Draughts ( in its original format ) , is believed to have been invented in Egypt , during the reign of King RaMeses , by Shamoon the Magician - approx 4000 years BC. Inscriptions in the ancient temple of Thebes portray King RaMeses playing the game with a family member . Monumental inscriptions show that the game was familiar to Egyptians as early as 200 BC
From Egypt , it arrived in India , where is known as Ashta Pada , and by the 13th century AD it was known in mainland Europe ( although the time scale to when the game was introduced is unkown ).
The first known written words describing the game 'Draughts' date back to Spain 1547 , and the first written manual dates back to Spain 1549 . This said , there are recorded details of the Spanish 13th century game Alquerque , whose rules / descriptions are very similar to that of draughts .
~0~ Formats ~0~
Today , the game of Draughts is played on an 8 * 8 checkered board . Early versions also played on 9 * 9 , 10 * 10 and 12 * 12 boards ( the latter is still played with in India , as the main board is used for several games ) .
~0~ Other known names ~0~
As the game has progressed , various counties have used different names for the game . 'Morris' is an English game akin to druaghts ; the French called it 'Merelles' , the Spanish 'Marro' ; Italians 'Marella' ; central Europe often called it 'Dam' or 'Dame' as at the time it considered to be Womens Chess .
In America it is known as 'Checkers' , and is played slightly different to European draughts . It was introduced into America as 'Morris' by the English settlers .
~0~ Did you know ? ~0~
America is the only English speaking country not to call it Draughts .
Before boards were used the game made use of cloth as a board .
Early counters were made of Ivory or Marble . Later counters used wood.
The first boards were coloured black and red , but the norm would become black and white . America tends to use red and white counters .
Chess is the direct assendant of draughts . Both are also related to Backgammon , Chinese Checkers and Solitaire .
~0~ The Equipment ~0~
1 x Board on which is an 8 * 8 grid , usually black and white .
2 x sets of 8 counter , one set white , one black ( excepting America ! ) - often once side of each counter is inscribed with a mark ( see Kings later ) .
~0~ Set Up and game objectives / rules ~0~
Each of the two players play opposit each other , and at the start the counters are place on alternating squares occupying the lower to rows .
Counters can only move in a diagonal forwards direction and one square at a time , providing the relevant square is free , unless when capturing an opponents piece / s .
To capture an opponents counter , you have to be able to jump over it and into a free square . Should further captures be available by said moved counter then the move continues .
The objective is to be last only player with counters remaining .
By reaching the opposit end of the board , you are entitled to Crown you counter to make it a King . This then has the ability to move both forwards and backwards in a diagonal direction .
The game is easy to learn , although stratergy does play a part when playing seriously . A game can last between ten and sixty minutes .
~0~ Variations ~0~
In the original game capture was not mandatory ( ie. it may not be in your best interest ) . However there are variations where when capture is available it must be taken , either a single capture or all possible capture.
~0~ Availability ~0~
The game through its variations / names can be found both on computer format and more traditional format , in any decent high street store or web retailer . Type in 'Checkers' or 'Draughts' into your web search engine for other options . At the time of writing our local Tesco store is selling a traditional wooden board version for just £3.49 .
Thanks for the read - hope I have enightened you a little.
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This is currently one of my favourite games. Its fantastic and extremely fun. Good review :) jeff
flamenca7 14.03.2004 15:39
I think spanish call it Damas, maybe we use both marro and damas...anyway, my father thaught my brother and me to play chess, poker but we never played damas, this is something I have to solve I guess, thanks for reminding! hugs and good op
OKkaraoke 11.01.2004 20:39
I had no idea it was called 'draughts' in England. I've only played checkers.
Advantages: All in the brain, you don't necessarily need to be a quick thinker, but certainly a deep one. Disadvantages: Those of you that have a short attention span, then this is not for you.
Tessa 28.09.2000 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
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