Double Jumps in Checkers — The Multi-Jump Rule
Yes, you can double jump — and usually you must. Here is exactly how chain captures work.
You can double jump in checkers — and when one is available, you must take it. After a piece makes a capture, if it can immediately jump another opponent piece from its new square, it keeps jumping. Two captures in a row is a double jump; three or more is a multi-jump.
How a Double Jump Works
A double jump is just two jumps performed by the same piece in the same turn:
- Your piece jumps an adjacent opponent piece, landing on the empty square beyond it.
- If, from that new square, the same piece can jump another opponent piece, it must do so.
- This continues until the piece reaches a square where no more captures are possible.
Each jump in the chain can change diagonal direction. All of the captured pieces are removed from the board after the whole sequence is finished.
Double Jumps Are Mandatory
Checkers uses a mandatory jump rule, and it applies to every step of a chain. If the piece that just landed can jump again, you cannot stop early — you have to keep going. This is what makes multi-jumps so dangerous: a single careless move can let your opponent chain through several of your pieces at once.
Forward, Backward & Kings
- Regular pieces can only jump forward, even mid-chain. A regular piece cannot suddenly jump backward during a double jump.
- Kings can jump in any diagonal direction and may freely mix forward and backward jumps in the same sequence — which is why kings can clear large chains.
- You can never jump your own pieces, and you cannot jump the same piece twice in one chain.
How Many Pieces Can You Capture at Once?
There is no fixed limit — a chain can capture two, three, four, or more pieces in a single turn, as long as each landing square sets up another legal jump. A well-set-up triple jump can swing an entire game. Learn how to engineer them in our checkers strategy guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you double jump in checkers?
Yes. If the same piece can jump again after a capture, it continues — and the jump is mandatory.
Is a double jump mandatory?
Yes. The mandatory jump rule applies to every link in the chain.
Can a regular piece double jump backwards?
No. Only kings can change between forward and backward jumps within a chain.
How many pieces can you capture in one turn?
As many as the chain allows — there is no fixed limit.
