How to Play English Draughts

THE PLAYBOOK · JYYJHG

The essentials of playing English Draughts

Choose a round of English Draughts and settle into its rules. Capture or immobilise all opposing pieces under English draughts rules. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Begin with the local players mode shown on the page. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Local two players; an automatic draw follows 80 quiet non-promotion half-moves.

Try a more deliberate round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Notice the feedback after each input.

Your objective

Capture or immobilise all opposing pieces under English draughts rules. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Review the board or playing area as it changes.

How to proceed

1. Select a piece, then its legal diagonal destination.
2. A capture must be taken when available.
3. Continue a jump chain with the same piece; promotion ends that capture turn.
4. Kings move and capture diagonally both ways.

Choosing and moving on screen

Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Use one clear input at a time.

Work through an example

An adjacent enemy with an empty square beyond it requires a jump rather than a quiet move. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Notice the change in the playing area.

A useful caution

These are English short-king rules, not international flying kings. Check the rule before repeating the action. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions