Master Checkers — Play Free Online
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Master Checkers is a browser version of checkers (draughts) on a standard 8 by 8 board. The credits screen inside the game names the developer as Code This Lab, at codethislab.com. There are no power-ups or special pieces beyond kings: you play the board game against a friend or against the computer.
Game modes
The mode menu asks you to choose between two options:
- Two players: both people share the same screen and take turns moving their own pieces.
- Against the computer: you play White and the computer plays Black. While it works out a move, the game shows a "Thinking" message; its search looks four plies (half-moves) ahead before it decides.
The rules as this game plays them
Reading the game's code, these are the rules it enforces:
- Each side starts with 12 pieces on the dark squares of the three rows nearest to it. White moves first.
- Ordinary pieces move one square diagonally forward. A piece jumps over an enemy piece on the next diagonal square when the square beyond it is empty, and that enemy piece is removed.
- Jumps are compulsory. If any capture is available, you must take it, and the game flashes "Mandatory jump!" to remind you. A piece can chain several jumps in one turn.
- A piece that reaches the far row is crowned a king. Kings move and jump one square diagonally in any direction, forwards or backwards.
- You win by capturing all of your opponent's pieces, or by leaving them with no legal move.
- A game is declared a draw after 40 turns in a row in which only kings have moved and nothing has been captured.
How to play
Everything is done with the mouse, or by touch on a phone or tablet. Select one of your pieces and the squares it can legally move to are highlighted; pick one of them to make the move. The game also counts the moves and keeps track of how many pieces each side has lost. Fullscreen and sound toggles sit on the screen, and an exit button asks "Are you sure?" before leaving a game.
Tips
- Before every move, check which jumps you would be handing to the other side. The computer cannot skip a capture, because the rules force it to take one.
- A king is the only piece that can move backwards, so crowning one gives you options an ordinary piece does not have.
- In a king-only ending, remember the draw rule. If neither side captures for 40 turns, the game ends level.
Questions about Master Checkers
Are jumps compulsory in Master Checkers?
Yes. If a capture is available you must take it, and the game shows a Mandatory jump message. Several jumps can be chained in one turn.
Can I play Master Checkers against the computer?
Yes. Choose the computer mode and you play White against a computer opponent whose search looks four plies (half-moves) ahead.
How do kings move in Master Checkers?
A piece that reaches the far row becomes a king, and kings move one square diagonally in any direction, including backwards.
When is a game of Master Checkers a draw?
The game is drawn after 40 turns in a row in which only kings move and no piece is captured.
