The game of Crokinole is an exciting tabletop game that can be enjoyed by two or four players.  

Keep your discs close to the middle while hitting your opponent’s disc away to win this game!  

Find the video tutorial and written explanation for how to play Crokinole below.

Crokinole Tutorial

Needed

Two or four players; Crokinole game board and shooting discs

Shop Crokinole boards: Tracey Boards (affiliate)

Hand Crafted Crokinole Boards

Setup

The board is setup in the middle of the players. In a two-player game, the opponents sit across from each other.  Each player will get eight discs in a different color.

In a four-player game, teammates will sit across from each other. Each player will get six discs. The two teams will have different color discs.

Objective

The object of the game is to score points. Points are scored based on where your discs end on the board vs. where your opponent's discs end on the board at the end of a round. 

Any disc in the outer circle is worth five points, the next circle in is worth 10 points, the middle circle is worth 15 points.

A disc that is made into the center hole in the center of the board is worth 20 points. A disc that scores in the center hole is removed and placed in a designated area for 20s score keeping.

Crokinole Setup Web.png

Game Play

Players will take turns shooting one disc per turn from their shooting line (the outer ring). There are two valid shots that can be made during play.

When there are no opposing discs on the board, a player must have a disc involved in the shot end in the 15-point circle or touching the 15-point circle line.

If there is an opposing disc on the board, a player must strike an opposing disc either directly or in combination with discs already in play.

If a valid shot is not made then the shooter's disc and all other discs of the same color that were struck are removed from the board.

Players will continue to take turns until all discs have been played.

Scoring

Once all discs have been played, the round is over.  At the end of each round the score is calculated.

Cancelation scoring is used meaning only one player or team will score for the round.

Each team will add up their points based on where their own discs ended. The higher scoring team will subtract the lower scoring team's point value from their own total point value. The remaining amount is the team's score for the round

When a disc is touching a boundary line, the disc scores the point value of the lesser circle.

Winning

The first player or team with a total score of 100 points or more wins the game.

Rules

If a disc fails to end in or touching the 15-point circle when no opponent discs are on the board, the disc is removed from the board.

If the disc hits another disc into or touching the 15-point circle, it is a valid shot.

If the disc of the shooting player hits another of their own discs and neither disc lands in or touching the 15-point circle, both discs are removed from the board.

If a discs fails to strike an opponent's disc on the board, the shooting disc that was just shot is removed from the board.

If a combination shot is made to strike an opponent's disc, it is a valid shot.

If a combination shot fails to strike an opponent's disc, all discs involved in the combination shot are removed from the board.

Shooting line extends all the way to the point where at least part of the shooting disc is still touching the player's quadrant line.

If a discs ends up touching the outer boundary line after a shot, the disc is considered out of bounds and is removed from the playing surface of the game board.

If a discs leaves the playing surface of the board, it is considered out of bounds.

If the disc that left the playing surface bounces back into play, the disc is removed from the board. Any discs hit and moved by the shooting disc re-entering the playing surface from out of bounds will stay in its new position.

If a disc touches or crosses the outer boundary line but does not leave the playing surface and returns in bounds on its own is considered still in play.

In order for a shot to be valid, the shooting player must remain at least partially seated.  This is known as the one cheek rule.

Crokinole Game Boards

When it comes to Crokinole boards, quality can make a significant difference in your gaming experience.  

While it is true that quality boards come with a higher price tag, they are built to last and ensure a smooth and enjoyable gameplay.

If you are looking to invest in your first Crokinole board, or upgrade your current Crokinole board, to one that will provide years of fun and entertainment, I recommend one from Tracey Boards.  

Their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and commitment to producing top-notch wooden game boards have earned them a stellar reputation among enthusiasts.  

Shop Tracey Boards here.

Crokinole game Board

Crokinole is a captivating dexterity game that offers hours of entertainment for two or four players. With its straightforward setup and clear game rules, it's easy for beginners to grasp and enjoy. 

Players must balance precision and tactics, aiming to keep their discs close to the center while disrupting the opponents' discs.

Crokinole is not only a game of skill but also a game of finesse, as players must continue to make valid shot after valid shot to succeed. 

Crokinole encourages friendly competition, strategic thinking, and a whole lot of fun. 

So gather together with friends or family, set up the board, and enjoy the thrill of Crokinole. 

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