Forget everything you think you know about checkers. Turkish Draughts, or Dama as it's known by masters, is a brutal, lightning-fast game of pure strategy that plays unlike any other variant. [5, 7] Here, the pieces move orthogonally—forward and sideways—creating a dynamic and aggressive battlefield from the very first move. [5, 7] The goal isn't just to capture; it's to dominate, to block, and to achieve total board control. [2, 9] What makes Turkish Draughts a true test of tactical genius is the rule of maximum capture: you are forced to take the path that yields the most captured pieces, demanding constant vigilance and foresight. [5, 13] Pieces are removed from the board the instant they are jumped, opening up new, devastating lines of attack in a single turn. [3, 5] This isn't a passive game of attrition; it's a calculated storm of sacrifices, forced moves, and stunning multi-jump combinations that can clear the board in a flash.
In our latest major update, we've introduced "The Sultan's Gambit" seasonal event, a thrilling new mode that challenges even the most seasoned Dama veterans. This update unveils a series of 20 hand-crafted puzzle scenarios designed by Turkish grandmasters, each requiring players to solve complex board states against the clock. Success hinges on mastering advanced tactics like double threats, piece sacrifices to gain tempo, and exploiting the unique movement of the "Dama" or King. [2, 12] Furthermore, we've rolled out the "Legacy of the Anatolian Masters" cosmetic pack, featuring a new uncheckered board design inspired by traditional Turkish game boards and exquisitely detailed piece sets that pay homage to the game's rich history in the Mediterranean and Middle East. [4, 5, 6]
The controls for Turkish Draughts are intuitive. Simply click or tap on a piece you wish to move, and then click or tap the valid destination square. Valid squares for movement will be highlighted. For captures, you only need to select the piece and the final destination square of the capture sequence; all intermediate jumps will be completed automatically.
The game is played on an 8x8 board, but unlike standard checkers, all 64 squares can be used. Each player starts with 16 pieces (called men) arranged on the second and third rows from their side. The primary objective is to either capture all of your opponent's pieces or to block them so they have no legal moves left. [4, 5]
Standard pieces, or "men," have a unique movement pattern: they can only move one square straight forward or one square sideways (horizontally). [2, 7] They cannot move backward or diagonally. Once a man reaches the opponent's back row, it is promoted to a "Dama" or King. [2] A King gains incredible power, able to move any number of empty squares horizontally or vertically, much like a Rook in chess. [5] For more great titles with unique mechanics, you can explore our collection of fun games.
Capturing is mandatory in Turkish Draughts. [7] A man captures by jumping over an adjacent opponent's piece (forward or sideways) into the empty square immediately beyond it. [8] The captured piece is instantly removed from the board. [4] A King captures by jumping over an opponent's piece along a straight orthogonal line to any empty square beyond it. [5] If you have multiple capture opportunities on your turn, you are forced to choose the sequence that captures the maximum number of pieces. [7]
The orthogonal (forward and sideways) movement and capture for men is the most significant difference, creating a completely different tactical flow from the diagonal movement in games like English or American checkers. [2, 17] The rule of maximum capture is another key distinction, forcing aggressive plays. [7] Also, the fact that pieces are removed mid-move allows for complex, board-clearing combinations not seen in other variants. [4] This tactical depth is something we prize in all our games.
Absolutely. A critical strategy is setting up multi-jump combinations where one piece can eliminate several enemy pieces in a single turn. Experienced players focus on creating "Damas" (Kings) quickly to control the board. Another key tactic is to create 'threats' that force your opponent into a disadvantageous capture. For those looking to master complex strategies, you can find a wealth of information and even play against others on platforms like CrazyGames, which hosts many challenging logic and board games.