This guide outlines how to play checkers, including the rules of the game, strategies to win, FAQ and the benefits of checkers.
To learn how to play checkers it is necessary to be aware of the rules of this game. In addition, participants should know what the basic plays are to emerge as a winner. So, we have created a guide to make life easier for those who want to learn this game.
Also in this article you can check out a little more about the game. For example, how many pieces each player has at the beginning and on which board the game can be played. We also bring information about the history of this game, such as who invented it and its origin.
Like most board games, checkers is also responsible for some benefits when played, particularly for children and teenagers. Therefore, at the end of this article, read about the positive effects that games such as checkers (and chess) to stimulte the brain.
How do you play checkers?
Initially, it is necessary to position the board so that each participant has a dark square on the left. Next, players must place the pieces in the game, placing both dark and light checkers on the darker squares.
The objectives of the game are to immobilize or capture all of the opponent’s pieces. Therefore, the one who has the most stones in the game wins, eliminating all of the other participant’s.
Checkers rules
The first rule concerns the movement of the pieces. Each standard piece only moves one square diagonally, always forward. That means you can’t walk backwards, not even to take another piece.
After walking the entire board and reaching the opposing player’s initial row, the piece becomes a king. To identify it, it is recommended to place a stone of the same color on top of it. With this coronation, the piece gains some powers that are rules of the game.
Therefore, unlike the other pieces, the king has the power to move diagonally as many squares as he wants. It can also go forward or backward. The only prohibition is that he cannot jump a piece of the same color.
In addition to these rules, there are some rules regarding the capture of pieces. For example, normal pieces cannot go back to take one from the opponent. It is also not allowed for a normal piece to capture two or more pieces together, one after the other, although the king can do this.
Finally, two more important rules of checkers. The first of these refers to the fact that a piece does not become a king if it only passes through the opponent’s initial rank, as a support square to make captures. And the second is with respect to the tie which is declared after 20 consecutive checkers moves by players without any captures.
How to play checkers to win
In fact, the game of checkers is strategic, so whoever has the greatest skill in making plays ends up having more chances to win. With that in mind, we’ve put together some tips that can improve the game and lead you to victory.
- Concentration: Stay focused on the game, any failure can cost you first place in the game. Also, stay calm, it helps you think more clearly.
- Back row: A good tip is to keep the pieces of the last row intact, between the first moves. That’s because, a strengthened rear guard increases the player’s chances of achieving victory.
- Beware of traps: This tip goes both ways. That is, you must be aware of the opponent’s traps and also your own. One wrong move can cost the entire game, so think hard
- Strong pieces: Among all checkers pieces, the strongest ones are located in the center of the board. So work hard with them to create interesting possibilities.
- Closed game: To win you can work with a closed game, where there is no opening for traps by the opponent. Always remembering to keep the rear and move mainly the middle stones
- Think three moves ahead: This is important to avoid a trap or create one against the opponent
- Beware of the sides: Moving the sides often ends up blocking parts, so be careful when working with them.
Playing online
It is very common to play checkers with a friend in a square or at school in front of a physical board. However, with so many facilities offered by the internet, you can play from home. And the best, involve people from other parts of the world.
By challenging people in online checkers you end up gaining more experience in the area, as you learn new moves. To do so, just access sites that provide this interaction between players.
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Checkers FAQ
In addition to all this information already outined about the game of checkers, some beginners may have doubts about how this fascinating game works. Therefore, we want to clarify the most common questions regarding the board game.
How many pieces does a game of checkers have?
According to the official rules of checkers, each player has 12 pieces to develop the game. And they are divided into dark and light. By determination, whoever is in the clear starts the game. However, there are games where both players have 20 stones on the board.
How many squares does a checkerboard have?
In all, there are 64 squares on a checkerboard, when players have only 12 pieces each. In games with 20 stones on each side, the board needs to have 100 spaces to hold the entire game .
Who invented the game of checkers?
Anyone who thinks that the game of checkers emerged in Greece, the “cradle of games” is wrong. In fact, this board game has been around for over 3,500 years and checkers was probably developed in Egypt.
Benefits of playing checkers
The child or teenager who plays checkers is developing cognitive ability. It also stimulates the imagination, creation and concentration of players. In addition, it works on the qualities of patience, modesty, sociability, among others.
All this without counting the benefits in the student’s academic life, as the game manages to increase the students’ intellectual level. This is because through this game it is possible to learn about logic and planning ahead.
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