What is square numbering in Draughts (International)?

Verdict

By convention the dark squares are numbered 1 to 50, without the numbers actually being written on the board (2.6); Numbering follows the rows left to right, from the first square of the top row to the last square of the bottom row (2.6); The promotion rows are numbered 1–5 and 46–50 (2.6.1)

Why people argue about this

People often assume that the numbering of squares is written directly on each square itself, leading to a misunderstanding about how they're numbered in Draughts (International). The official verdict clarifies that while numbers aren't actually inscribed on the board, players must follow the convention and order provided for accurate play.

Send this to your friend — argument over.

2. Components

The Board

A square board divided into 100 equal squares, alternately black and white (2.1)
Play happens only on the dark squares, so 50 squares are active (2.2)
The skewed lines of dark squares are the diagonals; there are 17 of them (2.3)
The long diagonal joins two corners and comprises 10 squares (2.3)

Naming the Parts

Bases — the side of the board facing each player, which are the promotion lines (2.5.1)
Sides — the squares in the first and/or last column (2.5.2)
Rows — horizontal lines of 5 dark squares (2.5.3)
Columns — vertical lines of 5 dark squares (2.5.4)

Square Numbering

By convention the dark squares are numbered 1 to 50, without the numbers actually being written on the board (2.6)
Numbering follows the rows left to right, from the first square of the top row to the last square of the bottom row (2.6)
The promotion rows are numbered 1–5 and 46–50 (2.6.1)
The side columns are numbered 6-16-26-36-46 at the left and 5-15-25-35-45 at the right (2.6.2)
Squares 5 and 46 sit at the ends of the long diagonal and are called the corners of the board (2.6.3)

The Men

20 white or light-coloured men and 20 black or dark-coloured men (2.7)
A piece is either a man or a king, and the two move and capture differently (3.1, 3.2)
A playing clock is required whenever a time control is in force (10.2.1, 10.4)

2. Components

The Board

A square board divided into 100 equal squares, alternately black and white (2.1)

Play happens only on the dark squares, so 50 squares are active (2.2)

The skewed lines of dark squares are the diagonals; there are 17 of them (2.3)

The long diagonal joins two corners and comprises 10 squares (2.3)

Naming the Parts

Bases — the side of the board facing each player, which are the promotion lines (2.5.1)

Sides — the squares in the first and/or last column (2.5.2)

Rows — horizontal lines of 5 dark squares (2.5.3)

Columns — vertical lines of 5 dark squares (2.5.4)

Square Numbering

By convention the dark squares are numbered 1 to 50, without the numbers actually being written on the board (2.6)

Numbering follows the rows left to right, from the first square of the top row to the last square of the bottom row (2.6)

The promotion rows are numbered 1–5 and 46–50 (2.6.1)

The side columns are numbered 6-16-26-36-46 at the left and 5-15-25-35-45 at the right (2.6.2)

Squares 5 and 46 sit at the ends of the long diagonal and are called the corners of the board (2.6.3)

The Men

20 white or light-coloured men and 20 black or dark-coloured men (2.7)

A piece is either a man or a king, and the two move and capture differently (3.1, 3.2)

A playing clock is required whenever a time control is in force (10.2.1, 10.4)

Square Numbering