Checkers Over GMRS

Checkers is the easiest board game to play over radio - moves are short, the notation is simple, and a full game rarely takes more than 20 minutes. It's a great starting point if you're new to radio games, and it's one of the few games well-suited for kids who are just getting comfortable with radio procedure.

Why it works on radio

Every checkers move is just two numbers: the square you're moving from and the square you're moving to. Transmissions are as short as they get. Games move quickly, so you won't tie up a frequency for long. It also works well on repeater nets where you want something fun but don't want to monopolize the channel.

Equipment needed

• Two GMRS radios (one per player)
• A checkers board and pieces for each player
• Paper and pencil (optional but useful for tracking moves)

Notation

Standard checkers uses numbered squares 1 through 32 - only the dark squares are used, and they're numbered consistently across all standard boards. Numbers run left to right, top to bottom from Black's side of the board. If your board doesn't have printed numbers, a quick search for "checkers board numbering" will show you the standard layout. Both players need to use the same numbering scheme or the game will fall apart immediately.

A move is simply the "from" square followed by the "to" square: 11 to 15. Jumps work the same way - state the starting square and the ending square after the jump.

Setup

1. Both players set up their boards off the air using the standard layout - 12 pieces each on the dark squares of the first three rows.
2. Agree on who plays Red (or Black) and who plays White. Black or Red traditionally moves first.
3. Agree on a channel. For a quick game, a repeater is fine. For a longer session, consider simplex.

Turn structure

State your callsign, announce your move as "from square to square," then say "over." The other player confirms, announces their move, and passes it back.

Example transmissions

Opening move:

"WRYW364, this is WRZX891. Move: 11 to 15. Over."

Reply:

"Copy. Move: 23 to 18. Over."

A jump:

"WRYW364, jump: 15 over 18 to 22. Over."

Multiple jump:

"WRYW364, double jump: 9 over 14 to 18, over 22 to 25. Over."

King me:

"WRYW364, move: 3 to 8 - king me. Over."

The other player acknowledges the king:

"Copy, you're kinged on 8. My move: 28 to 24. Over."

Jumps and kings

• Jumps: If a jump is available, it's mandatory. When announcing a jump, say "jump" before the move so it's clear a piece is being captured. Your opponent removes the jumped piece from their board.
• Multiple jumps: If you can make multiple jumps in one turn, announce the complete path: starting square, each intermediate landing, and final square.
• Kings: When your piece reaches the back row, announce "king me" at the end of your move transmission. Your opponent acknowledges so both boards stay in sync.

Tips for smooth play

• If a move sounds ambiguous, read it back before updating your board: "Copy, that's 11 to 15, confirm. Over."
• Keep a running list of moves on paper - it's easy to lose track of the board state mid-game if signals are choppy.
• Games with kids: let them handle the radio while you help with the moves. It's good practice for both radio etiquette and the game.
• Checkers on a net: this works well as a demonstration during a social net to show new operators how radio games work.