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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 12
th
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 16
th
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.