable squares
- Pieces
- 12 per player
- First move
- Black
Men and captures
Men move and capture diagonally forward. A capture is mandatory whenever one is available.
Choice of capture
There is no maximum-capture rule: the player may choose any available complete capture sequence.
Short king
A king moves and captures one diagonal step in either direction.
Frequently asked questions
Who moves first in American checkers?
Black moves first.
Can a king fly several squares?
No. The king moves only to an adjacent diagonal square.