Crokinole

Crokinole is a dexterity board game, typically played by two or four players. The game is believed to have originated in Ontario, Canada, in the 1870s.

Gameplay:

Crokinole is played on a circular wooden board with a raised edge. The center of the board features a recessed hole known as the "20 hole." Players take turns flicking wooden discs (often called "biscuits" or "pucks") across the board with the objective of landing them in higher-scoring areas, or disrupting the opponent's discs.

A typical round involves each player flicking a set number of discs (usually four or eight in singles play) from the outer edge of the board, within designated quadrants in front of them. If the player's disc does not make contact with an opponent's disc already on the board, their disc is removed from play and placed in the ditch. If contact is made, the player's disc remains. If a player has no opponent discs on the board, their disc must land in the center hole to remain on the board.

Scoring:

The scoring areas are concentric circles around the center hole. The center hole itself awards 20 points. Other scoring areas are typically valued at 5, 10, and 15 points, moving outwards from the center. After all discs have been played, points are tallied. Only the player or team with the highest score in a round receives points, earning the difference between their score and their opponent's.

Equipment:

The essential equipment includes the Crokinole board, typically made of hardwood; wooden discs of contrasting colors for each player; and optionally, ditch pegs to facilitate disc removal.

Regional Significance:

Crokinole remains a popular game, particularly in Canada and parts of the United States with strong Canadian cultural ties. Tournaments and leagues are held regularly, and there is a dedicated community of Crokinole enthusiasts. The game is often regarded as a classic example of folk art and Canadian heritage.