Checkers Online: how to play

Checkers, also called draughts, against the computer. Kip plays the mint-green pieces and takes on a new opponent in every level, each one a little sharper. The later levels add flying kings that slide across the whole board, and in the Glitch Zone the computer moves first.

How to play

• Tap one of your pieces, then the square it should go to. Dots show where it can move. Arrow keys and Enter work too.
• Pieces move one square diagonally forward. Jump over an opponent's piece onto the empty square behind it to take it.
• Jumps are a must: if you can take a piece, you have to. A jump keeps going while another jump is possible.
• Reach the far row and your piece becomes a king (with a crown). Kings move and jump backwards too.
• Take all the computer's pieces, or leave it with no move, to win. A lost game costs one of your three hearts and you get a rematch.
• If 60 turns in a row (30 each) pass with no jump and no ordinary piece moving, the game is a draw and you play again.

The five levels

1. Neon City: vs Bruno, who is a bit careless
2. Rooftops: vs Mogi: remember, jumps are a must
3. Sewer: vs Sewer Bot: make kings
4. Robot Factory: flying kings slide any distance, vs Factory Bot
5. Glitch Zone: Glitch Bot moves first

Clear the Glitch Zone and the levels loop again: every opponent thinks one move further ahead and slips up half as often. You have three hearts for the whole run, and the game is the same for everyone each day, so you can compare scores. Press M to turn the sound off or on.

Tips

• Keep your back row filled as long as you can: it stops the computer from making kings.
• Trade pieces when you are ahead. Fewer pieces on the board make a lead easier to use.
• Watch for forced jumps: you can offer a piece to pull the computer into a double jump for you.
• Pieces on the sides can't be jumped, but they also control less of the board.

Questions

Do I have to jump in checkers?

Yes. If you can take a piece, you must. If several jumps are possible, you choose which one.

What is a flying king?

In the later levels a king can slide any number of empty squares diagonally, and jump a piece from a distance.

What happens in a draw?

If 60 turns in a row (30 each) have no jump and no ordinary piece moving, the game is a draw and you play again, with no heart lost.

Is it free?

Yes. Checkers is free in your browser on phones, tablets and computers, with no download.