Checkers Guide: Rules, Jumps, Kings, Multiple Captures & Strategy
Checkers
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.