Russian Checkers Online
Play Russian Checkers online, also known as Shashki. This fast 8x8 draughts variant features backward captures, flying kings, and immediate promotion during combinations.
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What Is Russian Checkers?
Russian Checkers, or Shashki, is a popular 8x8 draughts variant played widely in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic region, Central Asia, and other countries with a strong draughts tradition.
It looks familiar at first: 8x8 board, 12 pieces per player, diagonal movement. But the rules make the game much sharper than English Checkers. Men can capture backward, kings are flying kings, and promotion can happen during a capture sequence.
A Short History
Russian Checkers belongs to the draughts-64 family: variants played on an 8x8 board using 12 pieces per side. It became one of the most influential forms of draughts in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet region. Its tactical richness made it popular both casually and competitively. The Russian name Shashki is often used internationally when referring to this variant.
Board and Setup
Russian Checkers uses an 8x8 board, 12 pieces per player, dark playable squares, men and flying kings. The setup resembles English Checkers, but the gameplay is much more dynamic.
Basic Rules
Men move one square diagonally forward. Captures are mandatory. Men can capture both forward and backward, which makes every piece more dangerous.
If more than one capture is available, the player may choose any legal capture sequence. Unlike International or Brazilian Checkers, the longest capture is not always required. However, once a capture sequence is chosen, the player must complete all possible captures in that line.
Kings and Captures
Kings are flying kings. They move and capture across long diagonals. A special Russian rule makes the game especially tactical: if a man reaches the last row during a multi-capture and can continue capturing as a king, it promotes immediately and continues the same move as a king.
How This Variant Differs from Other Checkers Games
Compared with English Checkers, Russian Checkers has backward captures and flying kings. Compared with International Checkers, it uses a smaller 8x8 board and allows more freedom in choosing capture sequences. Compared with Brazilian Checkers, Russian Checkers does not force the maximum capture line in the same strict way.
This creates a fast, tactical game where sacrifices and king promotions can appear suddenly.
Beginner Strategy Tips
Do not assume a backward capture is harmless. Look for promotion tactics, use choice of capture creatively, respect flying kings, and study forcing moves two or three captures ahead.
Who Should Play This Variant?
Russian Checkers is a great choice for players who like fast tactical games. If you enjoy English Checkers but want more action, flying kings, and spectacular combinations, Shashki is an excellent variant.
FAQ
Is Russian Checkers played on 8x8?
Yes. Russian Checkers uses an 8x8 board with 12 pieces per side.
Can men capture backward?
Yes. Men can capture both forward and backward.
Are kings flying kings?
Yes. Kings can move and capture across long diagonals.
What makes Russian Checkers special?
The biggest special rules are choice of capture and immediate promotion during multi-capture.