The first move in checkers might look harmless, but it quietly shapes everything that follows. Strong players don't just react to the board — they open with a plan, steering the game toward positions they understand well before their opponent even gets a chance to think. Here's a breakdown of the opening moves considered strongest in standard checkers, and why they hold up so well at every skill level.
What Are the Best Opening Moves in Checkers?
In standard checkers, the squares are numbered 1 through 32, with red typically moving first from the bottom of the board. Because the starting position is symmetrical, the very first exchange of moves has an outsized influence on how the rest of the game unfolds. Some openings lead to balanced, flexible positions, while others can quietly box a player into a weaker spot just a few moves in.
How Does the Standard Checkers Numbering System Work?
Before diving into specific openings, it helps to understand the notation used to describe them.
- Each of the 32 dark squares on the board is assigned a number, starting from one corner and reading across each row.
- A move is written as a "from" number followed by a "to" number, such as 11-15, meaning a piece moved from square 11 to square 15.
- Red generally moves first, with white responding immediately after.
Once you're comfortable reading this notation, the openings below will make a lot more sense on an actual board.
Which Opening Move Should You Play First?
The following openings are ranked from strongest to weakest based on long-standing checkers theory, though as you'll see later, "best" doesn't always mean "right for you."
11-15 Followed by 22-17 Is the Strongest Opening
This is widely regarded as the single best opening sequence in the online checkers game. Moving from 11 to 15 immediately stakes a claim on the center of the board, and white's natural response of 22-17 keeps the position balanced without giving away early advantages. Most high-level games begin this way for good reason — it leads to rich, well-studied positions where skill matters more than luck.
9-14 Followed by 22-18 Is a Reliable Second Choice
This opening takes a slightly different approach to controlling the center, shifting the early structure just enough to lead into different strategic territory than the top pick. It's a favorite among players who want strong central control without committing to the most heavily analyzed lines.
11-16 Followed by 23-18 Builds Early Board Control
Rather than pushing straight into the center, this opening develops a piece toward the side while still maintaining flexibility. It's considered slightly less aggressive than the top two options but remains a solid, low-risk way to start a game.
10-15 Followed by 21-17 Offers a Balanced Setup
This sequence keeps both sides relatively even in terms of development, making it a good choice for players who prefer a slower, more methodical game over an aggressive early fight for the center.
10-14 Followed by 24-19 Keeps Options Flexible
This opening leaves several strategic doors open for the next few moves, which can be useful against opponents whose style you're unfamiliar with. It doesn't commit to a single plan as early as some of the other top openings.
12-16 Followed by 24-20 Develops the Side Pieces
Focusing on the outer pieces rather than the center, this opening trades some central influence for structural solidity. It's less commonly played at the highest levels but remains a perfectly sound choice for club-level games.
9-13 Followed by 22-18 Is the Seventh-Best Choice
Rounding out the list, this opening is considered the weakest of the commonly recommended sequences, though it's still far from a bad move. It simply gives slightly less central control compared to the six options above it.
Should You Always Follow the "Best" Opening List?
Rankings like this are useful as a starting point, but they're guidelines rather than strict rules. A move that's theoretically "best" on paper isn't automatically the right choice for top draughts Players in the World in every game.
- Comfort matters: if an opening doesn't suit your natural playing style, you're more likely to make mistakes in the moves that follow, even if the opening itself is sound.
- Opponent tendencies matter too: against a weaker or less experienced player, a flexible opening that keeps options open can be more valuable than the single strongest theoretical line.
- Memorizing the order of moves is far less useful than understanding why each one works, since real games rarely follow a single scripted path past the first few exchanges.
How Can You Practice These Openings?
Reading about an opening is a good start, but real improvement comes from putting it into practice.
- Replay these openings on a physical board or a checkers app until the move sequences feel automatic.
- Study a handful of recorded games that begin with each opening to see how strong players develop their position afterward.
- Practice against opponents of different skill levels to see how each opening performs under real pressure, not just in theory.
- Pay attention to how your opponent responds, since deviations from the "expected" reply often create the most interesting tactical opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The best checkers players don't treat openings as a memorization exercise — they treat them as a foundation for understanding the game's deeper strategy. Start with 11-15 if you want the most well-trodden path, but don't be afraid to experiment with the other openings on this list as you develop a feel for which one matches your style best.
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