chinese chequers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “chinese chequers” mean?
A board game for two to six players, played on a star-shaped board with marbles or pegs, where the objective is to move all one's pieces into the opposite corner of the board.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A board game for two to six players, played on a star-shaped board with marbles or pegs, where the objective is to move all one's pieces into the opposite corner of the board.
The term is sometimes used metaphorically to describe complex strategic situations involving multiple competing parties moving toward opposing goals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English uses 'chequers' (with 'qu'), while American English uses 'checkers' (with 'ck'). The game is more commonly known in the US.
Connotations
In both varieties, the name carries exoticized connotations due to the inaccurate 'Chinese' attribution.
Frequency
More frequently referenced in American English due to higher historical popularity there.
Grammar
How to Use “chinese chequers” in a Sentence
play + Chinese chequersmove + in Chinese chequerswin + at Chinese chequersVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chinese chequers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to Chinese-chequer our way through the complicated policy debate.
- He's just Chinese-chequering around, not making real progress.
American English
- The committee seemed to be Chinese-checkering its approach to the issue.
- They spent the meeting Chinese-checkering instead of deciding.
adverb
British English
- The pieces moved Chinese-chequersly across the conceptual board.
- They progressed Chinese-chequersly, with fits and starts.
American English
- The team advanced Chinese-checkersly through the project phases.
- Ideas bounced Chinese-checkersly around the room.
adjective
British English
- The negotiation had a Chinese-chequers quality to it.
- It was a Chinese-chequers strategy, all jumps and blocks.
American English
- The process felt very Chinese-checkers, with everyone hopping over each other.
- We need to avoid a Chinese-checkers solution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially as a metaphor for complex multi-party negotiations.
Academic
Used historically in game theory or studies of board games.
Everyday
Used when discussing games, childhood memories, or family entertainment.
Technical
Used in board game design, history of games, or recreational mathematics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chinese chequers”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chinese chequers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chinese chequers”
- Spelling 'chequers' as 'checkers' in British contexts.
- Assuming the game is ancient or Chinese in origin.
- Confusing it with the game 'Draughts' (known as 'Checkers' in US).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not. The game was invented in Germany in 1892 under the name 'Sternhalma'. The 'Chinese' name was applied later for marketing purposes in the United States.
They are completely different games. Draughts/Checkers is played on an 8x8 square board by two players, capturing pieces by jumping. Chinese chequers is played on a star-shaped board with marbles, by 2-6 players, with the goal of moving pieces to the opposite corner, primarily by hopping over other pieces.
The standard game can be played by 2, 3, 4, or 6 players. Some variations exist for other numbers.
'Chequers' is the British English spelling, while 'checkers' is the American English spelling. This follows the same pattern as the game 'Draughts' (UK) vs. 'Checkers' (US), though they are different games.
A board game for two to six players, played on a star-shaped board with marbles or pegs, where the objective is to move all one's pieces into the opposite corner of the board.
Chinese chequers is usually informal in register.
Chinese chequers: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪniːz ˈtʃɛkəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˈniːz ˈtʃɛkɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not Chinese chequers”
- “Life's a game of Chinese chequers”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHECK the board with your Chinese CHEQUERS' to remember the British spelling.
Conceptual Metaphor
Complex strategic navigation with multiple independent actors.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key fact about the game 'Chinese chequers'?