Invented in Canada, Crokinole is a disk-flicking dexterity board game. It’s similar to carrom, pitch nut, and pichenotte but played on a smaller board.
Generally, the goal is to land discs in the recessed center hole and knock opposing disks off the board and into the ‘ditch.’ It’s a great family game.
Rules
Crokinole is a dexterity game that has a long history. It originated in Canada and has gained an international following. Several rules affect the score of a game.
Typically, a Crokinole board is octagonal. A two-inch ditch surrounds the playing surface to collect discarded pieces.
The disc-sized 20-hole is located in the center of the board. It’s protected by eight small bumpers or posts.
Players earn 20 points by hitting a disc into the hole. A shot that lands outside the 20-hole or doesn’t land inside the circle is not good.
Unlike other dexterity games, Crokinole is a competitive game that requires patience and a lot of skill. It can also be frustrating for novices, so it’s essential to understand the rules before you play.
Materials
One of the most popular board games in Canada, Crokinole has been around for over 150 years and is a game that appeals to people of all ages. It’s a fascinating tabletop game that requires skill and strategy.
Players score points by flicking small discs from the outer edge of their quadrant onto the playfield. These discs must land in the board’s central hole to win the game.
The crokinole discs are made of hardwood and are available in three sizes—the standard size measures 3/8″ thick and 1 1/8″ in diameter. The tournament size is 1 1/4″ wide and 13/32″ in diameter.
Score
The discs are made of wood and are designed to slide smoothly over the board. They make satisfying sounds as they move along the board and hit pegs or bumpers around the center hole.
Players shoot their discs to land in the higher-scoring areas of the board, including the central recessed hole worth 20 points. They also try to knock opposing disks off the board and into the ‘ditch.’
The score is calculated by subtracting the lower sum from the higher. This system can slow the game, but it’s fun and competitive. The game may also be played with ring-shaped pieces that have a hole in the center.
Variations
Crokinole is a dexterity game with aspects of shuffleboard and curling. The competition aims to flick discs onto a large wooden board, scoring points for where they land.
The game is often played in teams of two by two or four players, with partners seated across the crokinole board. Each player starts with a fixed number of discs but may increase their supply at the start of each round.
Crokinole game boards usually have a circular playing surface but can also be octagonal. They also typically feature a raised rail around the perimeter that keeps discs from sliding off the board or table. A ditch between the fence and the playing surface is sometimes included for the discs to rest in when they are not in play.
Setup
Crokinole is a viral game and a great way to spend time with family. The game has many different versions, which can be a fun challenge for even the most experienced players.
The setup of the board is fundamental to ensuring that you have a good shot and earn points in each round. In addition, it can help to have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve.
For starters, you need to choose a board made from high-quality wood. It will ensure the discs slide easily across it during play and won’t splinter or dent. Also, it should be able to accommodate the size of the discs.
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