A Look at the Pool, Frisian, and Spanish Versions of Checkers

While the other versions of checkers may have outshone them, the pool, Frisian, and Spanish modifications have established themselves a place among the internationally recognized game variations. Together, they all form a wide spectrum of cool and exciting board games to choose from. Although each of these games has its own unique rules and principles to follow, they have maintained the essential qualities and aspects of checkers.

Aside from English checkers, pool checkers is the only other popularly accepted version of the game where the players controlling the black pieces are assigned to make the very first move of the game. Using an 8 by 8 checkerboard, this game variation is widely played more particularly in the southeastern parts of the U.S. While each player has 12 pieces to dispense in every single game, the principle of flying kings is also in effect in this exciting game. At the same time, players can make backward moves if they want to catch the opponents' pieces.

While this game may be limited within the bounds of the Netherlands, Frisian checkers are widely known all over the world for its unique and exciting features. Played on a 10 by 10 checkerboard, each player has 20 pieces to defend and play with all throughout a single checkers game. As opposed to pool checkers where players controlling the black pieces usually go first, those controlling the white pieces are mandated to make the initial move in this game. With the flying kings and backward moves always in effect in this game, playing Frisian checkers is not that different after all.

While things may seem normal from this standpoint, players may capture the opponents' pieces by making straight and sideward moves in Frisian checkers. Simultaneously, this game has a corresponding value for a king, which is a little less than two checkers pieces. For players who may find the other versions boring, they can try this exquisite game variation for a little bit of twist and excitement.

Lastly, Spanish checkers is another exciting checkers variation that players can try when in search for something different. Using an 8 by 8 checkerboard, this game allows flying kings but prohibits the act of capturing the opponents' pieces using backward moves. Just like the Brazilian and English draughts, each player would have 12 pieces each to use at the start of every game. While this game is also known as Spanish pool checkers, people from Northern Africa and South America participate and enjoy the game most.



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