Checkers looks simple — but behind those familiar red and black pieces is a fascinating history stretching back through centuries of board-game development.

In this episode, we'll teach you how to play standard American checkers, including setting up the board, moving pieces, making captures, performing multiple jumps, becoming a king, and winning the game.

Then we'll travel through the history of checkers and draughts, exploring the connection with the medieval game Alquerque, the development of the game on the 8-by-8 chessboard, the first books about draughts, and the spread of the game around the world.

We'll also explore several variations, including:

• American Checkers • International Draughts • Spanish Draughts • Italian Draughts • Russian Draughts

You'll discover that these g ...