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National Checkers Day

Make sure to mark your calendar for National Checkers Day - challenge a friend to a game and see who comes out on top!

Wednesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 23

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYGaming

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the timeless game of checkers on National Checkers Day, September 23rd! This classic board game has a long and interesting history that dates back to around 3000 BC in Egypt. The modern version we know today was created by Charles Hopper in 1847, and it quickly became an international favorite. It's also been used as a tool for teaching strategy and problem-solving skills to kids all over the world.

TIMELINE

National Checkers Day Timeline

Origins of Checkers

Early forms of the game, known as "draughts" in many countries, were discovered during archaeological digs in Egypt's city of Ur.

Checkers in Middle Ages

The game became popular among nobility during the Middle Ages in France.

Modern Checkers is Born

Charles Hopper formalized the rules for modern checkers, making the game accessible to a wider audience.

First Computer Program for Checkers

Development of the first computer program to play checkers by IBM researcher Arthur Samuel, marking a significant leap in artificial intelligence.

Checker's Solved

Researchers at the University of Alberta developed a program, Chinook, proving that the game always ends in a draw when both sides play perfectly.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Checkers Day

Play Checkers

Nothing says celebrating checkers day more than actually playing the game. Get a board, grab some friends, and start playing.

HOST

Host a checkers tournament

Gather your friends and family and host a checkers tournament. Get creative with the rules and try to make it a fun and competitive experience.

CREATE

Create personalized checkers pieces

Using paints, markers or other materials, you can create your own personalized checkers pieces. This is a great way to make the game even more special.

MAKE

Make and eat checkerboard cake

What's better than a checkerboard cake on National Checkers Day? Make two different coloured cake batters, pour them into a pan in alternating squares, bake, and enjoy!

WATCH

Watch a movie with a checkers theme

Movies such as The Royal Tenenbaums and Searching for Bobby Fischer are great options for celebrating National Checkers Day. Enjoy the stories of these classic films while playing checkers in the background.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Checkers Day

It supports strategic thinking

One of the greatest things about playing checkers is that it forces players to think strategically and plan ahead. You must consider all possible options and anticipate your opponent’s moves in order to find an effective strategy. This thought process builds mental agility and helps you stretch your problem solving skills!

It's the perfect game for two players

Checkers is a two-player, turn-based game that is easy to learn and provides hours of entertainment. It's great for casual play between friends, family members, or opponents who want to quickly learn its strategies.

It can be played multiple ways

Checkers isn't just a board game - it can be played with coins on any flat surface, or on your phone or tablet with one of many available apps. There are even websites and online tools you can use to play checkers with other people across the globe!

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