Let’s Play Crokinole: The Complete Handbook

Let’s Play Crokinole: The Complete Handbook

Copyright © 2024 Michel Cloutier.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic without the written permission of the author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. The unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law. All the contents and graphics published in this book are the property of the author, Michel Cloutier unless otherwise stated.

ISBN: 978-1-7750033-8-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7750033-9-7 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty:

Please note the information contained within this document is for entertainment purposes only. All effort has been made to present complete, accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are declared or implied. The content within this book was derived from various sources. The information and strategies contained in this book may not be suitable for every situation. This book is sold with the understanding that the author is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services.

Published: October 2024

Acknowledgment to All

Crokinole Players

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all crokinole players whose passion and dedication have made the game an exciting and valuable part of our lives.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the organizers, volunteers, and supporters who are working tirelessly to promote crokinole in our communities. Your efforts to organize tournaments and share resources, both in person and through a variety of social media platforms are invaluable in sustaining the growth and popularity of crokinole.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to all the pioneers whose passion has preserved crokinole through the generations. Your contributions have laid the foundation for a flourishing community and inspired countless people to discover this great game.

I salute each and every crokinole player for your dedication, sportsmanship, and love of the game. Together, we will continue to write new chapters in the modern history of crokinole.

Sincerely,

Michel Cloutier

table of CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Introduction to Crokinole

Chapter 2 A Deep Dive into the Crokinole Board

What Are Your Choices in Crokinole Boards?

Making the Best Crokinole Purchase for Your Needs

Recreational vs Competitive

Octagonal vs Round Crokinole Boards

Starter Boards

Anatomy of a Crokinole Board

Accessories You May Want

Maintaining Your New Crokinole Board

Chapter 3 Setting Up for Success

Chapter 4 Mastering the Basics for a Strong Foundation

Mastering the Basics of Flicking

Making the Perfect Shot

Understanding the Crokinole Disc

Time for Your Training Sessions

Chapter 5 An Introduction to the Rules

Getting Ready to Play

Everyone, Take Your Places

Rules for the Playing Surface

Keeping Score

Alternate or Optional Rules

Chapter 6 Developing a Winning Strategy

The Three Phases

Detailed Strategy for Singles Play

Offensive vs Defensive Strategies

Thinking Ahead

Chapter 7 Advanced Shots and Techniques

Let’s Begin With the 90-Degree Rule

The 30-Degree Rule

When to Use the 90-Degree Rule and the 30-Degree Rule

Chapter 8 Playing Solo: Making Practice Enjoyable

Chapter 9 Navigating Crokinole Clubs and Tournaments

The National Crokinole Association

Crokinole Clubs

Organizing Your Own Crokinole Club

Crokinole Tournaments

Is Competitive Crokinole for You?

Organizing Your Own Crokinole Tournament

Let’s Keep Promoting Crokinole

Etiquette To Keep It Fun

Chapter 10 Enhancing Your Skills: Drills and Exercises

Training Drills to Stay on Top of Your Game

Chapter 11 Crokinole Variants and Special Rules

Chapter 12 A Short History of Crokinole

Appendices:

Appendix A: Crokinole Vocabulary: Definitions of Popular Terms

Appendix B: Organizing a Crokinole Event: Essential Checklist

Appendix C: Crokinole Rules at a Glance

How to Use This Guide

Reading Sequence

While some chapters or sections build on knowledge from previous pages, you don't necessarily need to read this guide in order. However, starting from the beginning might be beneficial, especially if you are new to the great game of crokinole.

Making Assumptions

Obviously, I don't know all my readers personally, so I make a few assumptions about you:

You enjoy playing crokinole or are considering taking it up as a hobby.

You own a crokinole board or have access to one.

You have little to no experience playing crokinole.

You are an experienced player who loves to read anything and everything about crokinole. If this describes you, then you and I will get along just fine.

More Resources and Information to Stay Up to Date

Take full advantage of the many resources available on my website and Facebook page, including templates, scorecards, answer sheets, practice sheets, and more.

The National Crokinole Association (NCA) has a set of rules and procedures that govern how tournaments and other events are managed. This guide uses the 2022 reference to explain these rules and procedures. Be sure to check the NCA website periodically for any updates.

National Crokinole Association - http://nationalcrokinoleassociation.com/

CROKINOLE: The Illustrated Guide - https://crokinole.wixsite.com/illustrated-guide/home

Let’s Play Crokinole - https://www.facebook.com/groups/letsplaycrokinole

1. Introduction to Crokinole

Among the many booths at any gaming convention, you will find game publishers, developers, and retailers showcasing new and upcoming games, along with their merchandise, and accessories. You will also have opportunities to try out new board games, card games, video games, and other types of games. Among these, you will find a round wooden board game set on tables surrounded by four chairs. A sign in big bold letters welcoming visitors reads Crokinole. For those observing these boards with coloured discs and wondering, What is this new game? little do they know that this well-crafted pastime has been around for over 140 years and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, making a strong comeback.

The precise birthplace of crokinole remains shrouded in the mists of history, with various communities laying claim to its creation. Nevertheless, its roots are firmly planted on Canadian soil in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. From here, it quickly spread across the country and eventually beyond, finding a place in households and community centers alike.

At its simplest, crokinole is a dexterity game of precision, played on a circular wooden board with concentric rings and a center hole. Players take turns flicking small discs, known as buttons or pucks, from the outer edge of the playing surface towards the center. The goal is to accumulate points by landing discs in higher-scoring areas while disrupting their opponent's attempt to do the same.

The game of crokinole is simple in concept, and the rules can be learned quickly, yet it offers a depth of strategic possibilities that continue to attract players of all ages. Each time you set the disc on the shooting line you must weigh the possibilities. Before you flick the disc, you must balance the risk and the reward, choosing between an aggressive shot to secure a high-scoring position or a defensive maneuver to protect your own discs from being displaced.

Unlike many modern tabletop games that require extensive rules and setup, crokinole can be learned in minutes and enjoyed by players of varying skill levels. Its built-in mechanics make it an ideal choice for family gatherings, friendly get-togethers, or intense competitions like the World Crokinole Championship.

It’s true when they say, that crokinole takes minutes to learn but a lifetime to master.

In a world dominated by screens and virtual experiences, the sensation of holding a wooden disc, the satisfying thwack as it strikes another disc, and the shared excitement of face-to-face interaction with a flesh and blood human offers a refreshing antidote to the virtual disconnect that electronic and virtual games offer.

As we delve deeper into the world of crokinole, we uncover a tapestry of strategies, techniques, and anecdotes that illustrate why this game is so appealing. You will quickly discover the excitement of landing a 20 (a term used to describe landing a disc in the center hole for maximum points) and the tension experienced when deciding between offensive and defensive plays in competitive scenarios. You will understand the rewards players experience, whether competing against world champions or playing among friends and family at home.

In the pages that follow, we will embark on a journey through the history, gameplay, and culture of crokinole, exploring its evolution from its humble beginnings to a cherished tradition enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide. Through interviews with players, analysis of strategies, and reflections on its enduring appeal, we aim to shed light on what makes crokinole not just a game, but a timeless experience that continues to bring joy and camaraderie to players of all ages.

In this chapter, we explore the anatomy of a crokinole board, unravelling the components that make this game both functional and aesthetically pleasing. We will examine the materials used, the dimensions that ensure fair play, and the significance of each part.

We will also provide essential tips on purchasing the right board to suit your personal needs. Factors like size, craftsmanship, and quality will be covered in detail. We will also discuss the various accessories that enhance the game, such as high-quality discs, maintenance materials, and protective storage options, ensuring you are well-equipped to make an informed decision before investing in a quality crokinole board.

Chapter 2 A Deep Dive into the Crokinole Board

In the realm of tabletop games, few experiences compare to the tactile joy and strategic depth offered by crokinole. As enthusiasts and newcomers alike seek to indulge in this timeless pastime, one crucial decision looms large: selecting the perfect crokinole board. With numerous options available on the market, each boasting fine craftsmanship, the task of choosing can be daunting. However, armed with knowledge and insight, you can navigate this landscape with confidence, ensuring that your chosen board will enhance your crokinole experience to its fullest potential.

Figure 2-1 Most crokinole boards come in two profiles: round and octagonal

You don’t need a professional board built to the NCA specifications to enjoy hours of fun playing crokinole. No matter which board you choose, you will find that mastering the game is easy regardless of the level you aim to achieve. The game will provide hours of exciting entertainment for players of all age groups. This will always remain the first and most important approach I take when talking about the game of crokinole.

You will, however, see and feel a noticeable difference when playing on a crokinole board purchased at a large retail store as opposed to one that was handcrafted with high-quality materials. But wait, don’t go out and buy an overly expensive board you might not need. Take the time to read this chapter first and analyze what you want out of this game.

What Are Your Choices in Crokinole Boards?

We can find a variety of mass-produced crokinole boards in most large retail stores. At the time of this writing, the price ranges from $90 CND to $930 CND or more, depending on the construction materials and the accessories included with the purchase. Boards are made from a variety of woods such as walnut, ebony, beech, and maple. Some are made from plastic, cardboard, and other materials. The discs can also be made from a variety of materials such as wood, plastic or resin.

Some boards are sold with very basic accessories, a board and 24 discs. Others come with just about anything you can think of but don’t necessarily need. Besides the board and the discs, there might be discs in many colours, a carrying bag, playing powder, a point tracker, extra bumpers, a scorecard pad, cues, a Lazy Susan, and more. Now, don’t get discouraged. You definitely do not need all this to have plenty of fun playing crokinole.

So how do you know which board to purchase? Here are a few things you may need to consider. Just remember, you’re not buying a car; your