What is Dama?

Dama (داما) is the Arabic version of Checkers, with rules that differ significantly from Western checkers. Played on an 8×8 board, Dama features unique movement rules: pieces move forward and sideways (not diagonally), captures are mandatory, and the maximum capture rule requires you to take the longest possible chain. Kings (promoted pieces) move like rooks in chess — any number of squares in a straight line. These Arabic rules create a deeper, more strategic game than standard checkers. Dama is widely played throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

How to Play Dama

Dama is Arabic Checkers with unique rules:

1. Setup: Each player places 16 pieces on all squares of their first two rows. Unlike Western checkers, pieces sit on ALL squares, not just one color.
2. Movement: Regular pieces move one square forward or sideways (not diagonally, not backward). Captures can go in all four orthogonal directions.
3. Capture Rules: Captures are mandatory. If multiple capture chains exist, you must take the longest one (maximum capture rule). Chain captures continue until no more captures are possible.
4. Kings & Winning: When a piece reaches the opposite end, it becomes a King that moves any number of squares in four directions (like a rook). Win by capturing all opponent pieces or blocking all their moves.

Frequently Asked Questions