How to Win at Checkers: Strategy Tips From Beginner to Expert
Checkers looks simple, but there's a lot of strategy behind it. Most games between beginners are lost to the same few mistakes. Fix those and you'll start winning much more often.
Control the center
Pieces in the middle of the board can move in two directions and support each other. Pieces on the side edges are safe from capture on one side but only have one way to move, so they're easy to trap. Aim to build a solid group in the center early on.
Guard your back row
Your opponent becomes much stronger once they get kings, and the only way to get a king is to reach your back row. Many strong players keep two back-row pieces in place with one empty square between them, a setup often called a "bridge", which makes it very hard for a single enemy piece to sneak through. Only move these pieces late in the game.
Move in pairs and groups
A lone piece is easy to jump. Pieces that stand diagonally next to each other protect one another, because the square behind them is covered. Advance like a wall, not one piece at a time.
Use forced captures as a weapon
Captures are mandatory. That means you can control your opponent's next move by offering them a piece. A well-planned sacrifice can pull an enemy piece into a spot where you then jump two or even three pieces in a single turn. Before every move, ask yourself: "If they have to take, where will their piece land?"
Count before you trade
When you're ahead, even one-for-one trades are good for you: 5 against 4 becomes 4 against 3, then 2 against 1. When you're behind, avoid trades and look for tricks instead.
Win the endgame with kings
In the endgame, get your pieces crowned as fast as possible. Kings move both ways, so they can hunt down the last enemy pieces. Use two kings together to trap a single enemy king. A lone king tries to hide in the corners, so cornering it takes teamwork.
Common beginner mistakes
- Emptying the back row too early.
- Rushing one piece forward alone.
- Forgetting that a capture is mandatory, for you and for your opponent.
- Trading pieces when you're behind.
Practice these ideas against the bots on Royal Duels. On Hard, the bot looks six moves ahead, so it punishes every one of these mistakes.