Dama game or Turkish Draughts, is a popular board game in the Philippines. It comes in different variations with varied styles and mechanics. With its popularity, its mechanics and game play changed. The Philippines, now have damath and sci-damath that combine scientific and mathematical operations. While it’s entertaining, it also harnesses the players’ analytical skills as pieces are removed on the board. Today, dama is available online and, on some websites, where you can play in real money.
What is the Dama Board Game?
Draughts is a strategic variant of checkers that involves diagonal moves participated by two players. The term Draughts is derived from the word “to draw” or “to move.” Experts say that it originated from ancient Egypt. But as modern game checkers evolve, several variants of the dama game have emerged, and they come with a twist.
In Draughts or dama, enemy pieces are removed from the board after another piece jumps over it. When you play dama, you can cross the same square several times for multiple captures. The objective here is to plan and capture all the opponent’s pieces. As part of the gameplay, pieces move forward or sideways on the board.
How to play Dama?
Turkish Draughts uses basic and simple rules. Each player gets 12 pieces on the board. These pieces are on the first three rows near the player. Players alternately move their pieces on the table, and they can move forward or sideways and capture a piece depending on the operation or strategy.
A player captures an enemy piece by jumping over it, provided that the next space is empty. When the player reaches the King’s row, it becomes a King or the dama game piece. Kings may move or jump to any number of squares either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Each round ends when no acceptable move is left, or all pieces are removed.
Game Dama variations
The dama game is a variant of Checkers or Draughts. It also comes with different variations like damath. Damath is a combination of Mathematics and dama. Another variation is the Sci-Damath which combines concepts of Science, Mathematics, and dama.
Damath
Damath is an educational board game that requires two players. It’s usually played in schools by elementary and high school students. Every piece including the King has a mathematical symbol in each square on the board. Just like the usual dama game, you can move the pieces forward or sideways. Like a checkerboard, the damath board consists of even white tiles with a mathematical symbol indicating the operation to be performed.
Sci-Damath
Sci-damath is another fun variant that combines scientific and mathematical operations. This variant is commonly played in schools. Sci-damath is slightly difficult compared to the usual dama game because the player must solve the operations before pieces are removed. Multiple captures allow a higher possible number of pieces to be removed from the board.
Dama strategies + Playing Tips
When you play dama, you need first to familiarize yourself with the rules. You can also practice this even when you are playing alone. During play, you can also use the same strategies common in chess. For example, you can sacrifice some pieces to gain an advantage. Like checkers, it’s also best to take control of the center and protect the King.
Whenever possible, try to form a pyramid shape using your pieces to boost captures. Mastering dama needs constant practice to refresh your skills on how you will win against your opponents. The more you play, the easier it is to capture the best possible number of pieces.
Can I play online?
Besides playing it locally, variants of Checkers like Draughts or dama can also be played online. There are several downloadable apps compatible with Android devices where you can play the dama game. You can download dama apps for free, but others require a fee. You can choose to play it against a computer. But, if you want a real-time battle against a real dama player, you can choose a two-player dama game.
FAQ
Here are frequently asked questions (FAQs) you can check before downloading the app or playing it in real money.
Can I play Dama for real money?
Yes. While it is a good game for the brain, you can play the Dama game for real money. You can find a reliable dama game site and win against real opponents to win real cash.
Can I play the Board Game online?
Yes. There are plenty of sites to play different variants of Draughts and other board games like chess. You can play it directly using a desktop or mobile device using a browser. These games are available for free and easy to use. You can play it on your PC or enjoy it on your mobile device.
How is Dama called in other countries?
Dama is not just popular in the Philippines. It is also played in other countries like Turkey and Germany. The game is called ‘checkers,’ ‘Turkish Checkers,’ or ‘Turkish Draughts.’ It is also known as Türk Daması in Turkey. Although the names differ, the gameplay is just the same.
Can you play Dama online for free?
Yes. You can play draughts or Dama online for free. Whether you are a beginner or expert, you can always play it without the need to deposit money. What you can do is download the app for Android and iOS devices to start playing checkers or dama against other players in real-time.