How to Play Chinese Checkers

If you aren't in the mood for the deep concentration of chess and you would like to play with more than two people as in regular checkers, then Chinese checkers may be the game for you. This exciting board game, in which you attempt to move all your pieces into your opponent's area before he can move his into yours, can be played with up to six players and learned in a minimum amount of time. Its star-shaped board, colorful pieces and fast-paced play will keep your attention.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Chinese checker board and pieces

Enjoy a Game of Chinese Checkers

1. Select at least one set of 10 colored checkers (actually pegs or marbles) that correspond with the colored area of the board where they are sitting.
2. Place the colored pegs you have chosen in the holes of the triangular area nearest to you and identify the opposite area of the board in which you will be attempting to move all of your pieces. If there are less than six players, remember to play opposite another player.
3. Flip a coin to see who will move first, and then go around to the left.
4. Choose your first move carefully. Just as in other strategy-based board games, your first move is one of the most important. It is best to make your initial moves in a manner that will allow freedom of movement for the remainder of the pieces that are lined up behind it.
5. Move your pieces one space at a time, in any direction, as long as it's in a line.
6. Jump other players' pieces if there is a space open after that piece and within the same line. You can also jump your own pieces, following the same rationale. You may also jump multiple times if there are sufficient spaces available between the pieces (as in a double jump in checkers).
7. Get all 10 of your pieces into your opponent's triangular area in order to win the game.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a rule that players may not arbitrarily leave a piece in their area so that another player cannot win. In the alternative, rule that if one piece is still in the opponent's area, it can be exchanged for the encroaching player's piece.
• Some Chinese checker sets have colored areas where each player sets up his pieces and some do not. If you have young children or those who are new to the game, you may want to choose a board that has each section colored.