International Draughts
International draughts, also known as 10×10 draughts, is the most popular variation in Europe and Africa. The game is played on a 10×10 board with each player having 20 pieces.
The objective is to capture all of the opponent’s pieces or block them from making any moves. In international draughts, all pieces move and capture diagonally.
American Checkers
American checkers, also known as English draughts, is popular in the United States and Canada. The game is played on an 8×8 board with each player having 12 pieces.
A unique feature of this variation is that pieces can only move and capture forward until they are kinged. Kings can move and capture both forward and backward.
Russian Checkers
Russian checkers is popular in Russia and Eastern Europe. The game is played on an 8×8 board with each player having 12 pieces.
In Russian checkers, pieces can move and capture both forward and backward. This variation offers more strategic possibilities and requires careful planning.
Brazilian Checkers
Brazilian checkers is very similar to international draughts but is played on an 8×8 board. Each player has 12 pieces, and the game follows the same rules as international draughts, including kinging pieces and diagonal movement.
Turkish Checkers
Turkish checkers, also known as Dama, is popular in Turkey and the Middle East. The game is played on an 8×8 board with each player having 16 pieces. A distinctive feature of this variation is that pieces move straight forward, sideways, or backward.
Capturing is done straight, and kings can move and capture multiple squares in a straight line.
Chinese Checkers
Chinese checkers, known as xiangqi, is a Chinese board game that differs significantly from Western checkers. Xiangqi resembles chess more than checkers, with complex rules and different pieces, each with its own moves and functions.
African Checkers
Africa has many different checkers games, such as Ghanaian damii and Nigerian draughts. These games are usually played on an 8×8 or 10×10 board, and the rules vary by region.
Generally, African checkers games allow pieces to move and capture in both directions, and kings can move multiple squares at once.
Online Games
Today, many checkers variations are available online, allowing players to enjoy the game with friends and others worldwide.
Online games offer the chance to learn new variations and improve strategic skills without needing a physical board. One good resource for finding rules and tips for various online games is pelisaannot.fi, which provides comprehensive guidelines for many different games.
Conclusion
Checkers is a versatile and engaging game played in various forms worldwide. Each variation has its unique rules and strategies, making the game exciting and challenging. No matter where you are, you can find and enjoy a game of checkers.
