A Glance at the English, Ghanaian, and Canadian Variants of Checkers

Aside from the Polish and Brazilian draughts, the English, Ghanaian and Canadian variations are amongst the internationally acclaimed kinds of checkers being played today. With all these variations available, they combine to form one of the greatest and most exciting board games ever invented. While they may all have everything to gain the interest of people, each of them has their own unique rules that separates one exciting version from the other.

Just like Brazilian draughts, English draughts is played on an 8 by 8 checkerboard. Otherwise known as American checkers, this game variation uses 12 pieces on every side of the players. However, it differs from most of the other versions mainly because its rules do not allow flying kings to happen. At the same time, capturing the opponents' pieces using backwards directions is also not possible. While majority of the game variations rule that players controlling the white pieces should make the very first move of the game, the English variation entails that the black pieces should always go first.

While just as exciting as its fellow draughts variations, Ghanaian checkers is quite a different story afar from the others. Usually played in the country of Ghana, a player automatically loses if there is only one piece left on that individual's side. Played on a 10 by 10 checkerboard, each side has 20 pieces to dispense all throughout a single game. In contrast to English draughts, flying kings are very much allowed in this game. Simultaneously, a player may catch the opponent's piece even in backwards motion.

Considering the board size and number of pieces used in a single game, Canadian checkers is by far the biggest game variation. Using a 12 by 12 checkerboard, nothing seems to transcend the enormous size and number of checkers pieces available for use in this game. Although this game is played more in Canada, each player can have 30 pieces at the beginning of every game. While the player controlling the white pieces should make the very first move of the game, Canadian checkers still follows the rules of the Polish or international version.

After looking at the differences in the rules of the English, Ghanaian, and Canadian versions of checkers, it is evident that the game has already taken multiple forms and can be played in various unique and exciting ways. Whatever the players may choose from these wonderful varieties, they are guaranteed to experience the fun and excitement that only checkers can bring.



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