English Draughts

Initial Setup

Board: English draughts is played on an 8×8 checkerboard (64 squares total). Only the dark squares are used for play.

Starting Position: Each player begins with 12 pieces. Black pieces are placed on the dark squares of the first three rows closest to the player. White (or Red) pieces occupy the dark squares of the three rows on the opposite side.

First Move: The player with the black pieces moves first. In tournament play, colors are often determined by drawing lots.

Basic Movement Rules

Regular Pieces (Men): Regular pieces can only move forward diagonally to an adjacent dark square. They cannot move backward or jump over their own pieces.

King Promotion: When a regular checker reaches the opposite end of the board (the last row), it is immediately promoted to a king. The king is marked by stacking another piece on top or using a special king piece.

King Movement: Unlike Russian or international draughts, kings in English draughts move only one square diagonally in any direction (forward or backward). This is a key distinguishing feature of English draughts.

Capture Rules (Jumping)

Mandatory Capture: If a player can capture an opponent's piece, they must do so. You cannot choose to make a regular move if a capture is available.

How to Capture: To capture, a piece jumps diagonally over an opponent's piece to an empty square immediately beyond. The captured piece is removed from the board.

Multiple Captures: If after a capture, the same piece can make another capture, it must continue jumping. All captures in a sequence must be completed in a single turn.

King Captures: Kings can capture in any diagonal direction, but still move only one square at a time. They can capture both forward and backward.

Capture Priority: If multiple capture sequences are available, you must choose the one that captures the most pieces. If two sequences capture the same number, you may choose either.

Winning the Game

Victory Conditions: A player wins by:

• Capturing all of the opponent's pieces
• Blocking all of the opponent's pieces so they cannot move
• Forcing the opponent into a position where they have no legal moves

Draw: The game ends in a draw if:

• The same position repeats three times (with the same player to move)
• Both players agree to a draw
• Neither player can force a win (rare endgame positions)
• No capture has been made and no king has been created in the last 40 moves (tournament rule)

Ancient Origins

Draughts has ancient roots dating back over 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests that games similar to draughts were played in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. The game "alquerque" from around 1400 BC is considered a direct ancestor of modern draughts.

The game spread throughout the Mediterranean and Europe during the Middle Ages. Different regions developed their own rules, leading to the various draughts variants we know today.

Development in England and America

18th-19th Centuries: English draughts became standardized in England and later in the United States. The rules were codified, and the game became extremely popular in English-speaking countries.

Key Differences: English draughts developed unique rules, particularly the restriction that kings can only move one square diagonally. This differs from continental European variants where kings can move multiple squares.

Popularity Boom: In the 19th century, draughts clubs were established throughout Britain and America. The game was seen as both entertainment and intellectual exercise, accessible to people of all social classes.

Competitive Era

First Championships: The first official English draughts championship was held in the United States in the mid-19th century. The game gained recognition as a competitive sport.

World Champions: Notable world champions include players like Marion Tinsley, who dominated draughts in the mid-20th century and is considered one of the greatest draughts players of all time.

Computer Era: English draughts became one of the first board games to be "solved" by computers. In 2007, researchers announced that perfect play from both sides results in a draw, making English draughts the largest game ever solved.

Modern Status

Today, English draughts remains extremely popular in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It's the standard variant taught in schools and played in homes across these countries.

Online platforms have made the game more accessible than ever, allowing players from around the world to compete and learn. The game continues to be recognized for its educational value in developing strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Primary Countries

United States: English draughts (often simply called "checkers") is the most popular variant in the USA. It's played in homes, schools, parks, and competitive tournaments throughout the country. The American Checker Federation organizes national championships.

United Kingdom: Known as "English draughts" in the UK, this variant is the standard form of the game. It's widely played in pubs, clubs, and homes across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Canada: English draughts is the dominant variant in Canada, especially in English-speaking provinces. It's a popular pastime and is included in many school programs.

Other English-Speaking Countries

Australia: English draughts is widely played, though the game is less organized than in North America. It remains a popular family game.

New Zealand: Similar to Australia, English draughts is the standard variant, though competitive play is less common.

Ireland: English draughts is popular, particularly in the Republic of Ireland where it's often played in pubs and community centers.

South Africa: English draughts is played, especially in English-speaking communities, though other variants also have presence.

Cultural Significance

English draughts holds a special place in English-speaking cultures. It's often one of the first strategy games children learn, and many adults have fond memories of playing with family members. The game is associated with:

• Family gatherings and quality time
• School education and cognitive development
• Pub culture in the UK and Ireland
• Community centers and senior centers
• Online gaming communities

Unlike chess, which is often seen as more formal, English draughts has maintained its reputation as an accessible, friendly game that brings people together.

Opening Principles

Control the Center: In the opening, try to control the central squares of the board. Pieces in the center have more mobility and can support each other better.

Develop Your Back Row: Don't leave your back row pieces inactive. Move them forward to create a strong, connected position.

Avoid Weak Squares: Try not to create "holes" in your position—squares that your opponent can easily occupy. Keep your pieces connected.

Piece Coordination: Move your pieces in harmony. Pieces that support each other are much stronger than isolated pieces.

Middle Game Tactics

King Promotion: Getting a king is crucial. Plan your moves to promote pieces to kings while preventing your opponent from doing the same.

Forced Captures: Look for opportunities to force your opponent into disadvantageous captures. Sometimes you can sacrifice a piece to gain a better position.

Piece Exchanges: Evaluate exchanges carefully. If you're ahead in material, exchanges usually favor you. If behind, avoid exchanges when possible.

Double Corner Strategy: The double corner (two corner squares on the same side) is a key strategic area. Control it to limit your opponent's options.

Endgame Techniques

King Advantage: In the endgame, having more kings than your opponent is usually decisive. Kings can control key squares and restrict the opponent.

Piece Count: Count pieces carefully. Even a one-piece advantage can be enough to win with proper technique.

Blocking: Learn to block your opponent's pieces, especially their last regular pieces trying to become kings.

Time Management: In tournament play, manage your time. Don't spend too long on obvious moves, but take time for critical positions.

Common Tactical Patterns

The Fork: Position a piece so it threatens to capture multiple opponent pieces on the next turn.

The Pin: Trap an opponent's piece so it cannot move without being captured.

Sacrifice Combinations: Sometimes sacrificing a piece leads to capturing multiple opponent pieces or gaining a king.

King Endings: Learn basic king vs. king endings. Many games come down to these fundamental positions.

Improving Your Game

Practice Regularly: Play often against opponents of various skill levels. Each game teaches you something new.

Study Games: Review your games, especially losses. Identify mistakes and learn from them.

Learn Openings: Study common opening sequences and understand the ideas behind them.

Solve Problems: Practice tactical puzzles. The ability to calculate captures and combinations is essential.

Play Online: Online platforms offer opportunities to play against strong opponents and analyze games with computer assistance.