Play Checkers Online Right Now
Use the board above to start a free game against the computer, or choose 2 Players to share your device with a friend. No download or sign-up is needed, and you can play on desktop or mobile. Select a black piece, choose a highlighted destination, and make your first move.
How to Play Checkers Online
- Start a game. Choose Play AI or 2 Players. Each side begins with twelve pieces, and black moves first. In computer mode, you control black. Pick a difficulty before you begin; Medium is the default setting.
- Move a piece. Select one of your pieces, then select an empty dark square one step diagonally forward. Regular pieces cannot move sideways, straight ahead, or backward. The highlighted destinations show where your selected piece can legally go.
- Capture an opponent. Jump over an adjacent opposing piece into the empty square immediately beyond it. A capture is mandatory whenever one is available. If the same piece can jump again, keep using it until the capture sequence is complete.
- Get kinged. Reach the row at the opposite end of the board to earn a crown. Your turn ends when a regular piece becomes a king. On later turns, that king can move and capture diagonally forward or backward.
- Win the game. Capture every opposing piece or leave your opponent without a legal move. Keep track of possible jumps before moving: an unprotected piece may give your opponent a capture and a path through several more pieces. For practical plans, read checkers strategy.
- Restart. Select New game to reset the board and begin again. This replaces your current position, so finish your game first if you want to keep playing it. Black starts the next game with twelve pieces on each side.
For a closer look at each move, read how to play checkers. If you have a choice of jumps, you may choose any legal capture; you do not have to take the route that captures the most pieces.
Game Modes
- Against the computer. Choose Easy, Medium, Hard, or Expert. Easy makes random legal moves, while the higher levels search ahead before choosing a move. Start with Easy to practice movement, then try a stronger setting when you are ready. Learn more about playing against the computer.
- Two players on one device. Sit together and take turns using the same board. Black goes first, then red. There is no computer opponent in this mode, and both players use the same screen. Choose local two-player mode for a shared game, or read about free checkers.
- Playing with a friend. This version does not support separate devices, private rooms, or online matchmaking. To face a friend here, you need to share one phone, tablet, or computer and select 2 Players.
The game stays in your browser. When local storage is available, refreshing the page restores your position, selected mode, and difficulty. Keep using the same browser and device to return to that saved game.
Checkers Rules at a Glance
| Item | Standard American rules |
|---|---|
| Board | 8×8 squares. All moves stay on the dark squares. |
| Pieces | Twelve per player, placed on the dark squares of each player's first three rows. |
| Movement | Regular pieces move one square diagonally forward into an empty square. |
| Captures | Available captures are mandatory. Complete every available jump with the same piece. |
| Kings | Reach the far row to become a king. Kings move one square diagonally and can jump forward or backward. |
| How to win | Capture all opposing pieces or block every legal move. |
Read the full checkers rules for capture choices, crowning, and draws.
For board orientation and starting rows, see how to set up a checkers board.
Checkers Online FAQ
Is checkers online free?
Yes. You can play free against the computer or another person on the same device. You do not need to create an account to start a game.
Do I need to download anything?
No. The board runs directly in your browser. Open the page and make a move without installing an app or downloading a game.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. Tap a piece and then tap a highlighted destination. The board also works on tablets and desktop computers, using the same rules and game modes.
What's the difference between checkers and draughts?
Checkers is the usual US name; English draughts is another name for the same 8×8 game. Other draughts variants can use different boards and capture rules. This site uses standard American rules.
Can I play against a friend?
Yes, if you share one device and select 2 Players. Take turns moving black and red pieces on the same board. Playing against a friend on a separate device is not supported.