checkers

British  

/ ˈtʃɛkəz /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a game for two players using a checkerboard and 12 checkers each. The object is to jump over and capture the opponent's pieces

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Explanation

Checkers is a game played on a board checkered with squares of two colors. Two players compete in checkers to have the last piece on the board. The game pieces in checkers — which you can also call checkers — are usually red and black. Players move diagonally on the board, trying to reach the opposite side where their pieces can be "kinged," or doubled, giving them more powers. On the way, a player attempts to jump over her opponent's pieces and capture them. In Britain, the identical game is called "draughts."

Example Sentences

Local families would visit each other to talk, make music and play simple games like cards or checkers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

Sadly, Americans have grown tired of the proliferation of Stephen King novels, the silly Monster Menu at Burger King, and the game of checkers.

From Slate • Oct. 17, 2025

“The checkers and the cashiers are on the front lines of this,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

After the alleged clip of Kier Starmer appeared, fact checkers took a closer look at the X account behind it.

From Salon • May 20, 2025

Anatole got to spend his days playing bottle-cap checkers with a pair of lackadaisical guards, who let him read and write anything as long as he didn’t escape.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver