A Brief
History Of The
Game

• The game was played as early as 1600 BC in Egypt. Egyptian paintings and inscriptions show the game was popular at the time of the early Pharaohs.



• In 1756 Wm. Payne wrote the first book, in English, on the game containing 50 games and 14 critical positions. These 14 "problems" are still studied today as knowledge of how to play them is necessary.


• In 1800, Joshua Sturges wrote his "Guide To The Game Of Draughts", and there followed works by Hay, Sinclair, and large compilations by John Drummond and Andrew Anderson. These works were analyzed games from beginning to end, attesting to their analytical skills. Many of the lines laid down by these pioneers are still faithfully followed toady.


• All this was taking place in Scotland and England, the former being known as the "home" or birthplace of the game. It was called "Draughts" ( pronounced Drafts) over there, and still is.


• With all this "book learning" available, great players began to emerge, Andrew Anderson himself being the 1st world champion.


• Among those who literally put the game on the map, was James Wyllie-"The Herd Laddie"- of Scotland. He took on all comers, reigned as world champion, and traveled the world giving exhibitions, playing many boards at the same time. He was truly the "Babe Ruth" of Checkers and Draughts.


• The style of play in all these years was GAYP ( Go-As-You-Please ) like we all learned to play, that is just start moving!


• To prevent so many draws and repetitious "book"games, the style was changed to 2-move restriction in the 1890's. In this style a card is drawn and dictates the 1st two moves of the game. This remained in effect until 1934 when the even more difficult 3-moves restriction came into vogue, and is still our official style of play.


• GAYP is still recognized by The ACF, and our National tournaments alternate between the 3-move style, and the GAYP style, each year.


• 11-man ballot is another way The ACF promotes. In this style, i man is balloted off the board from each side, determined by draw of a card, and then the game proceeds as in GAYP, or can proceed with drawing of another card, to determine the 1st 2 moves.


• Each era has it's truly great players and champions. Dr. Marion F. Tinsley
  ( 1927-1995 ) is recognized by all his peers as the greatest player of all time. He lost less than 10 games since the 2nd World War-this in defense of his World Title, or playing in National Tournaments against the best players in the world. He won 6 National Tournaments, all without losing a game, and in his last NT, ( 1994 ) tied for 1st, but fell to 3rd on Honor Points, a system the ACF employ's to break ties. Even in this ty., though terminally ill, he never lost a game. The 1994 NT was won by Tinsley's good friend, Don Lafferty, of Kentucky, with the powerful computer-"Chinook" 2nd. All 3 were tied for 1st. with Lafferty winning on Honor Points. I had the pleasure of attending this ty.


• Asa Long is thought to be the 2nd or 3rd best player of all time. Asa won the National Tournament in 1922 at the age of 18, to become the youngest player to ever do so. In 1980 he won it again at the age of 76, to become the oldest to ever do so! In 1984 he won it again (!) for the 6th time in his fabulous career. Asa is 92 now, and retired. He reigned as World Champion from 1934 to 1948.

William ( Willie) F. Ryan, Walter Hellman, Edwin Hunt, Nathan Rubin, Basil Case, Derek Oldbury, and Don Lafferty Leo Levitt and Elbert Lowder get high marks for the "best" of all time, with several others deserving mention. These men were all associated with the difficult 3-move era, while the great players from the 2-move era and the GAYP era, played a less difficult style, making comparisons difficult.

• In 1976. ACF Secretary Charles C. Walker, built the "International Checker Hall Of Fame", in Petal Ms. Truly a landmark, and visiting site, don't miss the opportunity to see it!


• Today, tournaments are held all over the world, with local and State tournaments very popular. In nearly every State a Checker Tournament is held about every month, with some States even more active. Please see our "ACF Benefits" page for information on becoming a member. Make the game a life long pursuit.


• Satisfaction is guaranteed.