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Frisian Checkers (1700)

Board Game: Frisian Draughts
– Brief History and Background Information of Frisian draughts

Frisian Draughts is a variant of draughts native to Friesland in the Netherlands, played on a board with 10×10 squares. The history of draughts, in general, dates back thousands of years, with its roots in ancient Egypt and Rome. The modern version of Frisian Draughts emerged in the 17th century in the Dutch province of Friesland.

Why is Frisian draughts Popular?

Frisian Draughts is popular due to its simple and transparent rules, making it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels. The game has been played in the Netherlands for centuries and has a rich history. Additionally, the World Frisian Draughts Foundation organizes tournaments and events to promote the game and its culture.

Game Components of Frisian draughts

10×10 board with alternating dark and light squares20 pieces (10 for each player)A timer (optional)

Game Setup of Frisian draughts

Place the board on a flat surface, preferably with a contrasting color between the dark and light squares.Each player chooses a color and places their pieces on the board according to the chosen color.The player who goes first is determined by rolling a die or using a random method.

Gameplay Mechanics of Frisian draughts

Frisian Draughts is played with the following rules:Players take turns moving their pieces.A player must move one of their pieces on each turn.A piece can only move orthogonally (horizontally or vertically) and must move to an unoccupied square.If a player has two kings, they must win within seven moves, or the game is declared a draw.A king-versus-king endgame is automatically declared a draw when neither king is able to make a shot on their next turn.

Game Objective of Frisian draughts

The objective of Frisian Draughts is to capture the opponent’s king, which is done by jumping over it with one’s own piece. The player who captures the opponent’s king or forces them to move their king off the board wins the game.

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