Project Overview

The Online Checkers Game is a web-based multiplayer board game where two players compete on an 8x8 checkered board. Players move diagonal pieces across the board, capturing opponent pieces by jumping over them. The game supports local play, online multiplayer, and AI-based single-player mode, making it an engaging and challenging project. It demonstrates real-time gameplay, game rule validation, database management, and interactive UI/UX design.

Key Features

1. User Authentication & Profiles

   • Players can register/login to track their match history and scores.

   • Guest mode for quick play.

2. Game Modes

   • Local Two-Player Mode: Two players play on the same device.

   • Single-Player Mode: Player vs AI with different difficulty levels.

   • Online Multiplayer Mode: Real-time play against friends or random players using matchmaking.

3. Game Board & Moves

   • 8x8 checkered grid displayed on the frontend.

   • Pieces move diagonally.

   • Jumping over opponent pieces captures them.

   • Automatic king promotion when a piece reaches the opposite end.

4. Win/Draw Conditions

   • A player wins when the opponent has no legal moves left.

   • Draw when both players are stuck in repeated moves.

5. Leaderboard & Player Stats

   • Stores wins, losses, draws, and rankings.

   • Leaderboard for top players globally.

6. Responsive UI

   • Drag-and-drop or click-to-move functionality for pieces.

   • Visual animations for piece captures and promotions.

   • Fully mobile-friendly using Bootstrap.

Technology Stack

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript (for board rendering, drag-and-drop, animations).

• Backend:

  • Node.js (with Socket.io): Real-time multiplayer handling.

  • Or PHP/Java: For turn-based session play.

• Database: MySQL / MongoDB (for player profiles, leaderboard, and game records).

• AI Algorithm (Optional):

  • Minimax algorithm with Alpha-Beta pruning for computer opponent.

How It Works

1. Player logs in (or plays as guest).

2. Selects a mode: Local, AI, or Online Multiplayer.

3. The game board loads with two sets of pieces.

4. Players take turns moving diagonally → captures enforced when possible.

5. Backend validates moves:

   • Legal moves only.

   • Auto-king promotion when reaching the opposite side.

6. Game ends when one player wins or a draw is declared.

7. Results saved → leaderboard updated.