Checkers Variants

Checkers Variants

Checkers (Draughts) is played worldwide with dozens of regional variants. While all share the core mechanic of diagonal movement and capturing by jumping, the differences in board size, piece movement, and promotion rules create distinctly different games. Here are the most widely played variants.

American / English Checkers

The standard version played in North America and England. Uses an 8x8 board with 12 pieces per side. Men move one square diagonally forward; kings move one square diagonally in any direction. Jumps are mandatory, and when multiple jump choices are available, the player may choose which to take. This is the version played on SuitedGames and the version that was solved by the Chinook program in 2007.

International Draughts (10x10)

The most popular variant worldwide, dominant in France, Netherlands, Russia, and much of Africa. Played on a 10x10 board with 20 pieces per side. The key difference from American Checkers is flying kings — kings can move any number of squares diagonally in one move, similar to a bishop in chess. Additionally, when multiple capture sequences are available, the player must choose the sequence that captures the most pieces (the “maximum capture rule”). International Draughts is governed by the World Draughts Federation (FMJD) and has its own World Championship.

Brazilian Draughts

Uses the same rules as International Draughts (flying kings, maximum capture rule) but on an 8x8 board with 12 pieces per side. This makes it a hybrid between American and International play. Brazilian Draughts is popular in South America and is recognized by the World Draughts Federation.

Russian Draughts

Played on an 8x8 board with 12 pieces per side. Kings are flying (can move multiple squares diagonally). The key difference from Brazilian Draughts: a piece that reaches the king row during a multi-jump sequence is immediately promoted and can continue jumping as a king in the same turn. Russian Draughts is widely played in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Turkish Draughts (Dama)

A fundamentally different variant played on an 8x8 board, but pieces move orthogonally (forward, left, and right — not diagonally). All 64 squares are used. Each player starts with 16 pieces arranged on the second and third rows. Kings can move any number of squares orthogonally or diagonally. Turkish Draughts requires a completely different strategic approach from diagonal-based variants. Popular throughout Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Italian Draughts

Played on an 8x8 board with 12 pieces per side. Italian Draughts has unique restrictions: men cannot capture kings, and when multiple captures are available, the player must choose the one that captures the most pieces. Kings move one square at a time (non-flying). These rules create a game where king promotion is even more valuable than in American Checkers.

Canadian Draughts (12x12)

The largest standard checkers variant, played on a 12x12 board with 30 pieces per side. Uses International Draughts rules including flying kings and maximum capture. The larger board creates longer games with more complex tactical possibilities. Canadian Draughts is played in Canada, particularly in Quebec.

Pool Checkers

An American variant that uses the same 8x8 board and 12 pieces per side but adopts some International rules: kings are flying, and a piece reaching the king row during a multi-jump is immediately promoted and can continue jumping. Pool Checkers is popular in the African-American community and has its own tournament circuit.

Anti-Checkers (Giveaway)

A fun reversal: the goal is to lose all your pieces or get blocked so you cannot move. All standard rules apply, but the objective is inverted. This creates a paradoxical game where “winning” moves in standard checkers become losing moves, and vice versa. Anti-Checkers is popular as a casual variant and introduces beginners to the concept of forced captures.

Variant Comparison