Play Draughts Online at a New Level

What are Draughts?

Draughts is an ancient board game for two players that has existed for over 5000 years. The game is played on a checkered board, usually 8×8 or 10×10 squares, using special pieces (draughts pieces). The goal of the game is to capture all opponent's pieces or deprive them of the ability to move.

Draughts develop logical thinking, strategic planning, concentration and the ability to calculate moves ahead. It is one of the most popular intellectual games in the world alongside chess, backgammon and go.

Different countries have their own variants of draughts rules: Russian draughts, international draughts (100-square), English draughts, Brazilian draughts, Giveaway, Canadian, Turkish and many others. Each variant has its own features and tactical nuances.

Basic Rules of Playing Draughts

Initial Position: At the beginning of the game, each player has a set of draughts pieces placed on the dark squares of their side of the board. In Russian, English and Brazilian draughts — 12 draughts pieces per player, in international draughts — 20 draughts pieces.

Moves: Regular draughts pieces move only forward diagonally one square. When reaching the opponent's last row, a regular piece becomes a king, which gains additional movement capabilities.

Capture (Jump): If an opponent's draughts piece is on an adjacent diagonal square and there is a free square behind it, you must "jump" over the opponent's piece and remove it from the board. In most draughts variants, capture is mandatory. If there is an opportunity to continue capturing with the same piece, you must continue capturing.

King: A king is a special draughts piece with extended capabilities. In Russian and international draughts, a king can move any distance diagonally. In English draughts, a king moves only one square but can move both forward and backward.

Victory: The game ends with a victory for one of the players if the opponent has no draughts pieces left or cannot make a move. A draw is also possible if the position repeats or both players cannot achieve an advantage.

History of Draughts

Archaeological findings indicate that games similar to draughts existed in Ancient Egypt around 3000 BC. The ancient game "alquerque" from Mesopotamia is considered the predecessor of modern draughts.

In the Middle Ages, draughts became widespread in Europe. The French version of the game on a 10×10 board became the basis for international draughts. In Russia, draughts became popular in the 16th-17th centuries and became a national game with its own rules.

In the 19th-20th centuries, the first world draughts championships were held, international federations were created and official rules were developed. Today, draughts is recognized as a sport in many countries, and professional tournaments with cash prizes are held.

Strategy and Tactics in Draughts

Center Control: At the beginning of the game, it's important to occupy the central squares of the board, which gives more opportunities for maneuvers and attacks. Draughts pieces in the center control more squares than pieces at the edge of the board.

Position Structure: Try not to create "holes" in your position — weak squares through which the opponent can break through. Keep your draughts pieces connected, supporting each other.

Exchange: Evaluate whether exchanging draughts pieces is beneficial in a specific position. If you have a material advantage, exchanges are usually beneficial. In an equal position, try to preserve pieces for future combinations.

King Promotion: One of the main goals in draughts is to promote a piece to a king. A king is significantly stronger than a regular piece, so strive to create a passed piece and support its breakthrough.

Combinations: Study typical combinations and traps. The ability to see tactical strikes several moves ahead is a key skill in draughts. Practice calculating variations and finding forced continuations.

Benefits of Playing Draughts Online

Playing draughts online has many advantages over playing on a physical board. You can play at any time of day, no need to find an opponent — the system will automatically match you with a player of your level. Online platforms often offer educational materials, game analysis and the ability to play against computers of different strengths.

For children, online draughts is an excellent way to develop logical thinking in a playful form. The game teaches concentration, patience, decision-making skills and taking responsibility for your actions. Many schools include draughts in their extracurricular education programs.

Adults find in online draughts a way to relax after a working day, exercise their brain and communicate with like-minded people. Regular draughts play helps maintain mental clarity, improves memory and slows down age-related changes in cognitive functions.