Filipino Checkers / Dama Guide

NowF

2023-06-12

Filipino Checkers, also known as Dama, is a popular board game in the Philippines. It is played on a board of 8x8 squares, with each player starting with 12 pieces that are placed on the dark squares at the opposite ends of the board. The game is similar to international checkers but has some unique rules that make it more challenging and interesting.

Objective:

The objective of the game is to capture all of the opposing player's pieces or to block their pieces so that they cannot move.

Gameplay:

The game is played with two players, with each player controlling twelve pieces. The game is started by placing the pieces on the board, with each player placing six pieces on the first three rows of their side of the board. The pieces can only move diagonally and can only move forward. The pieces cannot move backwards unless they are promoted.

Promotion:

When a piece reaches the last row of the board on the opposing player's side, it is promoted to a king. Kings can move diagonally in any direction and can jump over any number of pieces in a straight line.

Capturing Pieces:

Players can capture an opposing player's piece by jumping over it diagonally. The captured piece is then removed from the board. Players must make a move that captures an opposing piece if there is one available. If a player has multiple capture moves, they can choose which move to make.

Multiple Captures:

If a player can make multiple capture moves in one turn, they must choose the move that captures the most pieces. If there are two or more moves that capture the same number of pieces, the player can choose which move to make.

Blocking:

Players can also block the opposing player's pieces by placing their pieces in strategic positions that make it difficult for their opponent to move. If a player is unable to make a move because all of their pieces are blocked, they lose the game.

Draws:

If both players cannot capture each other's pieces, the game ends in a draw. The game also ends in a draw if both players have only three pieces left on the board and neither of them are able to capture the other player's pieces.

Conclusion:

Filipino Checkers or Dama is a challenging and exciting board game that is popular in the Philippines. It requires strategic thinking and planning to outmaneuver the opposing player and capture their pieces. With its unique rules and gameplay, it is a must-try for any board game enthusiast.

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