World Draughts Federation (FMJD)

The World Draughts Federation, known by its French acronym FMJD (Fédération Mondiale du Jeu de Dames), is the global governing body for the game of draughts (or checkers). Established in 1947, FMJD oversees the promotion, organization, and regulation of draughts tournaments worldwide, aiming to popularize the game as a competitive and recreational activity.

Key Facts About FMJD

1. Headquarters:
   • The FMJD is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
2. Membership:
   • The organization comprises over 70 national federations across continents, representing a diverse community of players.
3. Versions of Draughts:
   • FMJD regulates multiple versions of draughts, including:
     • International Draughts (100-square board)
     • American Checkers
     • Russian Draughts
     • Brazilian Draughts
     • Turkish Draughts
   • The 100-square international variant is the most prominent, with standardized rules and global competitions.
4. Competitions:
   • FMJD organizes World Championships, Continental Championships, and youth tournaments for various draughts formats.
   • It also oversees the World Cup Series, a set of international tournaments where players earn ranking points.
5. Affiliations:
   • FMJD is recognized by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and works toward including draughts in the Olympic Games as part of the mind sports category.

Mission and Vision

The FMJD is committed to:

• Promoting Draughts: Increasing global participation in draughts as both a recreational activity and a professional sport.
• Standardizing Rules: Maintaining consistent rules and regulations across all formats.
• Encouraging Mind Sports: Advocating draughts as a tool for cognitive development and strategic thinking.
• Global Outreach: Expanding the presence of draughts in regions with limited access to organized sports.

Recent Developments

• The FMJD has been actively collaborating with other mind sports organizations, such as the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), to enhance the visibility of draughts.
• With the election of Nandan Kumar Jha as President of IMSA, the FMJD’s influence in promoting mind sports on a global scale is expected to grow further.

Conclusion

The World Draughts Federation plays a pivotal role in the global promotion of draughts, providing a platform for players of all levels to showcase their skills. Its efforts to standardize and popularize the game continue to strengthen draughts’ position as a prominent mind sport worldwide.