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How to Win in Chinese Checkers

Chinese checkers is easy to play since it has very straightforward rules. However, it can be very hard to win in Chinese checkers if you do not strategize and play thoughtfully. The game is played on a board that is shaped like a 6-pointed star. To win in Chinese checkers, a player must be the first person to relocate all 10 of his marbles or pegs to his opponent's point on the star.

Instructions

- 1
  Start the game with a strong opening move to help you win in Chinese checkers. Move either the far left or far right piece in the front row forward 1 space toward the center of the board. This is a common opening move that will allow you to start jumping over game pieces right away.
- 2
  Set up your playing pieces so that you can make multiple jumps over both your and your opponent's pieces. This means moving several of your pieces out of your home area throughout the game, rather than moving 1 piece across the board before turning your attention to the other pieces. Multiple jumps make it possible to advance your pieces in just a few turns.
- 3
  Use as direct a route as possible through the center of the board to get to your goal area before your opponent reaches his goal area. Avoid letting your pieces wander into any of the unused points on the board, as it will take more moves to get them back on track and into your goal.
- 4
  Pay attention to your opponent's moves and try to guess her strategies. Knowing the moves to anticipate can help you block her from jumps and can help you win the game.
- 5
  Fill up your goal area by moving your pieces into every other row, rather than working from the back to front. This strategy allows you to fill your goal area with fewer moves because you can continue to hop over your own pieces. The more quickly you are able to occupy the goal area, the more likely you are to win the game.

Chess & Checkers