Chinese Checkers Game: A Player's Guide

By Benedict Perez

Played by two to six persons, the Chinese checkers game is a board game the aim of which is to be able to put all of your pieces from the side in front of you across the board, and entirely into the other side. Akin to that of a hexagram, this board game has one hundred twenty one (121) indentations creating a six-pointed star, with ten (10) spots within each particular triangular star-point of the hexagram, and sixty one (61) within its hexagon.

There are typically six sets of different colored pieces corresponding for each player with ten pieces for each color. Each set of these ten pieces are initially positioned in the spots of one of the star's vertex. Then play takes turn between players in a fixed manner with each player making one move only after the other finishes. Movements of these pieces are through single moves to adjacent spaces or jumps over other pieces, to a spot two places removed.

A basic game tactic employed by fanatics of this game is to be able to get as far as possible. However, while playing, it is not always the best move to go to the very end of a jump. There is wisdom in blocking your opponents at times. Another basic game strategy is to keep you movements within the center line. Otherwise, by splitting up your pieces at untimely situations, you might be left with a lonesome piece that will be too costly and taxing to make it to the other side.

Likewise, make way into the goal area. If you got your pieces within the goal area, it is already more convenient to make positioning therein. You may however reposition your pieces within the goal area so as to be able to allow entry of your other pieces. The key here is to transfer the other pieces with the least number of moves.

And remember the piece furthest away from the goal area. This is a major juncture in the Chinese checkers game. Ensure the last remaining piece since this can cost you the game especially if it is stranded at its first position untouched. Fundamentally, before making any move, you must try hard to move the last piece up. Never leave a piece behind, so to speak. - 31483

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