English checkers · Kings

Kings move both ways

English checkers kings are short kings: one diagonal square at a time, but forward or backward.

4 min · 3 steps

This is the written edition of an interactive Boardgammon lesson — in the app, the coach narrates while you play every move on a live board.

Step 1 · Short kings

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English checkers kings are short kings: one diagonal square at a time, but forward or backward.

Coach narration

Step 2 · Backward king move

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On the board: Back

This dark king can move backward, something a normal man cannot do.

Tap the crowned king, then tap the highlighted square just behind it.

The move: 18-14

Good. Kings move in both diagonal directions.

Common mistake: Follow the on-board guide: tap the crowned king, then tap the square marked Land here.

Coach narration

Step 3 · Short but flexible

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English kings are not flying kings. They still move one square, but the new power is choosing either diagonal direction.

Coach narration

What you learned

You can now use an English king to move backward one diagonal square.

Coach narration