Checkers Day ♟️

Overview

Checkers Day, observed annually on September 23rd, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating the classic strategy board game of checkers. It encourages people of all ages to engage in a friendly game, appreciate the game's rich history, and enjoy the mental exercise it provides, often serving as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and face-to-face interaction.

Origin and story

Checkers, also known as draughts, is one of the oldest known board games, with archaeological evidence suggesting precursors date back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.

In 2007, the computer program Chinook, developed by Jonathan Schaeffer, officially 'solved' the game of checkers, proving that with perfect play from both sides, the game will always result in a draw.

Quick facts

• DateSeptember 23
• TypeGames & Fun
• Great forGame nights, Families, Puzzle fans

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Ways to celebrate

Checkers Day celebrates a game so old its roots trace to ancient Mesopotamia — and so thoroughly analyzed that computers have now proven exactly how it ends.

Play an actual game

Celebrate by:

• Playing an actual game of checkers with someone today, no phone screens involved.
• Teaching a kid how to play from scratch, since it's one of the simplest strategy games to pick up.

Learn how it was "solved"

Helpful resources:

• Scientists Solve Checkers (ScienceDaily)

Try to force a draw

• Trying to play a genuinely careful game and seeing how close you can get to forcing a draw.
• Looking into the game's ancient roots; precursors have been traced back to Mesopotamia and Egypt.

Did you know?

In 2007, a computer program called Chinook fully "solved" checkers after sifting through 500 billion billion possible positions, proving that perfect play by both sides always ends in a draw.

Fun facts

• Checkers, also known as draughts, is one of the oldest known board games, with archaeological evidence suggesting precursors date back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.
• In 2007, the computer program Chinook, developed by Jonathan Schaeffer, officially 'solved' the game of checkers, proving that with perfect play from both sides, the game will always result in a draw.
• The most common variation in the United States and Canada is 'American Checkers' or 'English Draughts,' which is played on an 8x8 board with 12 pieces per player.

Sources and attribution

Scientists Solve Checkers (ScienceDaily)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

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FAQ

When is Checkers Day?

It is observed on September 23 each year.

What is Checkers Day?

Checkers Day, observed annually on September 23rd, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating the classic strategy board game of checkers. It encourages people of all ages to engage in a friendly game, appreciate the game's rich history, and enjoy the mental exercise it provides, often serving as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and face-to-face interaction.

How do people celebrate Checkers Day?

Play an actual game of checkers today — one of the oldest known board games, and one a computer program formally 'solved' in 2007, proving perfect play always ends in a draw.

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