A Bit About the Game of Checkers

The oldest version of checkers was found in an archeological dig in Iraq. Carbon dating tells us the game was from about 3000 BC, but it was far from the game we know today. The board and all the pieces were different and since no one found the rule book, we have no idea how this version of checkers was played.

We also know that the Ancient Egyptians played a similar game called Alquerque. The board was a five by five board and evidence of it has been found dating all the way back to 1400 BC.

Today the game is played on an 8 x 8 board with alternating red and black squares. The pieces are lined up on the black squares on opposing sides of the board.

The object of checkers is to take all of your opponents pieces. The way to do this is by moving your checkers 1 square at a time, always moving in a diagonal and forward direction to the nearest black square. When you come to an opponents piece if the black square on the other side of their piece is not occupied you may jump your piece over his to the vacant square, and remove his piece from the board. The other way to win is by putting the other player in the position where they can not move any of their pieces, and forcing them to surrender.

The last row of checkers on both sides of the board is very important. If you move a piece from the back row and the other player gets one of his pieces in there his piece gets what is know as crowned. And a second piece traditionally gets put on top of that piece.

This crowned checkers may now move forwards and backwards, but still only at a diagonal. Pieces that are not crowned may only go in a forward direction.

• all uncrowned pieces may only move in a forward direction from black space to black space.
• Players may only move 1 piece 1 space at a time
• Crowned pieces may move both forward and backwards

Checkers besides being a fun game it is a good way to introduce strategic thinking to a child.