A game from Europe

How to Play Checkers

Move diagonally, jump to capture — and capturing is mandatory.

Origin EuropePlayers 1–2Price ¥200 (or ¥2,000 for all)

The rules

Pieces move diagonally forward, and jumping an opponent captures it. The twist: if a capture is available you must take it. Reach the far row and your piece becomes a King, free to move backward too.

Where it came from

Loved across Europe before chess took hold, tracing back to 12th-century France. In 2007 it was solved by computer, proving that perfect play by both sides always ends in a draw.

How to win

Give one to take two. Turn forced captures against your opponent: offer a piece so their jump exposes a double jump for you. Hold the centre, and keep your back row intact as long as possible to deny them a King.

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