Checkers
Checkers (or Draughts) is the classic strategy board game popular with cultures all around the globe. Steeped in history, games similar to Checkers were played by the early Egyptian Pharaohs (c.1600 BC) and were even mentioned in the works of the Greek writers Homer and Plato. Around the time of the 12th century AD, an early form of the game was adapted to the current 8 x 8 checkerboard, with the rules to the modern game of Checkers essentially being formed around the 16th century.
The game of Checkers is deceptively simple yet full of intricacy and this version from ZingMagic Limited allows players of all abilities to enjoy a challenging and stimulating game.
This chapter describes the main features of the Checkers application and how they are used to play and display the game.
Rules of the Game
The object of the game of Checkers is to capture all of your opponent’s pieces. Pieces move one square at a time diagonally towards the opposite side of the board and always remain on the same coloured squares.
When you first start Checkers or begin a new game, the initial board will be displayed and the player with the darker coloured pieces makes the first move. Moves then alternate between the two players.
Checkers must always be moved diagonally forward to an adjacent dark square. If you manage to negotiate a path to the first row of the opponent’s side of the board, your checker is promoted to a King and this is indicated by a crown on that piece. The King moves in the same way as a standard checker piece, but it is given the added advantage of being able to move either backwards or forwards.
The aim of the game is to capture all of your opponent’s pieces. Once a piece is captured, it is removed from the board. Capturing is achieved when there is an opposing checker adjacent to one of your checkers with the opportunity to jump to a vacant dark square directly beyond it (going forward with a standard checker and either forwards or backwards with a King). If there is an opportunity to capture an opponent, this move must be made, even if this subsequently places you in a position to be captured – capturing is compulsory. If after capturing an opponent’s checker this offers you the chance to take another of your opponent's checkers, this move must also be made.
The game ends when all of your opponent's pieces have been captured or when one player is unable to move.
Tip: The simplicity of Checkers allows everyone of all ages and abilities to play the game. However, it is advisable for the novice to play with a defensive strategy, trying to ensure that the checkers move up the board, protected by a flanker. This defensive approach will hopefully make it more difficult for the opponent to capture your pieces.
Running Checkers
When you first run Checkers, a title screen is displayed briefly and a new game called “My first game” is automatically created. By default this game pits you (playing Black) against a computer opponent (White) set at beginner level.