How to Play Chinese Checkers
Chinese checkers is a race game for two to six players on a six-pointed star. Despite the name, it was invented in Germany (as Sternhalma) and has nothing to do with checkers.
The board and setup
The star has 121 holes: a hexagon in the middle and six triangular points of ten holes each. Each player has ten marbles in one point:
| Players | Points used |
|---|---|
| 2 | Two opposite points |
| 3 | Every other point |
| 4 | Two pairs of opposite points |
| 6 | All six |
Your target is the point straight across from your home.
Moving
On your turn, move one marble, either:
- Step: to an empty hole right next to it (six directions), or
- Jump: over one marble next to it to the empty hole straight beyond. After a jump you may jump again from where you land, as many times as you like, in any direction.
You can jump over any marble, your own or anyone else's. Nothing is captured. You can't combine a step and a jump in one turn.
Winning
The first player to get all ten marbles into the target point wins.
No blocking: if someone leaves marbles in your target so that it fills up, you still win once the point is full and at least one marble in it is yours.
kawu also ends very long games: after 300 turns each, the player with the most marbles home wins.
On kawu
Choose 2, 3, 4 or 6 players in the settings. Play against computer players at three levels, let everyone take turns on the same device, or play a friend online with a room link. Read our strategy tips to win the race.
Frequently asked questions
Can you jump over your own marbles in Chinese checkers?
Yes. You can jump over any marble, yours or an opponent's, as long as the hole right behind it is empty. Nothing is captured.
Can you step and then jump in the same turn?
No. A turn is either one step to a neighbouring hole, or one or more jumps. You can't mix them.
What if an opponent leaves a marble in my target point?
On kawu you still win once your target point is completely full and at least one marble there is yours. This stops a player from blocking you forever.
Last updated 2026-10-19