Want to make sure you’re getting off to the best possible start in checkers? Fortunately, there are only 7 possible opening moves you can make, so it’s not too difficult to remember how to start.
Once you know the rules and the board is set up, you’ll be able to make the best first move every time, and you’ll know how to make the best response when your opponent chooses one of the weaker openings.
Checkers Openings
Here are the strongest checkers opening moves and the best counter moves. I won’t go into a full explanation on why they’re good or bad moves, but these are the moves expert players accept as the strongest to the weakest.
For more ways to improve your play, see Checkers Strategy.
Best 1st Move in Checkers
The best opening move (red) is 11-15, which is moving the middle single-corner piece toward the center. This is the move that’s referred to as “old faithful” in acknowledgement of it’s strength. The best counter move is 22-17, which is moving the middle single-corner piece toward the side. Here’s what they look like:
The second strongest move is 9-14, which is moving the double-corner side piece toward the center. The best counter move is 22-18, which is moving the single-corner middle piece toward the center. Here they are:
The third strongest opening move is 11-16, which is moving the middle single-corner piece toward the side. The best counter move is 23-18, which is moving the middle double-corner piece inside. Here they are:
The fourth best opening move is 10-15, which is moving the middle double-corner piece inside. The best counter move is 21-17, which is moving the single-corner end piece to its only available square. Here they are:
The fifth strongest opening move is 10-14, which is moving the middle double-corner piece to the outside. The best counter move is 24-19, moving the double-corner end piece toward the center. Here they are:
The sixth best opening move is 12-16, moving the single-corner end piece to its only possible square. The best counter move is 24-20, moving the double-corner end piece to the side. Here they are:
Finally, the worst opening move is 9-13, moving the double-corner end piece to the side. The best counter move is 22-18, moving the middle single-corner piece inside. Here they are:
Incidentally, the worst checkers opening move is fairly popular among amateur players, so you’ll probably have opportunity to get the advantage right from the start.
Weaker players tend to like the safety of the side of the board. It’s true that the piece is in a strong defensive position there, as it can’t be jumped. But it weakens your defensive position as a whole, so it should be avoided.
Best Checkers Opening Moves Summary
- You can’t go wrong with “old faithful”, 11-15, (see first picture) as your opening move. Getting used to playing it and continuing from the various responses will help you win more.
- The weaker openings should be avoided, but especially the worst one, 9-13 (see last picture) which immediately puts you on the defensive.
I hope this look at checkers openings has been helpful.