Book of Filipino Checkers

BOOK
OF
FILIPINO CHECKERS
(AKLAT NG DAMA)
OF
ARCHIMEDES MENDOZA QUILET

Book of Filipino Checkers (Aklat ng Dama) of Archimedes Mendoza Quilet
INTRODUCTION
I made this book to share my knowledge and to teach whoever

wants to learn the Filipino Checkers game or “Dama” in Filipino. I
noticed that “Dama” have only few players even though it is a very
wonderful mind game. One of the reasons that I think is the lack of
knowledge of the game. Because of this LACK OF KNOWLEDGE, they
think that “Dama” is easier or uncomplicated compared to Chess.
Others are afraid to play against who they think is an expert in “Dama”
because of LACK OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS. These are the reasons
why I made this book.
To the person who are skeptic, frightened and wants to learn

“Dama,” I invite you to read and study this book to know that “Dama” is
a very wonderful mind game.
I assure you that you will be an expert player of the Filipino

Checkers.
Thank you very much for reading and studying.
ARCHIMEDES M. QUILET
Author
1
CHAPTER 1
THE EQUIPMENT
AND
RULES
IN PLAYING
FILIPINO CHECKERS
2
Before anything else, you have to know the equipment and rules
in playing Filipino Checkers (Dama). Read and memorize the following:
The Equipment and Rules in playing Filipino Checkers:
1. Filipino checkers (Dama) is played on the Dama Matrix (Diagram

1) or on the light squares only of a standard checkerboard of 64
alternating dark and light squares, (eight rows and eight files)
(Diagram 2) by two opponents having 12 checkers each of
contrasting colors. The checkers should be different in color but
the best colors to use are black and white.
2. The board is positioned squarely between the players and turned
so that a dark square is at each player's near left side. Each
player places his checkers on the light squares of the three rows
nearest him. (Diagram 3). The player with the lighter checkers
makes the first move of the game, and the players take turns
thereafter, making one move at a time.
3. The object of the game is to prevent the opponent from being
able to move when it is his turn to do so. This is accomplished
either by capturing all of the opponent's checkers, or by blocking
those that remain so that none of them can be moved (Diagram
4).
4. Single checkers, known as men, move forward only, one square
at a time in a diagonal direction, to an unoccupied square
(Diagram 5). Men capture by jumping over an opposing man on a
diagonally adjacent square to the square immediately beyond,
but may do so only if this square is unoccupied (Diagram 6). Men
may jump forward or backward, and may continue jumping as
long as they encounter opposing checkers with unoccupied
3
squares immediately beyond them (Diagram 7). Men may never

jump over checkers of the same color.
5. A man who reaches the far side of the board (Diagram 8)
becomes a king. If it reaches the far side by means of a jump, it
continues jumping as a man on the same move, if possible, and
remains a man at the end of the jumping sequence (Diagram 9).
He will be King only if the jumping sequence ends in the far side.
You can have 12 kings at the most although it is impossible.
6. Kings move forward or backward any number of squares on a
diagonal line to an unoccupied square. Kings capture from any
distance along a diagonal line by jumping, forward or backward,
over an opposing man or king with at least one unoccupied
square immediately beyond it. The capturing king then lands on
any one of these unoccupied squares (except as noted in rule 7)
and continues jumping, if possible, either on the same line or by
making a right angle turn onto another diagonal line (Diagram
10). Kings may never jump over checkers of the same color.
7. Whenever a player is able to make a capture he must do so
(forced capture). When there is more than one way to jump, a
player must choose the one which results in the capture of the
greatest number of opposing units (it is obligatory). When a King
or a man will both capture the same number of opposing units
the player can choose which among them will capture. When a
king jumps over an opposing man or king with more than one
unoccupied square immediately beyond it, it must land on a
square from which it is possible to continue jumping, if there is
such a square. A player must make all the captures possible in a
sequence. He may not leave one or more checkers uncaptured
that he could capture simply by not continuing to jump. The
incorrect move must be retracted, and a correct move must be
4
made. If possible, the correct move must be made with the man
or king originally moved incorrectly.
8. A man or King may not jump over the same opposing man or king
more than once.
9. Captured checkers are not removed from the board until all
jumps made on the move are completed, and the hand is
removed from the capturing man or king.
10. Whenever a situation arises in which one player has three kings
and the other one king, no other checkers remaining on the
board, a count is begun of the moves made by the weaker side
(that is the lone King). If the lone king is not captured by the end
of its twelfth move, the game is a draw. (In general, a win is
possible only if the side with three kings has possession of the
diagonal line running from the lower right corner to the upper
left corner.) The players may also agree with each other for a
draw.
11. A player may resign.
12. Time limits (optional): Three minutes per move.
DIAGRAM 1
DAMA MATRIX
5
DIAGRAM 2
CHECKERBOARD AND DAMA NOTATION
A8 C8 E8 G8
B7 D7 F7 H7
A6 C6 E6 G6
B5 D5 F5 H5
A4 C4 E4 G4
B3 D3 F3 H3
A2 C2 E2 G2
B1 D1 F1 H1
This is the Checkerboard that we will be using in our training of

Dama. If you notice there are letters at the top and bottom, numbers at
6
the left and right side and there is a combination of letters and numbers
inside the white squares of the Checkerboard. This is the “Dama
Notation.” This is used in the recording of the moves of the Filipino
Checkers (Dama). Study this carefully because I will use this notation
throughout this book.
The examples of recording and how to read it are the following:
1) f3-e4 = from square f3 to square e4
2) g6xe4 = the checker in square g6 CAPTURES (x) and stops in

square e4
3) 0-1 = black wins
4) 1-0 = white wins
5) .5-.5 = draw
6) ! = good move
7) !! = very good move
8) ? = bad move
9) ?? = very bad move
10) !? = uncertain move (maybe good or bad)
7
DIAGRAM 3
STARTING POSITIONS
These are the starting positions. The opponents have twelve (12)
men each. Only the white squares will be used. White moves first and
they take turns thereafter. In this position, the men that white can
move are on squares b3, d3, f3 and h3. Black can move men on squares
a6, c6, e6 and g6. You cannot jump or capture your own checkers.
8
DIAGRAM 4
CORNER
In this position, black in square a2 will move but cannot move

because the only square that he can move (b1) into has a white man in
it, therefore black is “cornered.” Because black has no more moves,
black loses this game.
9
DIAGRAM 5
THE MOVEMENT OF MAN
In this Diagram 5, white moved from f3 to e4 (f3-e4) and black

moved from e6 to f5 (e6-f5). Men always move forward. It can only
move backwards if it is capturing, which you can move forward or
backward. Look at the examples in Diagram 6 on the next page.
10
DIAGRAM 6
THE CAPTURE OF MAN
Diagram 6.1 Diagram 6.2
In Diagram 6.1 white’s turn is f3-e4 and black’s turn is c6-d5 so

in effect black captures white in diagram 6.2 (e4xc6). Capturing is forced
(forced capture) in Filipino Checkers (Dama). Captured checkers are not
removed from the board until all jumps made on the move are
completed, and the hand is removed from the capturing man or king. In
Diagram 6.2 white can be captured by black checkers that is in b7 or d7.
If it will be captured by the black checker that is in b7, that black
checker will move to d5 and if it will be captured by the piece in d7, that
black checker will move to b5. In Diagram 7 on the next page, are
examples of capturing many pieces.
11
DIAGRAM 7
THE CAPTURING OF MANY PIECES
In Diagram 7.1 white’s man moved and captured from e2 to c4,

from c4 to e6, from e6 to g4, and from g4 to e2. It stopped on e2. The
dama notation is e2xc4xe6xg4xe2. Please take note that white captured
forward in c4 to e6 and captured backward in g4 to e2. Please take note
also that white returned to e2 where it started. It is a legal move.
In Diagram 7.2 white’s king moved and captured from d1 to a4,

from a4 to c6, from c6 to e8, from e8 to g6, and from g6 to b1. It
stopped on b1. The dama notation is d1xa4xc6xe8xg6xb1 or d1xb1. In
the final capture of the king before it stops in b1 it crossed two squares,
12
d3 and c2. You may stop in these squares even if you crossed the square
c2 during the first capture. The illegal move is to capture the same piece
twice.
DIAGRAM 8
THE PROMOTION
In Diagram 8.1, the squares that are marked are where a checker
or a man will be promoted to a “king.” These are squares b1, d1, f1, h1,
a8, c8, e8 and g8. If a hostile checker moves and stops into these
squares, that checker will be promoted to a “king” (diagram 8.2) that
has a greater movement and capturing capacity (look at diagram 10
“The Movement of a King”).
13
DIAGRAM 9
THE PROMOTION OF A MAN BY MEANS OF
JUMPING OR CAPTURING HOSTILE PIECES
In Diagram 9.1 white captured (a4) to c6 captured again to e8

captured again and stopped at g6 (a4xg6). You will notice that it is still a
checker (not yet promoted) after a series of captures because it just
crossed the square e8 and didn’t stop in it and it should not stop in
square e8 because he must finish the series of captures. In diagram 9.2
white captured (a4) to c6 captured again and stopped at e8 (a4xe8). The
white checker was promoted to king because in the series of captures
the white checker stopped in square 8 which is a promotional square.
14
DIAGRAM 10
THE MOVEMENT OF A KING
In this Diagram 10 is an example of the movement of the king.

You will see in diagram 10.1 that white’s king captured leftward and
captured again downward and stopped on square d1. Whereas in
diagram 10.2 it captured rightward and captured again downward and
stopped on square h5. In these two diagrams you will notice that the
king didn’t turn on square f3 where one black checker is placed because
it was captured in the first jump of white’s king. It is illegal to capture or
jump in the same piece twice.
15
Study and memorize these rules so that you can quickly learn
the succeeding lessons.
16
CHAPTER 2
THE
DIAGONAL LINES
17
DIAGRAM 11
THE “A LINE” DIAGONALS
In this diagram, the squares with lines are the “A Line”

diagonals. The “A Line” diagonals are the most important diagonals of
all. You should place your checkers here particularly at the opening. You
will have more freedom in movement if you have pieces placed on
these diagonals. If you have more freedom in movement than your
opponent, you can do more of what you want than your opponent.
Moreover, if you place your pieces onto these diagonals, your opponent
will have a hard time to place his pieces in his “A Line” diagonals. If your
opponent is the first to place his pieces on his “A Line” or he places in
18
your “A Line” give him something to capture to make him lose control
over it and even better if when you capture back your capturing piece
will be placed in your “A Line” diagonals. So always remember to
control your “A Line” diagonals.
DIAGRAM 12
THE “B LINE” DIAGONALS
In this diagram, the squares with lines are the “B Line” diagonals.
The “B Line” diagonals are weak diagonals. Because in this “B Line” your
weakest square is placed, the f3, that if when placed by your opponent
19
and you didn’t or cannot deal with it, defeat is certain. Oftentimes, it is
the usual way of a trap by your opponent that you must always find to
avoid.
DIAGRAM 13
THE “C LINE” DIAGONALS
In this diagram, the squares with lines are the “C Line” diagonals.
The “C Line” diagonals are stronger compared to the “B Line” because it
runs in the center so you must put your pieces into it. In this “C Line” is
a square that you should put your piece or pieces, the f5. In the
20
opening, try to put a piece on this square but make sure it is supported
by your pieces or your placement will be useless.
DIAGRAM 14
THE “D LINE” DIAGONAL
In this diagram, the squares with a line are the “D Line” diagonal.
The “D Line” diagonal is an important defense diagonal in the
“endgame.” But make sure to always defend this because it might be
the cause of your instant defeat because if you will notice this is the
only diagonal that is “dead-end” on both sides and you’ll have nowhere
to go if you are at either end. What I’m talking about are the squares a8
and h1. You will know this in the next lessons to come.
21
Diagram 15
THE “E LINE” DIAGONALS
Diagram 16
THE “F LINE” DIAGONALS
22
DIAGRAM 17
THE “G LINE” DIAGONALS
The last diagonals are the “G Line’’ diagonals. This is the “A Line”
diagonals of your opponent. Do not permit your opponent to place his
pieces there. The best thing to do to prevent this is to place your pieces
in your “A Line” diagonals, especially in squares b1, c2, d3, e4 at f5, but,
you must support it with your other pieces. Like the “A Line” diagonals,
there are many good moves that you can do with these diagonals. You
will know these in the coming lessons.
23
CHAPTER 3
THE TACTICS
24
The next lessons will tackle about the tactics on how to ensure
your win in “Dama.” Study and memorize these lessons carefully. Your
victory depends on the use of one or combination/s of these tactics that
I will reveal to you.
Let’s start …
The game “Dama” or Filipino Checkers is won by capturing all of

the opponent's checkers, or by blocking those that remain so that none
of them can be moved. If you capture all of your opponent’s checkers,
you won. If none of your opponent’s checkers can be moved, you won.
If you are the one who was all captured or cannot move, you lose. So, if
you “de balde” (the word “de balde” which is used in playing Filipino
Checkers or “Dama” is a Spanish word that means free or for nothing)
your opponent, you will have a greater chance of winning because you
have more pieces than him. So, this is where we will start our lessons. I
will teach you on how to “de balde” your opponent to ensure your
victory.
I. The “Sipa” or Kick
The first tactic in “Dama” that you should learn is the “Kick” or
“Sipa” in the Filipino language.
The “Sipa” is a tactic using the “forced capture” rule. You will
give a piece or pieces in exchange for a greater number of captures,
better position or a promotion. The examples of “Sipa” are in the
following pages.
25
DIAGRAM 18
FIRST EXAMPLE OF “SIPA”
In these diagrams you will see the first example of “Sipa.” You
will see in diagram 18.1 that white is in a kicking formation or “Panipa.”
“PANIPA” is the term used if two or more pieces of the same color are
formed to make an exchange which could result to damage of the
opponent. It could result in “de balde,” advantage in position, damage
to the position of the opponent or all of it. But it could also have a bad
effect on you so always “READ” what will happen before you make a
move. In diagram 18.1 white made an exchange (f3) to black in h5 and
because of that white captured four black checkers (diagram 18.2)
before stopping in c6. This process is called “Sipa.” This situation needs
26
three white checkers to kick properly. The white checkers in f3, g2 and
h1.
DIAGRAM 19
SECOND EXAMPLE OF “SIPA”
In these diagrams you will see the second example of “sipa.” You
In diagram 19.1 white made an exchange (b3) to black in d3 and
because of that white captured two black checkers (diagram 19.2) and it
is also promoted to a “KING” because it stopped in a8 that is a
promotional square. If the “Panipa” is on the sides, two pieces is
enough to execute the “sipa” unlike in the middle which needs three or
more pieces before it will be a “panipa.”
27
DIAGRAM 20
THIRD EXAMPLE OF “SIPA”
In these diagrams you will see the third example of “sipa.” You
In diagram 20.1 white made an exchange (f3) to black in h5 and because
of that white captured three black checkers (diagram 20.2) and it is also
promoted to a “KING” because it stopped in c8 that is a promotional
square. This situation needs three white checkers, the pieces in f3, e2
and d1 and the black checker in h3 to kick properly. Black checker in h3
acted as a blockage for his same color piece that is in f5 to capture
white to prevent the “sipa” and the promotion to king. So, you can use
not only your pieces to win, but also the pieces of your opponent.
28
II. The “Pag-gitna” or Going In Between
The second tactic in “Dama” that you should learn is the “Going
in between” or “Pag-gitna” in the Filipino language.
The “Pag-gitna” is “going in between” of your opponent’s two

pieces, resulting in the “de balde” of your opponent.
DIAGRAM 21
THE “PAG-GITNA” OR GOING IN BETWEEN
In these diagrams you will see another tactic of Dama, the going
in between or “Pag-gitna.” In diagram 21.1 black moved to c6 to block
the advancing white in a4 and c4. But in doing so, white “goes in
29
between” two black pieces (diagram 21.2) in move d5. In this position,
black is sure to have a “de balde” whatever he moves.
III. The “Pag-sabay”
The third tactic in “Dama” that you should learn is the “Pag-
sabay.”
The “Pag-sabay” is a very good tactic in Dama because it could

result in “de balde,” advantage in position, ruining the position of the
opponent or all of it. This tactic is also hard to notice making it very
effective if you executed it properly. It is frequently used with BAIT.
Your opponent will think he will have a “de balde” and it may be true
that he will have a “de balde” but the consequence doesn’t favor your
opponent because of your “Pag-sabay.”
In the next pages are the diagrams and explanation on how to

execute the “Pag-sabay.” I hope that you will always notice and execute
this tactic at the right moment.
30
DIAGRAM 22
THE “PAG-SABAY”
31
In Diagram 22 is another tactic in Dama, the “Pag-sabay.” In

diagram 22.1 black moved to e6 to attack the checker in f5. That move
was “sinabayan” by white that moved to a4 (diagram 22.2). Because of
the forced capture rule, black must capture instead of blocking or
moving away from white’s attack. In diagram 22.3 you will see the
movements of white and black. In diagram 22.4 you will see the
positions of the two opponents after the captures. Black made a “de
balde” of one checker but white countered immediately and not only
that, white made a “de balde” and got a promotion. In the positions of
white and black after exchanges (diagram 22.4) you will see that the
white king barricaded the four black men and there is no way to capture
or at least make it go away. Beneath, black will have a hard time to
enter white’s territory because there are plenty of white guards in
there. We can say that black is defeated in this game.
The “pag-sabay” will be more effective if you will combine it

with other forced moves in “Dama” like the forced captures, forced
capturing of two or more, and deception. You will know how to deceive
your opponent in the next lessons to come, only here in the “Book of
Filipino Checkers.”
In the next pages are the diagrams on “Capture First the Greater
Number.”
32
IV. “Capture First the Greater Number”
The fourth tactic in “Dama” that you should learn is the “Capture
First the Greater Number.”
The “Capture First the Greater Number” is a very effective tactic

in “Dama.” This uses the rule in “Dama” which is obligatory capture of
the greater number. This could result heavy damage in your opponent.
This is hard to execute but it is also hard to notice by your opponent so
as a result can cause “de balde,” advantage in position and promotion
that could lead to a loss to anyone who had been employed with this
devastating tactic.
DIAGRAM 23
THE “CAPTURE FIRST THE GREATER NUMBER”
33
In Diagram 23 is another tactic in Dama, the “Capture First the

Greater Number.” In diagram 23.1 you can see the positions of the
pieces, black will move. If you notice, at first glance black’s good move
would be the checker in g6 to go in the middle of two whites in square
e6 and g4. If black will do that he would surely “de balde” white. In
diagram 23.2, black utilizes the tactic I discussed earlier which is the
“Pag-gitna.” But black overlooked the “trap” and ate the bait of white
that utilizes the tactic “Capture First the Greater Number” (diagram
23.3). The “Capture First the Greater Number” is a rule in Dama which
as the name implies you must capture first in the way wherein you will
have more pieces. It is always used by Dama Players as a very effective
tactic in Dama. In Diagram 23.3, white moved f3-e4 and because of that
black’s evil plan didn’t materialize and not only that he paid a hefty
price for doing so. White had a “Dama” by offering to capture two
pieces (black captured: f5xd3xb5; white captured: a4xc6xa8
(promoted). It is illegal for black not to capture the two pieces first, so
34
instead of having an advantage, he had a disadvantage because white

now have a “Dama.” Based on the positions after the captures,
(diagram 23.4) we can say that black is defeated.
V. The “Real”
The fifth tactic that you should learn is the “Real.”
The “Real” is an effective tactic in Dama. Even if it can inflict only

a little damage unlike the above-mentioned tactics, the “Real” is easy to
use, hard to notice, and even with only one checker or man you can
execute it, so you can use it many times successfully during a game.
In Diagram 24 is yet another tactic in Dama, the “Real.” In

diagram 24.1 you can see the two white men that are in “piyon real”
with the four black men. If a piece is guarding two or more hostile
pieces, it is called “REAL.” You should use this tactic often because in
this way you’re just like multiplying your forces. And this is only because
of proper positioning of you pieces. In diagram 24.1 you will see the
white checker in c6 that is guarding the two black pieces in a8 and e8.
Underneath, the white checker in f3 is guarding the two black pieces in
h3 and h5.
35
DIAGRAM 24
THE “REAL”
In diagram 24.2 you can see the white man in c6 guarding not
only two but three black pieces in a6, a8 and e8. These examples of
“Real” are just meant to show the positions of a “Real.” It will be more
effective it is supported by your other pieces.
The above-mentioned tactics are the most important tactics in

“Dama.” These are the bases of the other tactics that I will discuss in
this book.
36
In the next pages I will teach you the right and wrong moves
during a game. I will teach you what is in the mind of an expert player of
Dama or as we call it in the Philippines, “Damador.”
Happy Studying!
37
CHAPTER 4
INSIDE THE MIND OF

A “DAMADOR”
38
The next lessons will need a checkerboard and pieces, so

prepare your checkerboard that is also used in chess. Study also and
memorize the “Dama Notation.” It is better if you write it (the notation)
in the Checkerboard that you will use to remember it faster and assist
you on your study.
I will teach you why a move is moved, that is often kept secret
by the expert players or the “Damadors”
Arrange the pieces following Diagram 3 and you will now study
what is INSIDE THE MIND OF A “DAMADOR.”
I. The First Game. (White wins)
WHITE’S MOVE BLACK’S MOVE

f3-g4 (this is the simplest and g6-h5
best opening when you are
white)
g4-f5 (this is moved to control e6xg4
the A Line and the all important
black square f5 which if
occupied by white will be black’s
weakness)
h3xf5 f7-e6 (black made this move to
threaten and remove the
white in f5 which blocks the
freedom of mobility of black
on this part of the board)
g2-h3 (white made this move to e6xg4
maintain its position in f5)
39
h3xf5 e8-f7 (this plans to remove the

white in f5)
h1-g2 f7-e6
g2-h3 e6xg4
h3xf5 c6-b5 (black wants a good
position)
f1-g2 g8-f7 (black continues his plan
of removing white in f5)
g2-f3 (white changed his move f7-e6 (black executed his plan)
to deceive black to do his (black)
plan)
b3-a4 (white used the “pag-
sabay” tactic and “sumabay” in
the forced capture of black in his
move f7-e6)
Diagram 25
This is the position after

white moved b3-a4.
White used “pag-sabay“
to black in e6 that will
capture white in f5.
Because of forced capture
black has no other choice
but to let white have a
“de balde’ plus a
promotion.
40

e6xg4
a4xe8
Diagram 26
This is the position after

black moved e6xg4 and
white moved a4xe8. In
this position of the pieces
we can say that black is
defeated.
In this First Game, white used the tactic “Pag-sabay” to win the
game. But there are also support tactics used to set the tactic that made
him win. Like the positioning in f5 which is an important square and
deceiving black by a series of moves at the right side of the board.
Black’s attention is diverted in this area and didn’t notice the other side
of the board. White also used “timing” or moving at the right time
which is a combination of deceiving black and “pag-sabay” on his move.
41
All of the above-mentioned tactics contributed on the victory of white

against black.
In playing “Dama” you should use not only one, two, or three
tactics; you should use all the tactics that you know to win, particularly
if you are playing against a good player.
II. The Second Game. (Black wins)

f3-e4 (white likes to position in c6-d5 (black moved this to get
the A Line to control the pace of rid of white’s control over the
the game) A line)
e4xc6 b7xd5
d3-c4 (white did this so that g6-f5 (black moved this so that
black could not make a forced he has a greater control in the
capture in c4 and position there center than white does)
afterwards)
e2-f3 (white moved this to have h7-g6
an influence in the center and
not letting black to dominate
this position.)
f3-g4 a8-b7!? (black’s move here
may be good or bad
depending on white’s move
but if you’re not sure what to
move, do not just move a8-b7
if you’re black and h1-g2 if you
42
are white because these

squares are easy to penetrate
particularly in the opening)
g4-h5 f5-e4
g2-f3? (white moved this to e4xg2
eradicate black’s control in the
center and position (white) in
the center, but in this case
white’s move here is bad,
particularly, he moved the
checker or man in the middle
(you will see this later in the
game)
h1xf3 b7-c6 (black advances this to
defend the D line and to make
an offense as well)
c2-d3 (white struggles with c6-b5 (black makes it hard for
black to dominate the center white to move d3-e4 because
and their own A lines) if black does that, black will
take two pieces)
b3-a4 (white gets rid of the d5xb3
threat)
a4xc2 e6-f5 (black made a trap and
you will know this in the next
moves)
a2-b3 (white overlooked the f7-e6 (the trap started with
trap and continued the attack the forced capture bait of
and defense and because of that black by two pieces; you can
white fell for the trap of black) see in diagram 27 the
43
positions of the pieces after

this move)
Diagram 27
These are the positions

after black moved f7-e6.
Black made a forced
capture bait of two
pieces. This is the
beginning of black’s trap
process.
h5xd5 f5-e4 (black sacrifices)

d3xf5 d7-e6
f5xd7 e8xg2
44
Diagram 28

after black moved d7-e6.
In these positions of the
pieces, black will have a
promotion to any which
way white captures and
nothing can stop it from
happening.
Diagram 29

after black moved e8xg2.
Black will have a king with
a cost of only one “de
balde”.
45
In this Second Game black sacrificed two pieces to put white in

place and use the weak g2 square. Black cannot be captured by white
because black is in between them.
In this position white is lucky if he could pull off a draw.
Think deeply in playing “Dama.” One wrong move would mean

defeat in your part.
III. The Third Game. (Kinging technique)

f3-g4 e6-f5 (black moved this so that
white cannot make an
exchange in move g4-f5 and
control the A line)
g4xe6 d7xf5 (at the end of the
exchanges, black is in white’s
A line. White isn’t placed
there. One thing that is
important in the game.)
46
Diagram 30

after black moved d7xf5.
White didn’t accomplish his plan of positioning in the A line and

in square F5 which is an important square in the attacking of white
(black is C4). Black defended himself effectively here. Black halted a
powerful attack.
Almost always making exchanges is an effective way to break

the offense of your opponent.
g2-f3 c6-b5
f3-e4 (white moved this so that f7-e6
black could not dominate the
center)
b3-c4 b5-a4
h1-g2 a4-b3 (black made an
exchange here at the start of
its “kinging technique”)
47
Diagram 31

after black moved a4-b3.
This is the start of black’s
kinging technique.
In this move of black he wants to have a king even if he would

sacrifice one of his men. Examine and study how black accomplished
this because you cannot notice or think about it if you don’t think
deeply.
c2xa4 e6-d5!! (in this move of black

he used one of the rules of
“Dama” which is the “Capture
First the Greater Number.” So
white, instead of move e4-c6
which is a better move to
prevent the promotion of
black, white is forced to
capture the greater number of
pieces)
c4xg4 a6-b5
a4xc6 b7xh1
48
Diagram 32

after white moved a4xc6.
White is already aligned for
the promotion of black.
In this game white can either draw or win depending on his

move. The objective of this game is to point how black executed an
impressive and concealed technique to have a king. Always remember,
do not open the promotional squares unless you are sure that nothing
bad will happen when you open your promotional squares. Especially
the promotional square on the D Line.
49
By studying what I wrote on this book and practicing, you will

surely become a very good “Damador.”
I recommend visiting the website checkersland.com and

downloading the program “Checkersland.” It could be also downloaded
on the following websites: Mobogenie, Google Playstore, SlideMe and
1Mobile under the name “All-in-one-Checkers” or “Checkersland.” Just
set Filipino in the Kind of Checkers. This is a very good program. You will
surely learn from it. I am the one who gave the rules and translated the
Filipino Checkers there. You will see my name in “Participation.”
I will distribute this book for free or without payment. If you like
to give donations to help me make another book like this one and to
further the Filipino Checkers just send it to Address: 1137 Primero De
Mayo, Tondo, Manila, Zip Code: 1013 in my name. My email address is
qarchimedes@yahoo.com.
Thank You Very Much!
Acknowledgments: Thank you very much to Mr. Pavel Porvatov who

made the program “Checkersland” for giving me
permission in using the diagrams of his game to
help in the study of this book.
50

Book of Filipino Checkers

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BOOK

ARCHIMEDES MENDOZA QUILET

I made this book to share my knowledge and to teach whoever

To the person who are skeptic, frightened and wants to learn

I assure you that you will be an expert player of the Filipino

Thank you very much for reading and studying.

The Equipment and Rules in playing Filipino Checkers:

1. Filipino checkers (Dama) is played on the Dama Matrix (Diagram

squares immediately beyond them (Diagram 7). Men may never

This is the Checkerboard that we will be using in our training of

The examples of recording and how to read it are the following:

1) f3-e4 = from square f3 to square e4

2) g6xe4 = the checker in square g6 CAPTURES (x) and stops in

3) 0-1 = black wins

4) 1-0 = white wins

7) !! = very good move

9) ?? = very bad move

10) !? = uncertain move (maybe good or bad)

In this position, black in square a2 will move but cannot move

In this Diagram 5, white moved from f3 to e4 (f3-e4) and black

Diagram 6.1 Diagram 6.2

In Diagram 6.1 white’s turn is f3-e4 and black’s turn is c6-d5 so

Diagram 7.1 Diagram 7.2

In Diagram 7.1 white’s man moved and captured from e2 to c4,

In Diagram 7.2 white’s king moved and captured from d1 to a4,

Diagram 8.1 Diagram 8.2

Diagram 9.1 Diagram 9.2

In Diagram 9.1 white captured (a4) to c6 captured again to e8

Diagram 10.1 Diagram 10.2

In this Diagram 10 is an example of the movement of the king.

In this diagram, the squares with lines are the “A Line”

The game “Dama” or Filipino Checkers is won by capturing all of

I. The “Sipa” or Kick

Diagram 18.1 Diagram 18.2

Diagram 19.1 Diagram 19.2

Diagram 20.1 Diagram 20.2

II. The “Pag-gitna” or Going In Between

The “Pag-gitna” is “going in between” of your opponent’s two

Diagram 21.1 Diagram 21.2

III. The “Pag-sabay”

The “Pag-sabay” is a very good tactic in Dama because it could

In the next pages are the diagrams and explanation on how to

Diagram 22.1 Diagram 22.2

Diagram 22.3 Diagram 22.4

In Diagram 22 is another tactic in Dama, the “Pag-sabay.” In

The “pag-sabay” will be more effective if you will combine it

IV. “Capture First the Greater Number”

The “Capture First the Greater Number” is a very effective tactic

Diagram 23.1 Diagram 23.2

Diagram 23.3 Diagram 23.4

In Diagram 23 is another tactic in Dama, the “Capture First the

instead of having an advantage, he had a disadvantage because white

The fifth tactic that you should learn is the “Real.”

The “Real” is an effective tactic in Dama. Even if it can inflict only

In Diagram 24 is yet another tactic in Dama, the “Real.” In

Diagram 24.1 Diagram 24.2

The above-mentioned tactics are the most important tactics in

INSIDE THE MIND OF

The next lessons will need a checkerboard and pieces, so

I. The First Game. (White wins)

WHITE’S MOVE BLACK’S MOVE

h3xf5 e8-f7 (this plans to remove the

This is the position after