BoardGameArchiveCheckers
Move diagonally across the dark squares, make compulsory jumps and crown pieces as kings to capture in both directions.
Move diagonally across the dark squares, make compulsory jumps and crown pieces as kings to capture in both directions.
This guide covers American checkers / English draughts under WCDF rules, not international draughts. Play uses the 32 dark squares of an 8×8 board, with 12 pieces per player and compulsory captures.
Game at a Glance
Move Forward
Uncrowned men move diagonally forward one square.
Captures Are Compulsory
If you can capture, you must.
Continue Jumps
A multiple capture continues until no further jump is available.
Crown Kings
Reach the far row to gain backward movement and captures.
Rules overview
Players alternate moves on the dark squares. A man normally moves one square diagonally forward. If a capture is available, it must be taken. If that jump creates another capture for the same piece, the sequence continues. Reaching the farthest row crowns a man as a king.
Checkers guides
Official source
WCDF Rules of Draughts. Checked September 27, 2026.