The history of damas (draughts): from alquerque to cafés

Damas (draughts) probably originated in southern Europe between the 12th and 15th centuries, when the chessboard was combined with the capturing rules of alquerque (an early form of draughts), an ancient game widely played in al-Andalus. Valencia was where one of the first books on draughts was published in the 16th century.

Alquerque, the grandfather of draughts

Alquerque was played on a board of lines and points, with pieces capturing opponents by jumping over them. It is described in Alfonso X’s Book of Games (1283), alongside ajedrez (chess) and tablas (tables games). We revisit it in our history of chess.

The leap to the chessboard

At some point, someone took that idea and applied it to a board of 64 squares, using only the squares of one colour. Pieces that reach the far end are crowned and become more powerful damas (kings), which is where the Spanish name of the game comes from.

Spain, a pioneer in books on draughts

Antonio de Torquemada’s treatise, published in Valencia in 1547, is often cited as one of the first books devoted to draughts. Other Spanish authors followed in the 17th century, studying openings and endgames.

A game for everyone

Draughts became popular in homes and cafés because it is easy to learn but hard to master, much like many card games. If you’re looking for that same feeling with a pack of cards, try Escoba (Broom) or Chinchón (Spanish rummy).