Checkers has a number of interesting strategic elements.
The pieces are initially forbidden from retreating, forcing the game into an advancing attack. Upon reaching the far end of the board, pieces promote with the increased power of being able to move both backwards and forwards. Captures are compulsory, enabling players to lay traps for each other by forcing an unfavorable exchange for a favorable one or a better position. This game is an attempt to blend these elements in with Chess. Of all the family of Chess games, Shogi is the one that most easily lends itself to this kind of play.