How to beat the computer at Checkers
Checkers is a game of forced moves. Because captures are compulsory, the best players win by steering the opponent into a jump that opens up a bigger one for them.
These tips cover the opening, the plan for the middle of the game and the endgame, plus the mistakes that give games away.
Control the centre
Pieces in the middle of the board have more moves and can support each other. Pieces on the edge can only be attacked from one side but also can only move one way. Aim to hold the central squares and keep your pieces connected in groups.
Keep your back row as long as you can
The back row stops your opponent from getting a king. Moving those men early gives away the easiest way to defend. Keep two or three of them at home until the middle of the game, then use them when you need to.
Use the forced capture
Captures are compulsory, so you can sacrifice a piece to make your opponent jump into a position where you take two or three back. Before every move, ask which captures your opponent would be forced to make after it.
The same rule works against you. Before you move, check whether you are walking into a forced jump that sets up a multi-jump.
Trade when you are ahead
If you have more pieces, swap them off. Every trade makes your lead bigger as a proportion of what is left. If you are behind, avoid trades and keep the position complicated.
Make a king and use it
A king moves both ways, so it is worth much more than a man. Try to get the first king, but do not rush a man forwards alone, because it will be picked off. Once you have a king, keep it active and out of corners where it can be trapped.
The endgame
Games with a few kings each are often drawn, and a draw is also declared after 40 moves each with no capture. If you are ahead, bring your kings together to trap the opponent's. If you are behind, run for the long diagonal and hold it.
Frequently asked questions
Who wins at checkers with perfect play?
English draughts is a draw with perfect play by both sides. In practice the player who makes the fewer mistakes wins.
Is a capture always forced in checkers?
Yes. If you can jump you must, and you must continue a multi-jump with the same piece. That is what makes sacrifices so strong.
What is the best opening move in checkers?
There is no single best, but moves that bring a piece towards the centre and keep your back row intact are safe choices.
How do I beat the computer at checkers?
Keep your pieces together, hold the centre, and check every forced capture before you move. Higher levels rarely fall for a single trap, so look for combinations of two or more.
Put it into practice
Start against Trevor, the friendliest opponent, and work your way up the ladder of ten computer players to Pete, the hardest. It’s free and works in your browser.
Play Checkers now