Move on the dark squares
Uncrowned pieces move one diagonal step forward. Red starts; White moves in the opposite direction.
SEE THE JUMP. PLAN THE NEXT.
Checkers
A small move can change the board.
Start with twelve pieces and a clear plan. Our American Checkers tables highlight legal moves and guide you through compulsory captures.
2 players · American rules
Practice in your browser. No download. No paid stakes.
YOUR FIRST GAME
Take your first turn.
Choose Red to make the first move. Select a piece and a highlighted square. If a jump is available, take it; ordinary moves are not available until the capture is resolved.
THE BASICS
Checkers rules at our tables
Captures are compulsory
Jump over an adjacent opposing piece into an empty square beyond it. If another jump is possible, continue with that piece. Uncrowned pieces capture forward only.
Earn a king
Reaching the far row crowns your piece and ends that move. Kings can move and jump diagonally in either direction.
Finish the game
Win by leaving your opponent without a legal move. Practice is untimed; online games use ten-minute clocks. The game can also end in a draw.
START WHERE YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE
Choose your practice.
All levels are free without an account. Practice stays in this tab; refreshing or leaving starts over. It does not change ratings or match history.
Easy makes simpler choices. Medium and Hard consider more options. These levels are not certified ratings.
READY FOR COMPANY?
Bring your people.
Sign in with your AITN account for online tables, friends, invitations and moderated chat. Choose Casual for a friendly match or Rated for recorded ratings. Two people are needed for an online match.