Checkers for Kids

Checkers is a terrific game to play with a kid.

1. It teaches a key rule found in chess and other classic board games: you move a piece of yours, I move a piece of mine, repeat.

2. Choices at any one turn are few (unlike chess). That makes it easy for a kid to consider all choices before making a move

3. It's a breeze to handicap. Start with fewer pieces than the kid, and adjust the handicap until the two of you can play a good game.

Shorter-Game Victory Condition for Kids: Unfortunately, checkers can get a little long. To cut off the end game, say that a player wins when they have more kings than their opponent has men (crowned and uncrowned).

Politically Correct Option: When my daughter and I play, her pieces are "princesses," and they're trying to become "queens."

—JoT
2001