Turkish checkers, board game, variety of the game checkers (draughts) in which all 64 squares of the board are used. There are 16 men to a side, 8 each on the second and third rows to commence play. The men move to the sides or straight forward but not diagonally or backward. Captures are made by jumping, either to the side or forward; the maximum number of pieces possible must be captured. Pieces are removed one by one when captured. The king may move any number of squares forward, sideways, or backward. See also checkers.