In Belgium, it’s common for families to own a game set featuring classics like draughts and chess, among others. Typically, draughts is played on an 8x8 board, known as checkers, or on a full 10x10 board for the international version. Various forms exist, such as Frisian, Brazilian, and Russian draughts, but the international version predominates on the 10x10 board.
At the age of thirteen, my mother introduced me to draughts. I was drawn to the game’s reliance on strategic thinking rather than luck—a stark contrast to other games in our set. I quickly outplayed my mother and the rest of my family, to the point where they lost interest in competing against me.
Later, my mother discovered a local newspaper article about a new youth draughts club not far from our home, just a 30-minute bus ride away. She contacted them, and soon I was set to join.
I vividly remember that Saturday afternoon, arriving at 14h00 in Kortrijk, and making my way to what I believe was Cafe Francais. The place was bustling with players, including many youths. Rik, the organizer, welcomed me and began to assess my understanding of the rules. To my dismay, he informed me that most of what I knew was incorrect. Back then, each set came with its own “house rules,” which were all I was familiar with. Rik patiently taught me the official rules of international draughts, rendering my previous knowledge obsolete.
Despite the initial setback, I quickly absorbed the new rules. Rik handed me a book containing 308 diagrams—a testament to the game’s complexity that I had never imagined. The exercises were engaging, and I soon found myself captivated by the challenge of solving them. Although I often lost to even younger, more experienced players, my determination to improve never waned.
One day, while observing a match between French-speaking players, one of them noticed my interest and invited me to learn from their post-game analysis. Despite my limited French, I was astounded by his ability to recall the entire game and explain the depth of strategic possibilities.

As weeks passed, I honed my skills through exercises and matches, eventually winning the local youth championship. My journey didn’t stop there; I began competing against adults and even participated in team competitions in France, where we achieved considerable success. This experience not only sharpened my draughts skills but also ignited a lifelong passion for the game.
Draughts became an integral part of my life, and I delved into its study with fervor. Rik’s extensive library was a treasure trove that I eagerly explored. Competing in day-long tournaments across Belgium and the Netherlands, I steadily improved, challenging even the seasoned adults at my club. At 16, I was recruited to join a Dutch team in the world’s largest national competition—a dream come true for any draughts enthusiast. Despite the pressure, I managed a draw in my debut match against a formidable opponent, earning my place on the team and a sponsorship for my travel expenses.
My journey in draughts continued with youth championships in Belgium and participation in junior world championships in Ukraine and Amsterdam, where I encountered the legendary Georgiev. These experiences were rich with victories and defeats, all contributing to my growth in the game.

Post-studies, I relocated to the Netherlands, seamlessly integrating work with my passion for draughts. However, a work trip to the US resulted in a severe illness, leading to a diagnosis of a form of Hepatitis and another liver condition, which caused significant concentration loss. This setback affected my performance, but I persevered, gradually regaining my form while participating in numerous competitions.
At 31, life took a turn when I met my future wife. She made it clear that my 24/7 job, draughts, and a relationship with her could not coexist. With her visa expiring and plans to move to Taiwan, we decided to marry and relocate to Australia, where I had a job offer. The absence of a draughts community in Australia meant a new chapter for us, one with less travel and more family time. Although I initially missed the game, badminton became our new family activity, and with the birth of my children, Nils and Elin, draughts faded into a cherished memory.

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