How to play

Each player starts with a row of pieces on their side of the pond.
On your turn, move one piece diagonally forward to an empty square.
If an opponent's piece is diagonally adjacent and the square beyond it is empty, jump over it to capture it. You may keep jumping if further captures are available.
Win by capturing all your opponent's pieces, or by leaving them unable to move.

Tips

Keep pieces near the sides of the board — edge pieces can only be attacked from one direction.
Forced captures can be used against your opponent. Set up traps that make them take a piece and expose themselves.

About this game

Draughts — called Checkers in North America — is a strategy game that has been played for over a thousand years. The modern rules were standardised in France in the 12th century. Pond Hop uses a smaller board than standard draughts, making games faster and more accessible for younger players while keeping the core tactical depth: diagonal movement, mandatory captures, and chain jumps are all present. The pond theme gives it a gentle Scottish flavour — pieces hop across lily pads rather than squares, and the whole thing feels a little less like a battle and a little more like a game.