Checkers: how to set natural traps for easy wins

In continuing my series of opening traps videos, I focus today on how to win quickly against your opponents when they play natural moves and developments. These traps are incredibly common, and it's especially worthwhile to take note of the first three in this video. Sometimes it's easy to play natural and harmless moves out of the single corner and toward the center, but always be mindful of the counter moves your opponents make so you do not fall into these traps. I'll be continuing to publish more videos showing additional early opening traps.

[@yohanaipolanco3544]

if you go step by step rather than assuming that common players can follow your intelligent moves it will be a lot clearer to follow, you tend to assume that we can follow when instead of taking the chips you assume that we know that the other will naturally fall there

[@azcheckers]

I agree, and that's why I slow down in all of my future videos. I appreciate the feedback, and thank you for watching!

[@illogical1421]

Those 3 first natural moves is what I've doing 99% of the time for as long as I remember.

[@Opin10n]

came here because i could not win a single match, I've been making those same 1st 3 moves

[@juliocordoba5303]

Excelente. Gracias por la nueva clase. Estoy Fascinado con todos los vídeos Saludos desde Panamá.

[@azcheckers]

Thank you very much!

[@estolee5485]

Nice video as usual, thanks for the insight.

[@azcheckers]

Thank you -- always appreciate your feedback and comments!

[@mollelyohana8272]

Brother I real appreciate your videos has make more strong be blessed

[@azcheckers]

That's great news and I'm really happy to hear that! If you would ever like to share your games, I'd be happy to feature them in a future video!

[@johnngowi1444]

I wish i could have an online game with you. Great videos

[@azcheckers]

Sure! Let me know if you are still interested in playing!

[@producingfire]

What exactly does one focus on is there a specific way to identify trouble on the board moves before hand. It seems like everyone I play on line can read 7-8 moves ahead I have a feeling it has to do with shape, although I can't put my fingers on what exactly they are looking at to manipulate an opponent like puppets on a string. If I can figure out all these different shapes before they happen I would know what to look for and can plan accordingly. Even when I play the computer it seems like I cant formulate a strategy, and when I do its hard to adjust on the fly if it doesn't turn out how I thought.

[@azcheckers]

Thank you very much for this comment, and you bring up a good question. I would say experience is the biggest teacher when it comes to recognizing positions and being able to diagnose and properly assess your standing. This takes years -- decades in order to do it even somewhat well. I have been playing seriously for 20+ years, and I still struggle at times. However, I did create two videos that I recommend watching that might help with understanding patterns and general strategy. Here they are: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYLVdKSLjqakgKs and kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJiooaqli7CiidU . Good luck, and let me know your thoughts!

[@jnetruth]

I feel the same, I look for a strategy that like a puzzle is always there, but when you play the strategy doesnt always work. I am learning that certain moves can be very opportunistic. Focus on getting the result even if it means the sacrifice. keep reviewing this video , not bad.

[@asteriskfayell.3111]

thank you for the traps

[@azcheckers]

Thank you for watching!

[@khokharjee960]

Really great sir

[@azcheckers]

Thank you very much!

[@abdullrazaqrazaq5942]

Excilent mind bloing video thank you brother how much price this checker board plz reply me I am from Pakistan

[@azcheckers]

Thank you, much appreciated! A very similar checker board can be purchased on the ACF website store. It looks like the price range is $25 to $102 for a custom board. Pieces are currently listed at $35.

[@salvamamba5578]

Excelente video! Gracias. Saludos.

[@azcheckers]

Thank you very much!

[@mustafaabdalla3242]

Thank you thank you

[@azcheckers]

You're welcome! I hope you found this video helpful!

[@yohanaipolanco3544]

it will really hep if instead of jumping through the steps because they are obvious to you instead go step by step to be able for us to follow

[@azcheckers]

You are correct, thank you!

[@user-rc3eq7rf3z]

Where can I get such board and pawn

[@azcheckers]

A similar board can be purchased at usacheckers.com.

[@stevegifford9463]

One issue I have is my opponent often does not make the same counter moves as you.

[@azcheckers]

Hi Steve, yes that's where experience and published play knowledge comes into play. The sequences I show are natural, but a good number of players don't play a natural sequence! So good general checkers knowledge and strategy should help you prevail when your opponent players something out of the norm.

[@amosodege1125]

I play with a man who don't start like that, so it is difficult to trap him.

[@azcheckers]

Completely understand -- I encourage you to keep playing against him as you are likely to pick up some good tricks and traps!

[@p6mkq]

5:40 I like this opening.

[@azcheckers]

Same here!

[@khokharjee960]

Make videos about u made fiisrt move and counter move what is second other best move plz make more videos about thanks

[@azcheckers]

Thanks! I will dive deeper into openings in future videos -- I recommend checking out my opening series videos -- I do go through the second and third moves on some of the openings.

[@DJ-Art-Morris]

What kind of checkers are you using? Backgammon? And are they stackable?

[@azcheckers]

Hi Abdul, they are Crisloid red and white swirl checkers, 1 1/4. You can stack them, but they do not interlock -- and I believe they can be used for Backgammon, but I am not sure if they are official for that game.

[@DJ-Art-Morris]

@@azcheckers thanks so much! Also great work on the vids. I have a friend that consistently crushes me in checkers and hopefully with some of the principles you show i can turn the tables lol

[@azcheckers]

@@DJ-Art-Morris Thank you very much! Hopefully my videos will help! I have some other videos that focus on foundational principles such as controlling the center, driving the initiative, etc., that should be useful when playing your friend!

[@DJ-Art-Morris]

@@azcheckers great i will keep watching and let you know when i finally beat him lol. Thanks again

[@azcheckers]

@@DJ-Art-Morris Yes, please let me know -- you are always welcome to share some games as well!

[@bobzero3727]

how long did it take to get this good brother

[@azcheckers]

I have been playing seriously for about 25 years. There is always something new to learn in this game, and I am discovering new things every day!

[@jnetruth]

I would like you to have numbers on your board. Just a little more help for us struggling newbies.

[@azcheckers]

Great call out -- thank you! I do add numbers in future videos (including in all of my overhead view / "bird's eye" videos). Appreciate the feedback!

[@jnetruth]

It seems that you assumed the end to quickly. White still has some moves to not be jumped and to in fact get a king .At about 3.53

[@azcheckers]

Perhaps the game isn't theoretically over, but the position is hopeless as red will ultimately go up several pieces. White can resign at any time!

[@SoMooLand1nine7]

Wow

[@dailycheckers3439]

I want more plzzz...

[@arshadhussain2963]

At time 4.44 white will not play that piece, instead he had the opportunity of 3 for one.

[@azcheckers]

15-11 is playable here, but still leaves red with some edge.

[@jurajkarlubik4643]

7:55 Ryan what about 14-17 from red?

[@azcheckers]

Still losing, as white can go 25-21 after the jumping sequences to completely bind red.

[@p6mkq]

7:12

[@robertblack3867]

1:39 sorry but white has to take his opponent's piece and not the move you stated.

[@azcheckers]

In that example, I was showing what the winning sequence would be if 14-18 was to be played. So yes, if 14-18 is played, then white would jump, and then win by 17-14 next.

[@robertblack3867]

@@azcheckers yes, you're right, thanks.

[@azcheckers]

@@robertblack3867 You got it! Thanks for watching!

[@christopherhayles2393]

No good I see lots of different Plays that red can move.

[@azcheckers]

Indeed, but the sequences I show in this video are natural and logical moves.

[@bigry1826]

Throw so complicated

[@raihan1766]

Does he realise that we can kill backward

[@azcheckers]

Not in this game! This is American checkers / English draughts. Regular pieces can only jump forward and kings cannot fly.

[@raihan1766]

Cannot fly?

[@azcheckers]

@@raihan1766 Correct -- kings can only move once space at a time, but they can jump forward and backward in American checkers / English draughts.

[@raihan1766]

@@azcheckerscan you play international?, Because when I try your tips I get killed from behind

[@azcheckers]

@@raihan1766 I have played international, but I don't play it seriously, and I don't feature any international games / moves on this channel. The tips on this channel are only for American checkers / English draughts.

[@yohanaipolanco3544]

you go too fast on your moves and difficult to follow

[@azcheckers]

Thank you very much for the feedback! I do slow down in future videos.

[@p6mkq]

4:00 + 4:32 I have lost counless games due to this trap not working ! Thanks for nothing !

[@azcheckers]

Sorry to hear that! Where do your opponents move instead? The formation for white is incredibly weak, and even if the double jump trap doesn't happen, red should still win the game!