Chinese Checkers

Chinese Checkers is a strategy board game for 2-6 players on a star-shaped board. Despite its name, the game is German in origin (invented in 1892). Players race to move all their pieces from their home triangle to the opposite triangle.

Be the first to move all ten of your pieces from your starting triangle to the opposite corner triangle.

The star-shaped board has 121 spaces. Each player places 10 pieces (marbles or pegs) in one of the six triangle points. For 2 players, use opposite triangles. For 3 players, use alternating triangles.

1. Players take turns moving one piece per turn.
2. A piece can move to an adjacent empty space (one step in any direction).
3. Alternatively, a piece can jump over an adjacent piece (yours or opponent's) to the empty space beyond.
4. Multiple jumps can be chained in a single turn, as long as each jump is valid.
5. Jumped pieces are not captured - they remain on the board.
6. Pieces can only move forward (toward opponent's side) or sideways, not backward into your own triangle once they've left.
7. The destination triangle belongs to only one player - others may pass through but cannot end there.

The first player to occupy all 10 spaces of the opposite triangle with their pieces wins. All 10 pieces must be in the destination triangle.

• *Build 'ladders' - chains of pieces that allow long multiple-jump sequences.
• *Leave pieces behind for others to jump off - it helps your trailing pieces catch up.
• *Block your opponent's jumping opportunities when possible.
• *Plan your moves to create jump opportunities for your next turn.
• *Don't leave pieces isolated in the middle with no jump connections.
• *The center of the board is crucial for efficient movement - control it.
• *Cooperate loosely with opponents whose triangles don't conflict with yours.

• 2-player: Use opposite triangles for a head-to-head race.
• 3-player: Use alternating triangles, diagonal from each other.
• 6-player: All triangles occupied for maximum chaos and strategic blocking.