Hubbry Logo
CrokinoleCrokinoleMain
Open search
Crokinole
Community hub
Crokinole
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Crokinole
Crokinole
Crokinole
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Crokinole
Crokinole Game Board
ManufacturersMostly cottage industry manufacturers in Canada and USA
DesignersEckhardt Wettlaufer - Ontario, Canada
Years activeMade since mid 1800s in Canada and USA and now gaining in popularity in many parts of the world
Players2 or 4
Age range5 years old and up
SkillsFine motor skill, eye–hand coordination, intuitive understanding of physics & plane geometry

Crokinole (/ˈkroʊkɪnoʊl/ ⓘ KROH-ki-nohl) is a disk-flicking dexterity board game, possibly of Canadian origin. It is similar to the games of pitchnut, carrom, and pichenotte, with elements of shuffleboard and curling reduced to table-top size. Players take turns shooting discs across the circular playing surface, trying to land their discs in the higher-scoring regions of the board, particularly the recessed centre hole of 20 points, while also attempting to knock opposing discs off the board, and into the 'ditch'. In crokinole, the shooting is generally towards the centre of the board, unlike carroms and pitchnut, where the shooting is towards the four outer corner pockets, as in pool. Crokinole can also be played using cue sticks, and there is a special category for cue stick participants at the World Crokinole Championships in Tavistock, Ontario, Canada.

Equipment

[edit]
A round tournament style crokinole board. Boards may also be octagonal, which is the more traditional shape.

Board dimensions vary with a playing surface typically of polished wood or laminate approximately 26 inches (660 mm) in diameter. The arrangement is 3 concentric rings worth 5, 10, and 15 points as you move in from the outside. There is a shallow 20-point hole at the centre.[1] The inner 15-point ring is guarded with 8 small bumpers or posts. The outer ring of the board is divided into four quadrants. The outer edge of the board is raised slightly to keep errant shots from flying out, with a gutter between the playing surface and the edge to collect discarded pieces. Crokinole boards are typically octagonal or round in shape. The wooden discs are roughly checker-sized, slightly smaller in diameter than the board's central hole, and typically have one side slightly concave and one side slightly convex, mainly due to the inherent features of wood, more than a planned design. Alternatively, the game may be played with ring-shaped pieces with a central hole.

Powder

[edit]

The use of any lubricating powder in crokinole is controversial, with some purists reviling the practice.

Powder is sometimes used to ensure pieces slide smoothly on the surface. Boric acid was popular for a long time, but is now considered toxic and has been replaced with safer substitutes. The EU has classified Boric acid as a "Serious Health Hazard".[2] In the UK, many players use a version of anti-set-off spray powder, from the printing industry, which has specific electrostatic properties, with particles of 50-micrometre diameter (1.97×10−5 in). The powder is made of pure food-grade plant/vegetable starch.

The World Crokinole Championships in Tavistock, Ontario, Canada, states: "The WCC waxes boards, as required, with paste wax. On tournament day powdered shuffleboard wax (CAPO fast speed, yellow and white container) is placed in the ditch.[3] Only tournament organizers will apply quality granular shuffleboard wax. Wax will be placed in the ditch area so that players can rub their discs in the wax prior to shooting, if they desire. Contestants are not allowed to apply lubricants of any type to the board. Absolutely no other lubricant will be allowed".[4]

Gameplay

[edit]

Crokinole is most commonly played by two players, or by four players in teams of two, with partners sitting across the board from each other. Players take turns flicking their discs from the outer edge of their quadrant of the board onto the playfield. Shooting is usually done by flicking the disc with a finger, though sometimes small cue sticks may be used. If there are any enemy discs on the board, a player must make contact, directly or indirectly, with an enemy disc during the shot. If unsuccessful, the shot disc is "fouled" and removed from the board, along with any of the player's other discs that were moved during the shot.

The international association of crokinole (founded in 2009) has laid out rules for tournaments and competition play, but being a grass roots game, there are equally valid variations which can make game play more or less interesting depending on time and context.

International Association of Crokinole Rules

[edit]

When there are no enemy discs on the board, many (but not all, see Muskoka Variation) rules also state that a player must shoot for the centre of the board, and a shot disc must finish either completely inside the 15-point guarded ring line, or (depending on the specifics of the rules) be inside or touching this line. This is often called the "no hiding" rule, since it prevents players from placing their first shots where their opponent must traverse completely through the guarded centre ring to hit them and avoid fouling. When playing without this rule, a player may generally make any shot desired, and as long as a disc remains completely inside the outer line of the playfield, it remains on the board. During any shot, any disc that falls completely into the recessed central "20" hole (a.k.a. the "Toad" or "Dukie") is removed from play, and counts as twenty points for the owner of the disc at the end of the round, assuming the shot is valid.[5][6]

Crokinole game board scoring zones

Muskoka Variation

The Muskoka Variation was played in and around the region and the rules slightly vary:

  1. A disc may be shot anywhere on the board regardless of being within the 15-point guarded ring line. This does allow for hidden discs and difficult shots
  2. This rule is coupled with the rule that you are not obligated to connect with an enemy disc and a disc played remains in play until it is knocked out of play
  3. If a disc goes into the recessed hole, there is one opportunity for the subsequent opposing player to knock the opponents disc out of the recessed hole (this is requires an extreme and risky flick, but can be done.)

Adding up the scores

[edit]

Scoring occurs after all pieces (generally 12 per player or team) have been played, and is differential: i.e., the player or team with higher score is awarded the difference between the higher and lower scores for the round, thus only one team or player each round gains points. Play continues until a predetermined winning score is reached.

History of the game

[edit]
Crokinole board by M.B. Ross, patented 1880

After 30 years of research, Wayne Kelly published his assessment of the first origins of crokinole, in The Crokinole Book,[7] Third Edition, page 28, which leaves the door open to future research and discovery of the origins of the game of crokinole: "The earliest American crokinole board and reference to the game is M. B. Ross's patented New York board of 1880. The earliest Canadian reference is 1867 (Sports and Games in Canadian Life: 1700 to the Present by Howell and Howell,[8] Toronto, MacMillan Company of Canada, 1969, p.61), and the oldest piece dated at 1875 by Ekhardt Wettlaufer.[9]

The earliest known crokinole board was made by craftsman Eckhardt Wettlaufer in 1876 in Perth County, Ontario, Canada. It is said Wettlaufer crafted the board as a fifth birthday present for his son Adam, which is now part of the collection at the Joseph Schneider Haus, a national historic site in Kitchener, Ontario, with a focus on Germanic folk art.[10] Several other home-made boards dating from southwestern Ontario in the 1870s have been discovered since the 1990s. A board game similar to crokinole was patented on 20 April 1880 by Joshua K. Ingalls (US Patent No. 226,615).[11][12][unreliable source]

Crokinole is often believed to be of Mennonite or Amish origins, but there is no factual data to support such a claim. The reason for this misconception may be due to its popularity in Mennonite and Amish groups. The game was viewed as a rather innocuous pastime – unlike the perception that diversions such as card playing or dancing were considered "works of the Devil" as held by many 19th-century Protestant groups.[13] The oldest roots of crokinole, from the 1860s, suggest the British and South Asian games, such as carrom, are the most likely antecedents of what became crokinole.[14]

Crokinole board by M.B. Ross, patented 1880

In 2006, a documentary film called Crokinole was released. The world premiere occurred at the Princess Cinema in Waterloo, Ontario, in early 2006. The movie follows some of the competitors of the 2004 World Crokinole Championship as they prepare for the event.[15][16]

Origins of the name

[edit]

The name "crokinole" derives from croquignole, a French word today designating:

  1. in France, a kind of cookie (or biscuit in British English),[15] similar to a biscotto;
  2. in French Canada, a pastry somewhat similar to a doughnut (except for the shape).[17][18]

It also used to designate the action of flicking with the finger (Molière, Le malade imaginaire; or Voltaire, Lettre à Frédéric II Roi de Prusse; etc.), and this seems the most likely origin of the name of the game. Croquignole was also a synonym of pichenotte, a word that gave its name to the different but related games of pichenotte and pitchnut.

From The Crokinole Book 3rd Edition[7] by Wayne S. Kelly "Is it possible that the English word 'crokinole' is simply an etymological offspring of the French word 'croquignole'? It would appear so for the following reasons. Going back to the entry for Crokinole in Webster's Third New International Dictionary, within the etymological brackets, it says: [French croquignole, fillip].[19] This is a major clue. The word fillip, according to Webster's, has two definitions: "1. a blow or gesture made by the sudden forcible release of a finger curled up against the thumb; a short sharp blow. 2. to strike by holding the nail of a finger curled up against the ball of the thumb and then suddenly releasing it from that position". So it seems evident, then, that our game of crokinole derives its name from the verb form (of croquignole) defining the principal action in the game, that of flicking or 'filliping' a playing piece across the board".

The word Crokinole is generally acknowledged to have been derived from the French Canadian word "Croquignole",[20] a word with several meanings,[21] such as fillip, snap, biscuit, bun and a woman's wavy hairstyle popular at the turn of the century. The US state of New York shares border crossings with both of the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, all three of which are popular "hotbeds" of Crokinole playing.

Crokinole is called knipsbrat ('flick-board') (and occasionally knipsdesh (flick-table)) in the Plautdietsch spoken by Russian Mennonites.

World Crokinole Championship

[edit]
World Crokinole Championship 1999, in Tavistock, Ontario, Canada

The World Crokinole Championship (WCC) tournament has been held annually since 1999 on the first Saturday of June in Tavistock, Ontario. Tavistock was chosen as the host city because it was the home of Eckhardt Wettlaufer, the maker of the earliest known board. The tournament has seen registration from every Canadian province, several American states, Germany, Australia, Spain, the UK[22], and Japan[23].

The WCC singles competition begins with a qualifying round in which competitors play 10 matches against randomly assigned opponents. The qualifying round is played in a large randomly determined competition. At the end of the opening round, the top 16 competitors move on to the playoffs. The top four in the playoffs advance to a final round robin to play each other, and the top two compete in the finals. The WCC doubles competition begins with a qualifying round of 8 matches against randomly assigned opponents with the top six teams advancing to a playoff round robin to determine the champions.[24]

The WCC has multiple divisions, including a singles finger-shooting category for competitive players (adult singles), novices (recreational), and younger players (intermediate, 11–14 yrs; junior, 6–10 yrs), as well as a division for cue-shooters (cues singles). The WCC also awards a prize for the top 20-hole shooter in the qualifying round of competitive singles, recreational singles, cues singles, intermediate singles, and in the junior singles. The tournament also holds doubles divisions for competitive fingers-shooting (competitive doubles), novices (recreational doubles), younger players (youth doubles, 6–16yrs), and cues-shooting (cues doubles).

World Crokinole Championship 1999

The official board builder of the World Crokinole Championships is Jeremy Tracey.[25]

National Crokinole Association

[edit]

The National Crokinole Association (NCA) is an association that supports existing, and the development of new, crokinole clubs and tournaments.[26] While the majority of NCA events are based in Ontario, Canada, the NCA has held sanctioned events in the Canadian provinces of PEI and BC, as well as in New York State.[27]

The collection of NCA tournaments is referred to as the NCA Tour. Each NCA Tour season begins at the Tavistock World Crokinole Championships in June, and concludes at the Ontario Singles Crokinole Championship in May of the following years. The results of each tournament award points for each player, as they compete for their season-ending ranking classification.[28]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Crokinole

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Crokinole is a dexterity-based , similar to , , and , originating in , , in the 1870s. It is typically played by 2 to 4 players on a circular wooden board featuring concentric scoring zones and a central hole. Players take turns flicking small wooden discs from the outer edge toward the center, aiming to land in high-scoring areas—such as the 20-point central hole or the surrounding 15-, 10-, and 5-point rings—or to knock opponents' discs into lower zones or off the board entirely. The game emphasizes precision and strategy, with the first to reach 100 points winning. The earliest known board was crafted in 1876 by Eckhardt Wettlaufer in , as a gift for his , and it remains preserved at the Joseph Schneider Haus in Kitchener. A similar version was patented on April 20, 1880, by Joshua K. Ingalls, reflecting the game's rapid early adoption and evolution from homemade designs in during the . Though popular among Mennonite and communities as an acceptable form of entertainment—unlike card games or dancing—its origins are not tied exclusively to those groups and may draw influences from 19th-century British and South Asian dexterity games. Crokinole has endured as a family and competitive pastime, with organized tournaments including the annual World Crokinole Championship held in , , since 1999, drawing international players and highlighting its global appeal despite its regional roots. Modern boards are often handmade from hardwoods like sugar maple, adhering to tournament standards for smooth surfaces and precise dimensions to ensure fair play. Its simplicity, portability, and replayability have contributed to a resurgence in interest, particularly through online communities and custom craftsmanship.

Equipment

Board Design

The standard Crokinole board features a circular playing surface measuring 26 inches (66 cm) in diameter, raised one-half inch above the surrounding frame, and constructed from polished hardwood such as to ensure a smooth gliding action for the discs. Tournament boards adhere to these dimensions set by the National Crokinole Association (NCA), while traditional designs often adopt an octagonal shape for aesthetic and structural reasons. The board's layout is divided into four quadrants to designate player territories, marked by lines radiating from the center to the outer edge. Concentric scoring rings are etched at radii of 4 inches for the 15-point zone, 8 inches for the 10-point zone, and 12 inches for the 5-point outer area, with the shooting line positioned just inside the perimeter. At the center lies a recessed bullseye , 1-3/8 inches in diameter and 6 deep, awarding 20 points, guarded by eight bumpers or pegs evenly spaced around the boundary of the 15-point ring to deflect and contain incoming discs. An outer gutter, or ditch, 2 inches wide encircles the playing surface, into which discs falling beyond the boundary are removed, with the rail beyond it no thicker than one-half inch. Historically, the earliest documented Crokinole board dates to 1876, handcrafted by Eckhardt Wettlaufer in , , from in a rudimentary round form as a gift for his son. Early boards were typically artisanal, using local hardwoods and simple joinery techniques passed down in rural communities, particularly among . In modern production, boards range from handcrafted premium versions with exotic wood veneers to mass-produced models utilizing or medium-density (MDF) cores for affordability and consistency, though tournament play requires adherence to NCA wood-surface standards to maintain optimal playability, often enhanced by applying fine powder.

Playing Discs

The playing discs in Crokinole, also known as pucks or buttons, serve as the primary pieces that players flick across the board. They are typically constructed from hard for its durability and smooth finish, measuring 1 1/8 inches (approximately 28.6 mm) in diameter and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) thick for traditional sets, or 1 1/4 inches (31.8 mm) in diameter for tournament-sized versions. Due to the wood-turning manufacturing process, the discs often feature a slight concavity on one side and convexity on the other, which contributes to their stability when resting and influences their behavior during flicks. A standard game employs 24 discs total, divided into 12 per color to distinguish between players or teams, with colors such as black, natural wood, red, green, blue, and yellow commonly used. In four-player doubles, each team of two shares a set of 12 color-matched discs. Traditionally, these discs are hand-turned on a from solid hard blanks, then painted and finished with a glossy to enhance slide and appearance. Modern manufacturing includes options in or composites, offering greater resistance to wear and impact while maintaining similar dimensions for compatibility with standard boards.

Lubricants and Powder

Lubricants and powders play a key role in Crokinole by reducing on the board surface, enabling discs to slide smoothly and predictably during flicks. This minimizes sticking, which can otherwise disrupt shot control and lead to inconsistent gameplay, particularly on well-varnished boards that may accumulate minor residues over time. The primary purpose is to enhance precision and speed without altering the game's fundamental dynamics, allowing players to focus on strategy and technique rather than surface resistance. Common substances include granular waxes, such as CAPO or SunGlo brands, which are finely milled powders often containing beads, , or similar materials. These are typically placed in the board's outer , where players lightly rub their discs before each turn to coat the underside. For casual play, natural alternatives like food-grade cornstarch or are occasionally used, as they provide similar reduction while being non-toxic and easily accessible, though they may require more frequent reapplication due to absorption of moisture. Application involves sprinkling a small amount—often via a shaker—directly onto the playing area or , ensuring even distribution without excess buildup that could affect scoring accuracy. officials may also apply wax to the surface if environmental factors, like , impact play. The use of lubricants remains controversial within the Crokinole community, with some traditionalists arguing that high-quality varnished boards perform adequately without them, viewing powders as unnecessary and potentially damaging to the finish through repeated abrasion. In competitive settings, debates center on natural versus synthetic options, as synthetic waxes can create faster surfaces that may confer an unfair advantage. To promote fairness, major tournaments governed by the National Crokinole Association strictly limit usage to granular wax, prohibiting other lubricants like oils, sprays, or alternative powders that could unevenly influence disc speed. This standardization helps maintain equitable conditions across events. Powder is typically applied as part of initial board preparation to set consistent play conditions.

Gameplay

Setup and Preparation

To prepare for a game of Crokinole, players first determine the number of participants, which can be two for singles or four for doubles, with seating arranged so that opponents or partners occupy opposite sides of the board. In singles play, each player uses a distinct color of discs and sits across from their opponent, while in doubles, partners sit opposite each other and share the same disc color, differentiated from the opposing team's color. Each player is provided with eight discs in singles or six in doubles, which are kept aside until their turn. On their turn, the player places one disc flat and stationary in their designated quadrant, touching the shooting line (the outer boundary of the quadrant). The board must be placed on a stable, level surface to ensure fair play, with any removed to maintain a clean playing area. Conditioning the board involves applying granular wax evenly across the surface to facilitate smooth disc movement, typically using a light dusting shaken from a sifter-top container; excess can be blown away gently. Players also rub their discs in the placed in the board's surrounding to reduce during flicks. No other lubricants are permitted in official play to preserve consistency. Before commencing, participants agree on the game format—singles or doubles—and parameters such as the target score, often 100 points for casual games, or a fixed number of rounds (typically four) for competitive settings. Any house rules, such as variations in scoring or turn order, should be established at this stage to avoid disputes. The starting player or team is decided by chance, such as a coin toss or , with turns proceeding thereafter.

Taking Turns and Flicking

Players take turns in a direction around the board, beginning with a player selected by mutual agreement or a random method such as drawing lots or a coin flip. In singles play, opponents alternate who starts each round, while in doubles, partners decide who shoots first if their team is chosen to begin, with the starting obligation rotating after each round. On their turn, a player places one disc flat on the board in their designated quadrant, ensuring it touches the outer boundary line or the quadrant dividing line without crossing into another player's area. The flick is executed by pressing the index or against of the shooting hand to create tension, then releasing to propel the disc toward the center. Only the shooting hand, wrist, and forearm may contact the board during the shot, and the player must remain seated with one buttock on the chair to prevent leaning. A shot is valid only if the propelled disc contacts at least one opponent's disc, or, if no opponent's discs are on the board, the shooting disc or any disc it strikes comes to rest touching or within the 15-point line. Invalid shots result in the disc being removed without scoring, and the turn passes to the next player. All discs must come to a complete stop before the next shot is attempted. The technique emphasizes precision and control, as the disc is aimed to either nestle in favorable positions relative to the starting lines established during setup or to disrupt opponents' discs. Discs in play can interact dynamically, with a player's shot potentially bumping, blocking, or caroming off other discs to alter their positions. Strategic shots often involve knocking an opponent's disc toward the outer edges or into the gutter to reduce its scoring potential, while protecting one's own pieces. If a disc comes to rest touching or crossing the outer boundary line after being struck, it is considered out of play and immediately removed to the side, with no opportunity for re-entry in that round; however, any discs it struck retain their new positions unless also out of play. This removal applies to both the shooter's disc and any affected pieces that fall off, ensuring the board clears of invalid positions promptly.

Scoring System

In Crokinole, points are awarded based on the final position of a player's discs at the end of each round, with values determined by concentric zones on the board. A disc that comes to rest completely within the central scores 20 points, provided it lies flat and is fully inside without touching the edge. Discs positioned entirely within the innermost ring (inside the pegs) score 15 points, those in the middle ring score 10 points, and discs in the outermost ring score 5 points; discs that fall into the gutter or off the board score 0 points. Only discs that are wholly contained within a single zone qualify for that zone's value, with no points awarded for discs touching or crossing dividing lines—such discs are instead valued at the lower adjacent zone to ensure clear boundaries. The counting process occurs after all possible shots have been taken in a round, at which point players tally the points from all their discs still on the board, plus any 20-point discs that were sunk and removed earlier in the round (which must be kept visible until scoring). Sunk 20-point discs are set aside immediately after each successful shot but contribute to the total only at round's end, and all players must agree on positions and values before any discs are disturbed to prevent disputes. This method emphasizes precision in disc placement through flicking actions, where strategic shots aim to land in high-value zones or displace opponents' discs. In team play, particularly under traditional scoring rules, differential scoring is applied by subtracting the opponents' total points from one's own for the round before adding the net difference to the team's overall game score, which encourages aggressive play to minimize rivals' positioning in scoring areas. Official tournament rules from the National Crokinole Association, however, use a simplified system where the team with the higher round total receives 2 points toward the match, a tie awards 1 point to each, and the loser gets 0, with games typically consisting of four such rounds.

Determining the Winner

In standard Crokinole play, particularly in casual or home settings, the game continues over multiple rounds until one player or team reaches or exceeds a predetermined total score, commonly 100 points, at which point they are declared the winner. This target can be adjusted to 50 points or higher based on player agreement to suit the desired game length. The cumulative points from each round's scoring differential contribute to this total, ensuring the game builds progressively toward resolution. In organized tournament play under official rules, such as those of the National Crokinole Association (NCA), a game instead consists of a fixed number of rounds, typically four, with the winner determined by the highest number of match points earned—2 points for winning a round and 1 point each for a tied round. Even if a clear winner emerges before the final round concludes, all players must complete their turns to finalize the round's scoring. If the overall scores remain tied after the standard rounds, a round is played, and persistent ties are resolved by comparing the number of 20-point shots (discs in the central hole) made during the game. Following the final round, the board is cleared of all discs, and the official scores are tallied to confirm the victor. In competitive events, additional tiebreakers beyond 20-point counts may include head-to-head results from prior games or, as a last resort, a sudden-death flick-off where players alternate single shots until one successfully scores in the hole.

Rules Variations

Singles and Doubles Formats

Crokinole is primarily played in two formats: singles and doubles, each adapting the core to different player counts and dynamics. In singles play, two opponents compete directly, seated on opposite sides of the board with discs of distinct colors. Each player uses eight discs per National Crokinole Association (NCA) tournament rules, though casual play often uses 12 discs per player; turns alternate in a manner starting from one player's side, with the starting player alternating each round across the standard four-round game. Scoring occurs at the end of each round by tallying points from the player's own discs that remain in the scoring zones—20 for the center hole, 15 for the inner ring, 10 for the middle ring, and 5 for the outer ring—with the player achieving the higher total awarded two game points for the round, or one point each in case of a tie. No is permitted during singles matches, emphasizing individual skill and precision in flicking to outscore the opponent without external input. Doubles play involves four players forming two teams of two, with partners seated opposite each other and using the same color discs, distinct from the opposing team. Each player employs six discs per NCA rules (team total of twelve), though casual variants may use 12 per team; turns proceed clockwise around the board, allowing teams to alternate shots effectively. Partners determine their internal turn order at the start, and the team that begins a round alternates across games. Scoring mirrors singles but aggregates points from both partners' discs per round, with the team holding the higher combined total securing two game points, or one each for ties. Unlike singles, a doubles player may receive coaching solely from their partner during play, fostering collaborative strategy. The formats introduce distinct strategic elements: singles prioritizes personal accuracy and independent decision-making, as players must position discs to block opponents while maximizing their own scoring without assistance. In doubles, becomes central, with players often setting up favorable positions for their partner's subsequent shot and coordinating tactics like defensive blocks or aggressive knock-offs to benefit the team total. These differences adapt the turn order from individual alternation in singles to team-based sequencing in doubles, enhancing partnership dynamics without altering the fundamental flicking mechanics.

Alternative House Rules

In casual settings, players frequently modify the official National Crokinole Association (NCA) rules to create more relaxed or customized experiences. These house rules vary by group but often emphasize accessibility and fun over competitive precision. A common variant requires the shooter to contact an opponent's disc directly, without first hitting one's own discs, to prevent complex chain reactions and invalid shots. This contrasts with NCA guidelines, where hitting an opponent's disc after contacting one's own remains valid if the opponent is ultimately struck. Simplified scoring eliminates the NCA's fixed four-round structure, instead awarding the point differential from each round (e.g., 30-10 yields 20 points) and continuing until a player or team reaches 100 points total. Some groups shorten this to 50 points for quicker games. The "cue shot" allowance permits using a rather than fingers for flicking, often limited to the starting player or players with mobility challenges, promoting inclusivity while maintaining core flick mechanics. Regional differences appear in play styles, such as continuous rounds without predefined ends or penalties like forfeiting the shooter's disc and an extra turn for completely missing the board, which heightens risk in informal matches. The NCA, founded in 2009, addresses these inconsistencies by enforcing its rules in all sanctioned tournaments, fostering uniformity and serving as a reference to reconcile house variations in non-competitive play.

History and Etymology

Invention and Early Development

The earliest known Crokinole board was crafted in 1876 by Eckhardt Wettlaufer, a wagon maker and craftsman, in Sebastopol, Ontario, Canada, as a fifth birthday gift for his son Adam. This handmade oak board, featuring a circular playing surface with a central hole, is preserved at the Joseph Schneider Haus and Museum in Kitchener, Ontario, and marks the first documented evidence of the game. Wettlaufer's creation emerged in a rural German-settler community, possibly influenced by Mennonite or Amish traditions that favored non-gambling pastimes as alternatives to card games. Crokinole's design likely drew from earlier dexterity games, including —a South Asian flicking game brought to via British colonial trade—and European variants like and , which involved sliding or flicking discs on wooden surfaces toward targets. These influences combined elements of skill and strategy, adapting them to a round board with raised edges to contain play. The game's roots reflect a blend of British, French-Canadian, and South Asian traditions, evolving in Ontario's immigrant communities during the mid- to late . A similar game-board was patented on April 20, 1880, by Joshua K. Ingalls (US Patent No. 226,615). Around the same time, M.B. Ross of New York began mass-producing octagonal Crokinole boards stamped with the date April 20, 1880. This marked the game's formal introduction to wider markets, though Canadian handmade versions continued to dominate locally. In the and , Crokinole spread rapidly through Ontario's rural and Mennonite communities, where families crafted personalized boards that often became enduring heirlooms passed down through generations. Early adoption emphasized its role as a wholesome, indoor activity suited to long winters, fostering social bonds without the vices associated with saloon games.

Origins of the Name

The name "Crokinole" derives from the French word croquignole, an anglicization that entered English usage around the late . This term originally referred to a small, crunchy or , similar to a doughnut hole, but also denoted the action of flicking or snapping with the thumb and forefinger, evoking the game's central mechanic of propelling discs. The earliest documented English use of "crokinole" appears in , in a Milwaukee newspaper describing the game as it emerged in , . It is closely linked to the French Canadian term pichenotte (or pichenette), which broadly describes any flicking game and stems from the verb pichenotter, meaning to flick or snap a small object. This connection underscores the game's roots in French-influenced regions of , where croquignole and pichenotte both capture the flicking motion essential to play. In regional naming conventions, the game is commonly known as "crokinole" among English-speaking , while French-speaking communities in and often refer to it simply as , encompassing crokinole and similar disc-flicking variants. This bilingual nomenclature reflects the cultural blending in early Canadian settlements, particularly in where the game was first developed.

Tournaments and Organizations

World Crokinole Championship

The World Crokinole Championship is the premier annual competitive tournament for the game, held since 1999 in , , . Organized at the local recreational centre, it draws hundreds of participants and spectators, establishing itself as the flagship event in organized Crokinole play. Attendance has grown significantly, with over 610 registrants in 2025—more than double the inaugural event— including players from 16 US states, 7 Canadian provinces, and various countries. The tournament features singles and doubles divisions across categories including competitive adults, recreational/novice players, junior and intermediate youth, and cue-shooting (using short cues). The event structure emphasizes competitive progression through multiple stages. Preliminary rounds consist of round-robin play, with singles competitors playing 10 games of 8 minutes each in adult categories (fewer for ) and doubles teams playing 8 games of 13 minutes each. In competitive singles, the top 16 players (if fewer than 50 entrants) or top 32 (if 50 or more) advance to two or four playoff pools of 8 respectively for a 7-game round-robin each, with the top 2 from each pool proceeding to best-of-3 matches (first to 5 points). Other categories, such as , have adjusted preliminary formats. In doubles, the top 12 teams move to two semifinal pools for 5-game round-robins, followed by placement matches, including a final first-to-7-points game between pool winners. Strict no-powder rules apply in competitive divisions, prohibiting players from adding to the board during games to maintain consistent playing conditions, while tournament-provided is used in the ditch. The championship attracts international competitors from countries including , , , , , and the (as of 2025), though Canadian players have dominated wins since inception, with recent champions including Shawn Hagarty in 2025. Notable figures include multiple-time singles champion Justin Slater (five titles) and Louis Gauthier, a prominent contender with strong placements in both singles and doubles. The format underscores Crokinole's strategic elements, such as precise shot placement akin to and billiards, rewarding tactical decision-making and skill over luck. The National Crokinole Association provides organizational support for the event.

National Crokinole Association

The National Crokinole Association (NCA) was formed in with the mission of fostering the development of crokinole by connecting isolated groups of enthusiasts, primarily in , . The organization's purpose centers on unifying playing rules across diverse local traditions, supporting the establishment and growth of crokinole clubs, and organizing structured tournaments to promote competitive and social engagement with the game. Key activities of the NCA include administering the annual NCA Tour, which runs from June to June and begins with the tournament in , featuring a tiered structure of independently operated tournaments where players earn ranking points, culminating with the World Crokinole Championship in , . The association also facilitates club development through resources and guidance for forming new groups, while codifying official rules to standardize tournament formats and address common house rule variations, ensuring consistent play nationwide. The NCA's impact lies in cultivating competitive crokinole communities, with membership—open to those aged 16 and older upon application and review—providing benefits such as official rankings, event participation access, and networking opportunities among players. By reviving and standardizing this traditional Canadian pastime, the organization preserves its while expanding organized play in and surrounding regions.

Cultural Significance

Role in Canadian Culture

Crokinole has long been regarded as a quintessential Canadian pastime, particularly in , where its origins trace back to late 19th-century rural communities including Mennonite areas. The game emerged as a wholesome indoor activity during long winters, fostering family bonds and social interaction in rural settings since the late 19th century. Often associated with Mennonite and communities, it served as an accessible form of entertainment that aligned with their values of simplicity and communal play, though its invention is not exclusively tied to these groups. Boards were handmade and passed down through generations, embedding the game in everyday life as a symbol of resourcefulness amid harsh rural conditions. Socially, Crokinole exemplifies Canadian ingenuity in dexterity games, blending elements of European and Asian influences into a uniquely homegrown pursuit that emphasizes skill and patience over physical exertion. It remains prevalent in rural homes across and beyond, where it facilitates gatherings and lighthearted competition without the need for elaborate equipment. The game's presence in community halls and local events underscores its role in building social ties, often played during family visits or informal meetups as an alternative to more vigorous outdoor sports like hockey. Crokinole's cultural footprint is evident in media portrayals and institutional preservation efforts. A 2006 titled Crokinole, directed by Joshua and Jonathan Steckley, captured the game's competitive spirit at the World Crokinole Championship in , , highlighting its enduring appeal as a little-known yet passionate pursuit. As a tangible piece of heritage, antique boards are conserved in Canadian museums, such as the Royal Ontario Museum's example from 1890–1910 and the Canadian Museum of History's circa-1950 set, recognizing Crokinole as an artifact of national recreational tradition.

Global Popularity and Modern Revival

Crokinole enjoys widespread international appeal, extending well beyond its Canadian roots to players in the United States, particularly along the east coast, as well as in and . In , the has seen growing enthusiasm through dedicated clubs like the Hackney Crokinole Club in and organizations such as Crokinole UK, which organize tournaments and community events to foster the game's expansion. The game's status as a premier family dexterity title is underscored by its 8.1 out of 10 rating on , based on over 20,000 user reviews that highlight its accessibility and replayability across generations. The has marked a notable revival for Crokinole, fueled by a boom in online sales and the proliferation of custom boards crafted by independent makers to suit personal preferences in design and materials. Commercial productions, including Mayday Games' Elite Series, have democratized access to tournament-quality boards by offering premium features at half the cost of options, thereby broadening the player base. This resurgence is further amplified by digital innovations, such as mobile apps like Crokinole Duel on Android and Crokinole Board Game Online on , which simulate realistic physics and multiplayer modes to engage tech-savvy users. Contemporary trends demonstrate Crokinole's integration into diverse social and educational contexts, including board game cafes where establishments like Board Game Cafe in the United States host weekly Crokinole nights to attract casual players. programs leverage the game to build executive functioning skills, such as impulse control and , for children aged 8 and older, with dedicated youth divisions featured in major events like the World Crokinole Championship. variants, particularly digital adaptations using and virtual interfaces, enable inclusive play for individuals with physical disabilities by reducing the need for precise manual dexterity. The 2025 World Crokinole Championship, held on June 7 in , , drew record participation and was won by Shawn Hagarty, underscoring the game's continued global enthusiasm as of 2025.

References

  1. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/521/crokinole
  2. https://crokinole.ca/pages/the-history-of-crokinole
  3. https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/the-complete-rules-for-the-board-game-crokinole-411303
  4. https://www.mastersofgames.com/rules/crokinole-rules.htm
  5. https://www.worldcrokinole.com/
  6. https://nationalcrokinoleassociation.com/resources/Tournament%20Tips%20and%20Standards.pdf
  7. https://crokinole.ca/blogs/news/crokinole-board-types
  8. https://nationalcrokinoleassociation.com/resources/rules.html
  9. https://www.reddit.com/r/Crokinole/comments/18ngols/does_anyone_know_the_correct_distance_the_pegs/
  10. https://www.worldcrokinole.com/history.html
  11. https://crokinole.ca/blogs/news/crokinole-discs-faq
  12. https://www.maydaygames.com/blogs/news/crokinole-board-pieces-an-in-depth-guide
  13. https://store.workshopsupply.com/catalogue/crokinole-discs-c-1529_1646_2082.html
  14. https://crokinole-depot.square.site/product/Crokinole-Discs/56
  15. https://crokinoledepot.com/crokinole-rules.html
  16. https://www.maydaygames.com/blogs/news/crokinole-mastery-rules-strategies-and-tactics-for-2-3-and-4-player-games
  17. https://www.browncastlegames.com/products/resin-crokinole-discs-natural-tones
  18. https://www.browncastlegames.com/blogs/news/maintaining-your-crokinole-board
  19. https://www.mastersofgames.com/misc/faq/disk-fast-slide-gliss-smooth-glide-powder-capo-carrom-crokinole-shuffleboard.htm
  20. https://crokinole.ca/products/ultra-fast-crokinole-board-powder
  21. https://crokinoleboards.squarespace.com/s/Crokinole-Rules-compressed-1.pdf
  22. https://woodestic.com/game-rules/
  23. https://traceyboards.com/crokinole-skills-video-series/crokinole-rules-official-national-crokinole-association-rules-by-wcc-board-builder-jeremy-tracey/
  24. https://www.worldcrokinole.com/thegame.html
  25. https://traceyboards.com/crokinole-scoring-explained/
  26. https://fgbradleys.com/wp-content/uploads/rules/Crokinole_Rules.pdf
  27. https://traceyboards.com/shop/crokinole-accessories/crokinole-cues/
  28. https://www.rom.on.ca/blog-post/canada-150-ontario-crokinole-board
  29. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/history-crokinole-manitoba-1.3967802
  30. https://www.pichenotte.com/history/
  31. https://patents.google.com/patent/US226615A/en
  32. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamepublisher/45738/m-b-ross
  33. https://www.buckboardsally.com/the-history-of-crokinole
  34. https://www.oed.com/dictionary/crokinole_n
  35. https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/arts-culture-society/crokinole
  36. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crokinole
  37. https://www.pichenotte.com/history-2-2/
  38. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/crokinole
  39. https://www.worldcrokinole.com/welcome.html
  40. https://www.simcoereformer.ca/news/local-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-world-crokinole-championship
  41. https://www.worldcrokinole.com/tournament.html
  42. https://www.worldcrokinole.com/faq.html
  43. https://www.worldcrokinole.com/headline%20news/winner2025.html
  44. https://nationalcrokinoleassociation.com/about.html
  45. https://nationalcrokinoleassociation.com/
  46. https://nationalcrokinoleassociation.com/tournaments.html
  47. https://nationalcrokinoleassociation.com/resources.html
  48. https://crokinole.store/en-nl/blogs/getting-started-with-crokinole-a-guide-to-the-basics/crokinole-championships
  49. https://www.mysafyhome.com/crokinoleblog/who-is-eckhardt-wettlaufer-the-creator-of-crokinole
  50. https://www.canadashistory.ca/explore/arts-culture-society/the-all-canadian-game-crokinole
  51. https://traceyboards.com/the-fascinating-story-of-the-crokinole-board-game/
  52. https://www.maydaygames.com/blogs/news/9-unique-facts-about-crokinole-history
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0830805/
  54. https://www.historymuseum.ca/collections/artifact/1377245
  55. https://www.cbc.ca/life/culture/the-beginner-s-guide-to-the-greatest-pastimes-crokinole-1.4758639
  56. https://www.reddit.com/r/Crokinole/comments/spynko/the_hackney_crokinole_club_uk/
  57. https://crokinoleuk.com/
  58. https://www.crokinolecraft.com/shop/custom-orders
  59. https://www.maydaygames.com/collections/elite-crokinole-boards
  60. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.JabGames.Crokinole
  61. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/crokinole-board-game-online/id6443845016
  62. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGwXTNVxwu4/?hl=en
  63. https://www.foothillsacademy.org/community/articles/play-up-your-childs-ef
  64. https://crokinole.altervista.org/world-crokinole-championship-2024-program/
  65. https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/board-game/opinion/digital-board-games-accessibility-crokinole
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.