International Draughts
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About International Draughts
A strategic board game that combines simple rules with complex tactics.
What is International Draughts?
International Draughts (also known as Polish draughts or International Checkers) is played on a 10×10 board with 20 pieces per player. It is a strategic board game that combines simple rules with complex tactics, making it accessible to beginners yet challenging for experts.
The game is officially recognized by the World Draughts Federation (FMJD - Fédération Mondiale du Jeu de Dames) and is played in international competitions worldwide. Unlike the 8×8 version popular in English-speaking countries, International Draughts offers more strategic depth due to its larger board and additional movement rules.
History
The origins of draughts date back to ancient Egypt, with archaeological evidence suggesting similar games were played as early as 3000 BCE. The modern 10×10 International Draughts variant emerged in France in the 18th century and spread throughout Europe. Today, it is particularly popular in the Netherlands, Russia, France, and many African countries.
Standard starting position
How to Play: Rules & Tutorial
Learn the rules and strategies of International Draughts.
Basic Rules
Board Setup
The game is played on a 10×10 board with alternating dark and light squares. Each player starts with 20 pieces placed on the dark squares of the first four rows.
Movement
Regular pieces (men) move diagonally forward only, one square at a time.
Capturing
Captures are made by jumping over an opponent's piece to an empty square beyond. Multiple captures in a single turn are mandatory.
Kings
When a piece reaches the opponent's back row, it becomes a king. Kings can move diagonally forward or backward any number of squares.
Winning
A player wins by capturing all opponent's pieces or by leaving the opponent with no legal moves.
Capturing Rules
In International Draughts, captures are mandatory and follow these rules:
- If multiple captures are possible, the player must choose the sequence that captures the most pieces.
- A regular piece can capture backward (unlike its normal movement).
- Kings can capture from and land on any square along a diagonal, as long as there is exactly one piece between the starting and landing positions.
- Captured pieces are removed from the board only after the entire capturing sequence is completed.
Strategy Tips
Control the Center
Pieces in the center have more mobility and control over the board.
Create Kings
Try to advance pieces to the opponent's back row to create kings.
Maintain Formation
Keep your pieces connected to support each other.
Think Ahead
Plan several moves in advance, considering all possible responses.
Common Patterns and Tactics
The Trap
A common tactic is to sacrifice a piece to force your opponent into a position where you can capture multiple pieces in return. This is often called "setting a trap."
The Coup
A spectacular combination where a single piece (usually a king) captures multiple opponent pieces in a single turn, often zigzagging across the board.
World of Competitive Draughts
Discover the international competitive scene of draughts.
Tournaments & Champions
Major Tournaments
- World Championship: The most prestigious tournament, held every two years by the FMJD.
- European Championship: Continental championship featuring Europe's best players.
- Olympiad: Team-based competition where countries compete against each other.
- World Cup: Series of tournaments held throughout the year with a final championship.
Notable Champions
- Alexei Chizhov (Russia): Multiple-time world champion known for his tactical brilliance.
- Ton Sijbrands (Netherlands): Legendary player who dominated the game in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Alexander Georgiev (Russia): Modern champion known for his deep strategic understanding.
- Natalia Sadowska (Poland): Women's world champion known for her aggressive style.
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