The Board

Checkers is played on an 8x8 grid — 64 squares, alternating light and dark. Each player places their pieces only on the dark squares. You start with 12 pieces each.

Moving Your Pieces

• Regular pieces move diagonally forward — one square at a time, toward the opponent's side.
• You can only move to empty dark squares.
• You cannot move backwards with a regular piece — only kings can.

Capturing (Jumping)

• To capture an opponent's piece, jump diagonally over it into an empty square beyond.
• Capturing is mandatory — if you can jump, you must jump.
• You can jump backwards to capture, even with a regular piece.
• Multi-jumps: if after landing you can jump again, you must continue the chain.
• Captured pieces are removed from the board immediately.

King Me! (Promotion)

• When your piece reaches the far end of the board (the opponent's back row), it becomes a King — marked with a crown.
• Kings can move forwards and backwards diagonally.
• Kings can also move multiple squares along a diagonal in one turn — like flying.
• Kings can capture at distance: jump over an opponent anywhere along the diagonal, landing any number of squares beyond.

Winning & Scoring

• Win by capturing all opponent pieces, or blocking them so they cannot move.
• Stars are awarded based on how many pieces you keep:
• ★★★ — Lose 2 or fewer pieces (flawless)
• ★★ — Lose 6 or fewer pieces
• ★ — Survive with any pieces remaining
• Collect stars to unlock new levels — each level gets harder.

Tips from the Village Elders

• Control the centre — pieces in the middle of the board have more options.
• Protect your back row — keeping pieces on your back row delays opponent king promotions.
• Don't rush — a sacrificed piece can be bait for a double capture.
• Trade wisely — if you're ahead in pieces, even trades favour you.
• King power — a king in the centre controls four diagonals. Guard yours.