image

Facts about checkers (or draughts!)

Draughts, or checkers, is a brilliantly simple strategy game.

Traditionally played by two players, it involves diagonal moves across the game board – you win by capturing opponent pieces and reaching the other side of the board.

‘Check’ out our interesting facts about this popular game, and then give it a go yourself. You can play online for free with Silversurfers Games.

  • Checkers is traditionally played on an 8×8 checked board, but there are many different variations of the game – another popular format is a 10×10 checked board played with 20 pieces.
  • Checkers and chess can be played on the same board
  • Though similar in name, ‘Chinese Checkers’ is a completely different game – and was invented in Germany!
  • Historians have traced a form of the game of checkers as far back as 3000BC
  • Though often called checkers now, this game was originally known as draughts, a name that derives from the verb meaning to draw or move
  • Checkers is based on an ancient game called Alquerque
  • A new rule was introduced in the 13th century: crowning
  • The concept of ‘jumping’ another player wasn’t introduced until 1535
  • In 1994, a computer became the World Checkers Champion for the first time
  • World English Draughts tournaments began in the mid-1800s
  • To make the game more challenging, tournaments often impose time limits – players must complete their move within the allotted time

Do you enjoy playing checkers? 

 

The following two tabs change content below.

Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor

Hello there! I’m Rachel and I’m the Assistant Editor for Silversurfers. I work behind the scenes to bring interesting, informative and entertaining subject matter to the Silversurfers community. I hope you enjoy the features we have shared with you. Please feel free to comment below and share your thoughts with us, we love to hear from you!

Latest posts by Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor (see all)

Leave a Comment!

Loading Comments