Play American Checkers Online
Play the classic American checkers game familiar to players in the USA. Start free against the computer on this page, without installing an app or creating an account. This 8×8 variant is also known as English draughts.
Play free — no account neededLoading the board…
What to know
Each player starts with 12 pieces. Black moves first. Men move one square diagonally forward and capture by jumping forward over an adjacent opposing piece onto the empty square beyond it.
Captures are compulsory, and a multiple jump must be completed with the same piece. You may choose between different complete capture sequences; the longest sequence is not required. A man that reaches the king row ends its turn and is crowned.
American checkers uses short kings that move and capture both forward and backward. For a 10×10 board with flying kings, choose International or Nigerian draughts and read that variant’s rules first.
- Board
- 8×8 · 32 playable squares
- Pieces
- 12 per player
- First move
- Black
Getting started
- Start with Black on the board below and select a legal move.
- Complete any available jumps, then let the computer reply.
- Open the online arena if you want to create a game with another player.
Questions and answers
Is this the American checkers game played in the USA?
Yes. Select American for the 8×8 game with short kings and forward-only captures by uncrowned men. It is also called English draughts.
Can I play American checkers for free?
Yes. Start the computer game on this page without an account. Sign in to play other people in the online arena.
Do I have to make a double jump?
Continue a capture with the same piece whenever another jump is available. Reaching the king row with a man crowns it and ends that turn.
Do I have to take the longest capture?
No. You can choose any complete legal sequence; American checkers has no maximum-capture rule.
Rules and references: World Checkers / Draughts Federation.