Checkers at a Glance
| Game Type Abstract Strategy Grid Movement | Play Time 30 mins + | Skill/Complexity (2 - 5) Non-Complex Competition level is very hard |
| Age 6+ | Publisher(s) Public Domain | Published Unknown |
| Categories Abstract / Family | Players 2 | Rules Manual Simple Checkers Rules PDF |
| Our Rating 8/10 | Cost $6.99 + |
About – Description
Checkers as known in the US or Draughts (British English) is a classic Abstract Strategy board game that everyone knows about, especially if they’re aged 30 or over.
The game goes back centuries and supposedly before the 10th century when it was named Alquerque or Qirkat.
In Thailand you’ll see a Checkers board imprint on marble like tables which can be played with beer bottle tops in many places around Thailand.
This is a 2 player game that has a World Championship in English Draughts (started in 1880). There are also many other championships……..many players take this game pretty serious, just like the game Chess.
Who’s it best suited for?
Draughts isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea and could be boring for some people. You have to have a certain mindset and focus to play. I played many times while I was growing up and really enjoyed it, but of course in those days there was much less board game options.
Players that like Othello, Backgammon, Chess or other abstract type games will no doubt enjoy Draughts.
It’s worth adding that families can most definitely enjoy a game. Some kids will like it and others won’t.
Skill – Complexity
The main skill required is being mindful of where all your pieces and your opponents are to cross over to their side to remove your opponents piece or avoid losing yours. It’s not hard to learn at all, but some players are near impossible to win as they have the strategy of the game and are well versed in it.
Practice as with many games will make you a better player if you want to get really good at it.
Set Up – Playing Rules & Instructions
Setting up is as easy as unfolding a board and placing 12 Draught pieces on either side of the board.
I will have to cover the rules in a general way as there can be many variants so let’s keep it simple.
Object Of Game
Remove all opponents Checker/Draught pieces from the board to win. Or block all your 8 rear squares so the opponent is unable to cross.
Basics of Playing
Two opponents compete with their 12 Checker pieces in turns and move each forward in a diagonal manner to hopefully jump across the opponents piece to land on an empty square, and then the opponents piece is taken out the game.
You can take more than one piece if the move is available and jump across another picking up two or more pieces.
First person to start is usually the one with the black Pieces (if they’re black and white) and then you switch turns on the next game. You can choose how and who starts as you wish…so if flicking a coin or whatever is your thing then do that.
Become A King
Once a piece reaches the other side of the board (opponents side) your Checker becomes a king that can move forwards or backwards. Get a king a soon as possible, they’re valuable and it’s called crowning.
Beyond The Basics
There is much more to playing this game than meets the eye which is why there are so many country variations and World Wide competitions. If you get well into playing the game you’ll find heaps of info on the net to advance your play.
Versions – Editions
Too many to mention…lot’s. However, the basic Draughts board game is the same and will remain so – I imagine.
Likes & Dislikes
There is nothing to dislike. You either like playing or not, and some people take it pretty serious.
It’s very affordable and can even be made yourself.
A good idea might be to buy a set that is Chess, Draughts and Backgammon, which are still cheap and for families they can choose one they like best or someone may prefer Draughts for example and not Chess, so you’re given options.
Final Thoughts
I still think it’s a great game. Nice and simple and requires some focus and attention. For some people they’re just not going to get along with this type of abstract strategy. Checker it out and see…….
