How to Play Chinese Checkers Online for Free

Chinese Checkers is a race across a star-shaped board. Each player starts with ten pieces in one triangle and tries to move all of them into the triangle directly opposite their starting position.

Unlike Checkers, pieces are never captured. Progress comes from choosing efficient adjacent steps and building long chains of jumps across occupied pieces.

The Basic Chinese Checkers Rules

• Move one piece on each turn.
• Take one step into any adjacent empty hole.
• Jump over one adjacent occupied piece into the empty hole directly beyond it.
• Continue jumping with the same piece when another legal jump is available.
• Jumped pieces stay on the board because there are no captures.
• Win by moving all ten pieces into your opposite target triangle.

How a Turn Works Online

1. Select one of your pieces

The board shows legal destinations for the selected piece. Opponent pieces cannot be selected or moved.

2. Choose a step or jump

An adjacent step is useful for positioning. A jump covers more distance and can cross either your own piece or an opponent's piece.

3. Continue or finish the jump chain

After a jump, use another highlighted landing to keep the chain going. End the turn when the current route is complete.

Beginner Chinese Checkers Tips

• Move pieces out of the back of your home triangle early so they do not become trapped.
• Build a spaced line of pieces that can act as stepping stones for future jumps.
• Look beyond the first jump and compare complete jump chains before moving.
• Keep your pieces connected enough to help each other without blocking important landing holes.

Ways to Play Chinese Checkers Online

Play a solo game against bots to practise jump routes, or create a private room for friends. The online board validates every step and jump while optional video chat keeps the game social.