Q&A for How to Play Chinese Checkers

The version of Chinese checkers to which you are referring is probably fast-paced Chinese checkers. This version allows a player to make symmetrical jumps over other pegs, provided the same amount of spaces exist in the line between the pegs (marbles). This creates more hop opportunities for otherwise "stranded" pieces that would have had to made short step moves before they could hop in the traditional manner.

Unlike the more common version of checkers, jumping a piece allows the jumped piece to remain in its current position until that player's turn.

Typically the game is played with 6 marbles/pegs for 3+ players, and 10 pegs for 2 players. However, if you are making your own variation that involves using more than 10, I suggest using 15 and filling the next row of the triangle.

Yes, you can jump any number of your own pegs if you line them up correctly.

Yes, you may move a peg in any of the six directions, as long as you are following one of the lines and moving into an empty hole. Some versions of rules say that your peg may not end inside an opponent's triangle, but I believe this is allowed. If you have already moved a peg into the destination triangle, you may not move it out of that triangle, but you may continue to move it or hop it over another peg within that triangle as long as you remain inside the triangle.

There are two types of moves in Chinese Checkers. First, "step" -- this is when you move a single peg to an adjacent unoccupied hole, and that's it. Second, "hop" -- this is when an opposing peg is adjacent to your own peg, and you can hop to the next unoccupied hole. You can do this two or more times if it's possible to hop.

Follow the same rules.

There isn't technically a time limit in the rules, but you can add one if someone always takes too long to make a move.

No. You and your opponent(s) take turns moving their piece of choice one space (or hopping other pegs).

Yes. You may move backwards.

You can pass for one turn, after which you forfeit the game.

Arrange the pegs in each player's chosen triangle. Then, the same rules apply.

You jump over your own peg the way you do any other peg. There are no special rules about jumping over your own peg.

The game is over once all of a player's pegs are in the destination triangle opposite their starting point.

Think about jumping over your own pieces and it helps.

Yes, you can move and jump one space in any direction.

You can hop over unlimited pegs if they are all lined up correctly. However, you can not hop and move during the same turn.

Yes. In Chinese checkers, you cannot "take away" pegs, so the pegs are always safe. When all of your pegs are in the opposing player's triangle, you win the game!

No. There is no "sending". But see Rule #1 above about establishing blocking rules. You can establish a rule that would allow you to move an opponent's peg a short distance under certain circumstances.

Look at the triangle directly across the board from you. You are now looking at the destination triangle.

Only one per turn, but you may hop as many times as possible with that peg.

Yes, you may hop over any piece as long as it is a legal move.

You can still decide who goes first with a coin by using a tournament bracket. For example: player A tosses against B, after which player C tosses a coin against D. The winners of each coin toss then toss against each other, and that winner goes first. You can also draw straws, play rock-paper-scissors, roll a die (highest score starts), etc. Or you could just agree who starts; it doesn't really matter, after all.

The game is designed for 2, 4 or 6 players, not 3, and for this specific reason. But hey, you can set your own objective. For example: you win if you are the first to have half your pegs on the left and half on the right of your starting position. Or you have to go to an empty triangle (clear the unused pegs) and return to your starting position.

You can enter all triangles, whether it is to block an opponent, or to simply rest.

The number of pegs you jump over cannot exceed 50.

No, you don't determine how many holes you can move a piece by rolling dice. Instead, you only move one space. That's it! The only time this would not be the case is when you are hopping another peg. Even so, you can only jump a single peg at a time, not jump over several.

Yes, by occupying one of their holes in their destination triangle, you block them from winning.

No one wins the game -- it's a tie. You either play again or play a different game.

Yes. But see Part 3, Rule 1 above that explains other ways of dealing with that situation by establishing rules, if all players agree.