How to Play Llama Checkers
1. The Game Board
Checkers is played on the dark squares of an 8x8 board. Each player starts with 12 pieces.
Key Points:
- Red pieces start at the bottom (rows 1-3)
- Black pieces start at the top (rows 6-8)
- Pieces are only placed on dark squares
- Red always moves first
2. Player Perspectives
Each player sees their own pieces at the bottom of the board. The board automatically rotates based on which color you're playing.
Red Player's View
Red pieces at bottom, moving upward
Black Player's View
Black pieces at bottom, moving upward
Important:
- You always see your pieces at the bottom of the board
- Your pieces always move "forward" (upward on your screen)
- The board orientation changes automatically when you join a game
- This ensures both players have the same intuitive experience
3. Basic Movement
Regular pieces move diagonally forward (upward from your perspective), one square at a time.
Movement Rules:
- Pieces can only move to empty dark squares
- Regular pieces move diagonally forward only (upward on your screen)
- One square per move (unless capturing)
- Remember: "forward" is always toward your opponent's side
4. Capturing Opponent Pieces
Capture by jumping over an opponent's piece to an empty square behind it.
Capture Rules:
- Jump over opponent's piece diagonally
- The square behind must be empty
- Captured pieces are removed from the board
- Multiple jumps in one turn are optional (not required)
5. Becoming a King
When a piece reaches the opposite end of the board, it becomes a King!
King Rules:
- Reach the opposite end row to become a King
- Kings can move diagonally forward AND backward
- Kings still move one square at a time
- Marked with a golden crown symbol ♔
6. How to Win
Win by capturing all opponent pieces or blocking all their moves!
Win by Capturing All Pieces
Win by Blocking All Moves
Victory Conditions:
- Capture all of your opponent's pieces
- Block all of your opponent's possible moves
- Your opponent resigns