Chinese Checkers is a free online board game you can play instantly in your browser against a computer opponent named Otto, no download, no account, and no waiting for another player. Play on the classic 121-hole hexagram (Star of David) board, using the two-player setup where you start with 10 pieces in your home corner and race to move every one of them into the opposite corner, Otto's starting triangle. Move a piece one step into an adjacent empty hole, or jump it over any other piece — yours or Otto's — into the empty hole directly beyond, chaining multiple jumps together in a single turn when the board allows it. No pieces are ever captured or removed. Play through 15 levels that make Otto stronger with every match, from loose single steps early on to efficient multi-jump chains near the final board. Win a level to unlock the next opponent strength; Try Again starts a fresh match at the same difficulty.
How to play Chinese Checkers
- The board is a 121-hole hexagram (Star of David). You start with 10 pieces filling your home triangle; Otto starts with 10 pieces in the opposite triangle.
- Tap one of your pieces to select it, then tap a highlighted hole to move there.
- A piece can move one step into any adjacent empty hole.
- A piece can also jump over any single adjacent piece — yours or Otto's — landing in the empty hole directly beyond it, and jumps in different directions can be chained together in one turn.
- No pieces are ever removed or captured; jumped pieces simply stay where they are.
- The first player to move all 10 pieces into the opposite home triangle wins the match.
- Clear a level to unlock the next one, where Otto plans longer jump chains and wastes fewer moves.
Tips
- Line pieces up early to create jump chains — a single well-set-up turn can cover far more ground than repeated single steps.
- Avoid leaving a piece stranded at the back of your home triangle; it can run out of nearby pieces to jump over once the board opens up.
- You do not have to make the longest possible jump chain available — sometimes a shorter move that sets up next turn's chain is stronger.
- Watch the center of the board: pieces parked there can serve as jump points for many different chains, so clearing it too early can slow your own progress.
FAQ
Is Chinese Checkers free to play?
Yes. Chinese Checkers is completely free to play online with no download, no account, and no in-game purchases.
Does Chinese Checkers work on mobile?
Yes — tap a piece and then tap a highlighted hole to move it, so it works on phones, tablets, and desktop.
What is the goal of Chinese Checkers?
Each side starts with 10 pieces in opposite corners of the star-shaped board. The goal is to be the first to move all 10 of your pieces into the opposite corner.
Can pieces be captured in Chinese Checkers?
No. Jumping over a piece — yours or your opponent's — never removes it. Jumps are purely a way to move farther in one turn.
How many levels does Chinese Checkers have?
There are 15 levels. Otto starts with loose, single-step play on early levels, then plans longer, more efficient jump chains as you advance.