Our take
lidraughts is a full draughts server run by volunteers: international draughts on a ten-by-ten board, plus variants such as Frisian, Russian and antidraughts. You can play the computer at several levels, challenge a friend by sending a link, or join a game against someone anywhere in the world.
It is free in the old-fashioned sense: no adverts, no subscriptions and nothing reserved for paying patrons. Puzzles, a puzzle of the day, analysis with a strong engine, a board editor and studies make it a deep place to learn the game properly.
Draughts is quicker to learn than chess and every bit as tricky, and a short game against a friend over a link is one of the nicest ways to spend half an hour online together.
A first sitting
Play the computer at a low level first to learn the international rules: men capture backwards, captures are compulsory and kings fly the length of a diagonal. Then send a friend a challenge link.
Where to stop
Every game ends, with a win, a loss or a draw, and the end of a game is the natural place to stop. Quick time controls and hourly tournaments are made for "one more"; choose a slower game if you want a single satisfying sitting.
Worth knowing
- Accounts are for 16 and over, or younger with child mode on or a parent's consent; child mode limits chat.
- Chat with strangers has a word filter and a report button, and moderators can review messages.