Only dark squares are used. A piece can only move diagonally into an unoccupied square. When capturing an opponent's piece is possible, capturing is mandatory.
A man moves one step diagonally forwards and captures an adjacent opponent's piece by jumping over it and landing on the next square. Multiple enemy pieces can be captured in a single turn provided this is done by successive jumps made by a single piece; the jumps do not need to be in the same line and may zigzag. In American checkers, men can jump only forwards.
When a man reaches the farthest row forward, it becomes a king. It is marked by crowning. The king has additional powers, including the ability to move and capture backwards. Like a man, a king can make successive jumps in a single turn, provided each jump captures an enemy piece.