Chinese Checkers is not just a classic board game, but a true test of logical thinking, attentiveness, and strategic intuition. Despite its simple mechanics, each game requires planning and the ability to adapt to your opponents' moves. Before starting the game, it's helpful to understand its basic rules and tactics — this will help you get oriented more quickly and start winning.
Interestingly, this game captivates both beginners and experienced players alike: at first glance, it seems elementary, but as the game progresses, it reveals many tactical opportunities.
Game rules
Chinese Checkers is played on a board shaped like a six-pointed star. Typically, it's a board with symmetrically placed holes where differently colored pieces (checkers) are set. Since the star has six points, 2 to 6 people can play Chinese Checkers.
Depending on the number of players, starting sectors are chosen so that the pieces are evenly distributed, and when there are fewer players, the extra corners remain empty. Each player is assigned one of the star’s points, where their colored pieces are placed. On the opposite point, the opponent’s pieces (of a different color) are set. The ultimate goal is to move all of your pieces, step by step, from one end of the board to the opposite side.
On a single turn, you can:
- Move one of your pieces forward by 1 space (if it’s not occupied by another piece).
- Jump over your own or an opponent’s piece, if it’s in the way.
These two actions are mutually exclusive. That is, if you jump during a turn, you can’t also move one space, and vice versa. It’s important to note that jumping is only possible if there’s a free space behind the piece you’re jumping over.
Within a single turn, you can jump over multiple pieces — both yours and your opponents’ — just like in standard checkers, if the situation on the board allows. However, all pieces remain on the board and are not “captured” like in classic checkers. Sometimes it’s possible to make a sequence of 4–5 jumps in one turn, which significantly speeds up progress toward the goal.
Since jumping moves a piece forward by 2 spaces instead of 1, this tactic is often the most effective. That means you should choose paths filled with your own and your opponents’ pieces and try to block the opponent’s potential jumps.
Effective blocking is the key to victory: if you can occupy strategic spaces and limit your opponent’s movement options, you’ll gain an advantage even in otherwise equal positions.
Game tips
As in many other board games, the right to the first move in Chinese Checkers is decided by drawing lots. So in addition to the board and pieces, it’s useful to have a die or coin. Some players follow the rule: “the youngest goes first,” but this is optional.
To reach the opposite side of the board faster than your opponent, you should:
- Choose routes where the most pieces are concentrated.
- Block your opponent’s moves by placing your pieces in pairs.
- If possible — don’t let your opponent do the same.
Sometimes it’s helpful to temporarily sacrifice your position to force your opponent into a disadvantageous move or to reveal their defense.
The game ends when all your pieces occupy the spaces on the opposite side of the board. Important: you don’t have to be the first to finish — if you’re confidently progressing and blocking your opponent, you already have a tactical advantage.
Since each player usually has 10 to 15 pieces — depending on the number of participants — the game can last a long time, but it also provides lots of positive emotions. The main thing is to stay attentive and think ahead, occupying key spaces and preventing your opponent from doing the same!
Chinese Checkers is not just a way to pass the time, but also excellent training for spatial thinking, foresight, and patience. Once you know the rules and basic strategy, you can confidently start a game. Play online, play for free!