How to Win at Internet Checkers

Internet Checkers is a fun game which comes with any standard Windows XP installation. It’s neat how Microsoft configured it to link with anyone in the world looking for a player for the same game. The template message options at the bottom allow people to reach across any language barriers and just play a simple game of checkers.

I have wasted a lot of time playing this game- usually I end up playing it at home on the computer while I’m waiting for something- on hold on the phone, waiting for a file to copy, video to load, or whatever. Over time, it adds up and I’ve become a competent internet checkers player. I play on expert mode and win about 75% of the time, every time. (I have that line from the movie Anchorman in my mind).

Here’s the tips that have helped me:

1. Keep your checkers in the middle.

2. Don’t move your bottom row of checkers. Not until you run out of options, and when you do, move them out in this order: bottom far left first, then, the 2nd to the right. Try not to move your last two pieces from the bottom, unless of course, you can capture a piece from the opponent. With the two bottom pieces, if you have to move them, then move the 2nd from the bottom left. The bottom far right is the last one you should move. There are reasons for this order, but it would take too long to explain- through experience, you’ll see why it’s usually advantageous.

3. Trade pieces at the first of the game to ‘open up’ your opponent’s middle area. Try to get his pieces to the outside of the board and have your pieces in the middle.

4. Chip away your opponents’ back row. If you can trade pieces and get the opponent to lose his back row pieces, then always do it. It will make it easier to get in and get crowned later.

5. Always look for double-jump opportunities. Also be aware of your opponent’s double-jump opportunities. Try to avoid positioning your piece where you’re vulnerable to such a jump.

6. Capture pieces from your opponent, even if you have to compromise your position. It is always worth it. For example, the screenshot below, I could have moved my double piece down to try to jump over on of the opponent pieces, but it risked getting jumped back. A sure move to capture one piece is to compromise my positioning by sacrificing my bottom piece for two of the opponents’. Often games end up being a tie or one person with an extra piece. The player with the extra piece is guaranteed to win (when played correctly). So, always take a piece when you can.

I hope these tips help your game.

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 5th, 2008 at 3:56 pm and is filed under General Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.