Keep in mind that in checkers, the player with the black checkers always goes first.
Since the board has 8 rows, 6 of the rows will be taken up by the players’ checkers and two rows will be left open in the middle of the board.
The space on the other side of your opponent’s checker has to be empty so that you can move into it. If you have the opportunity to jump your opponent’s checker, then the rules state you must jump it. If you have the opportunity to jump your opponent’s checker in multiple parts of the board, then you can choose which checkers you’d like to jump. If the new position you land in gives you a direct opportunity to capture another checker, then you must keep going until you can’t capture any more of your opponent’s checkers.
Kings can still only move one diagonal space at a time during a non-capture move. However, when a king is capturing checkers, it can move forward and backward on the same turn. This would apply only if a king were doing a capture move that required it to change directions, such as if two checkers were lined up next to each other on dark squares in a horizontal line. To capture these checkers, the king would have to jump forwards and then backwards. Some checkers sets have a crown on the back of the checkers, so you can just flip a piece over once it is crowned to designate it as the king. There is no limit to how many crowned pieces you can have.
A less common way to win is when all of your opponent’s pieces are blocked so that your opponent can’t make any more moves.
Be bold and try to capture your opponent’s checkers whenever you can.
If your checkers move together, it will be harder for your opponent to capture your checkers. But if your opponent does still manage to capture your checker, then you’ll have a piece waiting to capture his checker as well.
Do what you can to avoid having your king captured. The king is much more valuable than a regular checker. Don’t trade pieces if it will make it easier for your opponent to king a piece. Trade one for two. Give up one of your pieces if it means you can capture two of your opponent’s pieces in return.
Try playing with someone above your skill level. This will challenge you and will force you to pick up your game. If you are babysitting, you can take this board game and play it with the kids. Even if the kids have a house full of toys, whatever you bring along will be new and exciting. Parents will also notice that you are more proactive and prepared than other babysitters who arrive empty-handed.
Try reading about checkers strategies online or in books as well. Some checkers experts have written about their strategies and reading about them may help you to improve your game.
