Monday, 23 March 2009 13:57
Crokinole is a unique game that is easy to learn but fun to master. The strategic nuances make this game of skill very unique. Most that try get hooked quickly. The game dates back to around 1870 and is quite popular in canada. Its sortof a cross between shuffleboard and curling, but at a small scale. Here's an example of a shot, and a link to the rules.
I bought my crokinole board here, but prices went up a bit since then. ~$180 incl. shipping, ~$200 if you want the wood box. The nice thing about crokinole world is that its hand made by an individual who does this as a hobby. You also get to pick your stain color. There is a gallery online of the different ones they've made in the past. Mine is called "Defiance" on the site. Pick the stain you like... Mine was Java stain on the outside or the "ditch" and Nutmeg stain on the center, with metal pegs. Then just email him, letting him know you'd like to purchase a board and what stains you're thinking. He'll get back to you with details. It may take a little while, this isn't his only gig.
If I were to buy one today, I would probably get an experienced world crokinole championship board from crokinoledepot.com... they're ~$200 the quality is better than mine (the lines don't have grooves, so they're completely smooth) Also, the discs are concave/convex (higher quality) Prices are in Canadian but exchange rates fluxuate.
Here are some alternatives:
Mr.Crokinole sells a really nice board but its a bit pricey, the Eagle is ~$280 plus shipping.
Mr.Crokinole sells a really nice board but its a bit pricey, the Eagle is ~$280 plus shipping.
Willard board - Although not on the website they sell a PRO version for $179 which is supposed to be the same as the WCC board except for a green ditch, only problem is that they don't sell concave/convex discs.
Mayday games board - A new manufacturer on the scene, they're pre-selling for ~$100, which is a steal if its high quality. It appears to be based on description and photos.
Mayday games board - A new manufacturer on the scene, they're pre-selling for ~$100, which is a steal if its high quality. It appears to be based on description and photos.
Of course... all prices mentioned were at time of post. Exchange rates and materials change all the time. It might seem expensive for what is just a game, but these boards are practically art. Plus its a nice change from the digital blackhole we all get sucked into sometimes. ;)
