Project Title: Checkers Game (Java Version)

Overview:

The Checkers Game is a two-player strategy board game played on an 8x8 grid of alternating dark and light squares. Each player starts with 12 pieces placed on dark squares, and the goal is to capture all opponent pieces or block them from moving. This Java project simulates the classic game, either with two human players or with basic AI.

Core Gameplay Features:

• Board Setup: An 8x8 checkerboard with dark squares where pieces are placed.
• Piece Movement: Pieces move diagonally and can "jump" over opponent pieces to capture them.
• Kinging: When a piece reaches the opponent’s end row, it is promoted to a "King" and can move in both directions.
• Capturing: A piece can jump over and remove an opponent’s piece. Multiple jumps in one turn are possible.
• Winning Conditions: A player wins by capturing all opponent pieces or leaving them with no legal moves.
• Optional AI: Add basic computer opponent for single-player mode.

Technologies Commonly Used:

• Java with:
• JavaFX (for a modern graphical interface and animations)
• Swing or AWT (for simple GUI with clickable grid and visual pieces)

How It Works:

1. Initialize Board: The game creates an 8x8 grid and places 12 pieces per player on alternating dark squares in the first three rows.
2. Turn-Based Play: Players take turns clicking on their pieces and selecting valid diagonal moves.
3. Move Validation: The game checks whether a move is legal (diagonal, within bounds, jump possible, etc.).
4. Capturing & Kinging: Captures are enforced if available. Reaching the last row upgrades a piece to a King, allowing backward moves.
5. Game Over Check: The game ends when one player has no remaining legal moves or pieces.

Learning Objectives:

• Master 2D arrays and GUI components in Java
• Implement turn-based game logic and rule enforcement
• Understand how to create and manage custom events (clicks, moves, selections)
• Develop an interactive graphical interface for a board game
• Optional: Implement AI logic using algorithms like minimax for challenge mode

Game Logic Breakdown:

• Board Class: Manages the grid, drawing, and piece placement
• Piece Class: Tracks type (regular or King), owner, and position
• Game Logic: Handles movement, jumping, promotion, turn switching, and win detection
• UI Controls: Uses buttons or canvas areas to detect player input (e.g., click to select/move a piece)