Draughts vs Chess: What Are the Differences? Full Comparison

Draughts and chess are both played on a board with alternating squares, but the similarities end there. Complexity, rules, strategy, game length: here are the fundamental differences between these two age-old strategy games, to help you choose the one that suits you best.

Table des matières

Draughts board or chess board: what’s the difference?

The first question beginners ask: what’s the difference between a draughts board and a chess board? The answer is simple but often overlooked:

The draughts board (for French draughts) has 100 squares (10×10). The chess board (for chess) has 64 squares (8×8). How many squares on a draughts board? 100 in France (50 light, 50 dark), but only 64 in English-speaking countries, where draughts (checkers) is played on an 8×8 board, identical to a chess board.

In practice, a standard 8×8 chess board can be used for both games. But to play official French draughts, you need a 10×10 board. That’s why our 3-in-1 sets (chess + draughts + backgammon) often include a reversible chess and draughts board.

Detailed comparison

Criterion	Draughts	Chess
Board	100-square board (FR) or 64 (UK)	64-square chess board
Pieces	20 identical pieces per player	16 pieces of 6 different types
Movement	Diagonal only, forwards	Varies by piece (rooks in a line, bishops diagonally, etc.)
Capture	Compulsory (jump over)	Optional
Promotion	Piece becomes a king (long-range diagonal move)	Pawn becomes a queen, rook, bishop or knight
Complexity	10^30 positions (solved on 8×8)	10^120 positions (unsolved, probably unsolvable)
Game length	15-30 minutes	30 minutes to 6 hours
Learning curve	5 minutes	30 minutes (basics) to years
Minimum age	5-6 years	6-7 years
Draws	Common at high level	Common at high level

Which game should you choose?

♟ Child starting out

Start with draughts: simple rules, quick games, and a sense of strategy without the complexity of chess. Once draughts is mastered, your child is ready for chess. See the rules of draughts.

♔ Intellectual challenge

Chess offers near-infinite strategic depth: openings, tactics, endgames, psychology. If you’re after a game that will keep you occupied for a lifetime, chess is unbeatable. Our beginner’s strategy guide will get you started.

🎁 Family gift

A wooden chess and draughts set 3-in-1 is the perfect all-round gift: the whole family can play, children with draughts, adults with chess, and everyone with backgammon. See our sets.

🏆 Both!

Draughts and chess complement each other beautifully. Many chess players enjoy draughts for more relaxed games, while draughts players discover a whole new world with chess. A complete set with a reversible board offers the best of both worlds.

The draughts board and chess board: starting positions

♟ Draughts

The 20 pieces (in French draughts) are placed on the dark squares of the first 4 rows on each side. The 2 central rows remain empty. Pieces move diagonally forward one square. Full rules.

♔ Chess

The 16 pieces are placed on the first 2 rows: major pieces at the back, pawns in front. “Queen on her own colour” is the essential mnemonic. Piece placement guide.

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Expert tip: our 3-in-1 sets combining chess, draughts and backgammon feature a reversible chess and draughts board with built-in storage. It’s our best-selling format and a firm favourite as a gift — three complete games in one elegant wooden set.