Good news if you can’t wait to start playing checkers. The checkers set up is quick and easy, certainly simpler than setting up a chess board.
Checkers Set Up
To set up a checkerboard, on the side of the board near you, fill up the first 3 rows of dark squares with your 12 checkers, and your opponent does the same on the other side. Here’s what the starting position looks like:
Checkerboard Set Up
Here are a few things to notice about a set up checkerboard. Remembering these things will ensure you always set the checkerboard up correctly:
- When the board is facing you, there should be a light square in the near right corner. (light on right)
- The single corner (the corner with a checker exactly in the corner) is on the left; the double corner (the corner with 2 checkers next to the corner) is on the right.
- Each side starts with 12 pieces placed on the dark squares.
Here’s a visual of the corner stuff:
- The blue arrows show the “light on the right” square that each player will see on their own right sides of the board.
- The purple arrows show the single corner, which is on each player’s left.
- The orange arrows show the double corner, which is on each player’s right.
Once your checker board is set up, it’s time to play! Here are the basics so you can get started.
Quick Checkers Rules
- Black moves first. If your pieces aren’t black and white, the dark pieces move first.
- Regular pieces only move and jump forward.
- Jumping is mandatory. If it’s your turn and you can jump your opponent’s piece, you must do it.
- Multiple jumps are allowed and also mandatory.
- You can’t jump your own pieces.
- A piece that reaches the opponent’s back row becomes a king.
- Kings can move and jump forward and backward.
- You win by jumping all your opponent’s pieces or by making your opponent unable to move. (Last move wins)
For a more detailed look at what you can and can’t do, see Checkers Rules.
Although checkers is a simple game to learn and play, it’s not simplistic. Now that you know the checkers set up you can start playing, or take a look at the strategy and tactics that will help you win more. I hope you have fun playing and learning about this great game!