Draughts prehistoric legacy has been carved into caves and continues to carve out the same legacy amongst 21st-century players.
Brought to European shores several thousand years ago, draughts remains as popular today, standing as the epitome of a game that provides players with instant accessibility, alongside a lifetime of mastery.
Said mastery comes from the player's ability to strategies and plan several key moves ahead. Draughts is the perfect tool for keeping minds of all ages fit and healthy. As such, draughts board sets are ideal for bringing newcomers face-to-face with more accomplished challengers. Your next victory is never just one move ahead.
Jaques of London refuses to be jumped on quality and pride ourselves upon providing players with the most exquisite draught set creations. Manufactured with more than 225 years of gaming expertise, each of our sets are made with high-quality wood and with designs that draw upon a gaming legacy as significant in the history of British gaming, as the Jaques of London name itself.
Draughts: your questions answered
What age is draughts suitable for?
Most children take to draughts from around six or seven, when they can follow a simple rule set and plan a move or two ahead. It is genuinely playable by adults and grandparents at the same table, which makes it one of the few games that works across a wide age gap without anyone being bored.
Why buy a wooden draughts set rather than a plastic one?
Wooden pieces sit firmly on the board, feel satisfying to move, and do not skitter across the table mid-game. They also age well rather than yellowing or cracking. A good wooden set from a maker like Jaques, established 1795, is still going strong decades later, which a budget plastic set rarely manages.
How do I choose the right size draughts set?
Match board size to where you will play most often. A smaller set is ideal for a coffee table, travel or a child's bedroom. A larger board with bigger pieces suits a dining table and is easier for younger children and older players to handle comfortably. Check the board dimensions listed on each product page before buying.
Is draughts a good gift for children?
It is one of the most reliable gifts you can give a child aged six and upwards. The rules take about five minutes to learn, games last long enough to feel meaningful but not so long that anyone loses patience, and it genuinely improves concentration and forward-thinking without feeling like homework.
How do I care for a wooden draughts set?
Keep the board and pieces away from direct heat and prolonged damp, both of which can cause wood to warp or split. Wipe pieces with a dry or very slightly damp cloth if needed. Store the board flat, not propped against a wall. Treated simply like this, a quality wooden set will last for generations.
What is the difference between English draughts and other versions of the game?
English draughts is played on an 8x8 board with 12 pieces per side, moving diagonally and capturing by jumping. Other versions, such as international draughts, use a 10x10 board with 20 pieces and additional rules. All Jaques draughts sets are designed for the standard English game, which is what most UK families play.
Can a draughts set be passed down as an heirloom?
A well-made wooden draughts set is one of the most natural heirlooms a family can have. The game itself has not changed, so a set bought today will be just as playable in thirty years. Jaques has been making games since 1795 and many of our customers own sets that have already passed through two or three generations.
Jaques of London · Britain's oldest games and toy maker · Est. 1795