Overview

Chapayev is a Russian board game that combines elements of checkers/draughts with dexterity flicking mechanics, similar to carrom or table shuffleboard. Players flick their pieces to knock opponents’ pieces off the board. The game is played over multiple rounds, with the winning player advancing their pieces forward each round. Named after the Russian Civil War hero Vasily Chapayev, the game is widely played throughout the former USSR.

Components

• 1 standard checkerboard (8x8)
• 8 dark-colored pieces (checkers)
• 8 light-colored pieces (checkers)
• Pieces should be smaller than the squares for proper play

Setup

1. White pieces are placed on the first row (closest to the White player).
2. Black pieces are placed on the last row (closest to the Black player).
3. White opens the game (goes first).

Turn Structure

Players alternate turns. On your turn, flick one of your pieces to try to knock opponent pieces off the board.

Actions

Flicking

Use your index finger to flick one of your pieces, aiming to hit and knock opponent pieces off the board.

• If you successfully knock an opponent’s piece off the board AND keep all your pieces on the board, you may flick again (continue your turn).
• If you fail to knock off an opponent’s piece, your turn ends and the opponent goes.
• If you knock one of your own pieces off the board, your turn ends immediately.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

Winning a Round

A round ends when only one color remains on the board. That player wins the round.

Progression Between Rounds

After winning a round, the winner starts the next round with their pieces one row further forward (closer to the opponent). The loser keeps their pieces on the same row (or may be forced backward).

Winning the Game

When one player’s pieces reach the final row (the opponent’s starting row), the opponent has no room for their pieces and loses the game.

For the 7th and subsequent rounds, not only does the winner advance one row, but the loser is forced to move their pieces backward one row.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Traitor rule: If a piece is flipped upside-down after an impact, it becomes a “traitor” and control of it passes to the opponent.
• Pieces that land exactly on a line between squares are typically returned to the board at the nearest valid position.
• If both players lose their last piece simultaneously, the round is typically replayed.
• Standard checkers pieces work well, though any small disc-shaped pieces can be used.

Player Reference

Turn: Flick one piece at opponent pieces.

Continue: If you knock off an opponent piece and keep all yours on board.

End turn: If you miss, or if one of your own pieces falls off.

Round win: Only your pieces remain on board.

Game win: Your pieces advance to the opponent’s starting row across multiple rounds.