Linguistic Definition
The meaning of Draughts centers on the physical action of the game. In British English, the word refers to the act of "drawing" or moving the pieces across the board. It is the plural form of draught, which in this context means a single move.
While the spelling might seem complex to international users, it is important to note that it is pronounced exactly as "drafts". In the United States, this phonetic spelling is often used for other contexts, but for the game, the name was completely replaced by "Checkers."
ROOT ORIGINS
Old English: dragan (to draw, to drag, to move)
Middle English: draht (a thing drawn, a move at chess or draughts)
Cultural Usage & Regional Meaning
When someone asks for the meaning of draughts, they are usually exploring the British cultural context. In the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, Draughts is the only standard name for the game. Using the word "Checkers" in these regions often marks the speaker as influenced by American media.
The term Checkers itself comes from the Old French word eschecs (chess), which ultimately refers to the checkered pattern of the board rather than the movement of the pieces.
Why the Name Matters
Understanding the "draw" meaning explains the core mechanic of the game. Unlike Chess, which is about the "king" (Shah), Draughts is uniquely about the fluid movement of pieces. Every piece is a 'draught', and every move is a 'draw' towards the opponent's back row.
At draughts.ai, we preserve this historical meaning while utilizing futuristic technology to enhance your strategic experience.
Meaning & Definition FAQ
Does draughts mean checkers?
Yes. They are synonyms. Draughts is the British name and Checkers is the American name for the same game of English Draughts.
What is a 'draught' in the game?
A single piece or a single move is technically a 'draught'. The game is called 'Draughts' because it is a series of these moves.
Why is it spelled so strangely?
It follows traditional British English spelling conventions, similar to 'laugh' or 'tough'. The 'gh' represents a sound that has changed over centuries but remains in the written form.