ABOUT CROKINOLE FOR SENIORS
OUR MISSION
At Crokinole for Seniors, we aim to bring joy and connection through the game of Crokinole. Our mission is to promote social interaction and cognitive benefits for seniors and community members through this engaging tabletop game.
Crokinole: A Winning Game for all ages and the most fun game you’ve never heard of.
Crokinole, a captivat
At Crokinole for Seniors, we aim to bring joy and connection through the game of Crokinole. Our mission is to promote social interaction and cognitive benefits for seniors and community members through this engaging tabletop game.
Crokinole: A Winning Game for all ages and the most fun game you’ve never heard of.
Crokinole, a captivating disc-flicking game, although around since the 1860’s, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and for good reason. Simply put, it’s easy to learn and so much fun for all ages, all stages! Beyond its simple yet engaging mechanics, this Canadian-born game offers a surprising array of benefits, particularly for seniors. Far from being just a casual pastime, regular crokinole play can contribute significantly to cognitive health, social well-being, and even physical dexterity.
Cognitive Boost: One of the most significant advantages of crokinole lies in its ability to stimulate the brain. The game demands strategic thinking, planning, and problem-solving. Players must constantly assess the board, anticipate their opponent's moves, and calculate the angles and force needed for their shots. This mental workout helps to:
* Improve focus and concentration: Each turn requires dedicated attention to detail and the task at hand.
* Enhance memory: Players need to remember past shots, scoring, and develop strategies based on previous rounds.
* Boost problem-solving skills: Every shot presents a miniature puzzle to solve, requiring players to adapt to changing board conditions.
* Maintain cognitive flexibility: The dynamic nature of the game encourages players to adjust their plans and think on their feet.
Social Connection and Engagement: As we age, maintaining strong social connections becomes increasingly important. Crokinole provides an excellent platform for fostering these bonds:
* Promotes interaction: Crokinole is inherently a social game, encouraging conversation, friendly competition, and shared laughter.
* Reduces isolation: Regular game sessions can combat loneliness and provide a sense of community.
* Creates shared experiences: Playing together builds camaraderie and provides topics for discussion beyond the game itself.
* Encourages intergenerational play: Crokinole's simple rules make it accessible to all ages, allowing everyone to connect with younger family members and friends.
Physical Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination: While not a strenuous physical activity, crokinole still offers valuable benefits for fine motor skills:
* Refines hand-eye coordination: Accurately flicking the discs requires precise coordination between what the eyes see and what the hands do.
* Improves finger dexterity: The delicate action of flicking the discs helps to maintain flexibility and strength in the fingers and hands.
* Enhances proprioception: Players develop a better sense of their body's position and movement in space as they aim and execute their shots. Stress Reduction and Enjoyment: Beyond the tangible benefits, playing crokinole simply brings joy and a sense of accomplishment. The game offers:
* A fun and engaging pastime: The competitive yet lighthearted nature of crokinole makes it an enjoyable way to spend time.
* Stress relief: Focusing on the game can be a welcome distraction from daily worries and anxieties.
* A sense of achievement: Successfully executing a difficult shot or winning a game provides a satisfying feeling of accomplishment.
In conclusion, crokinole is much more than just a game; it's a valuable tool for promoting holistic well-being. Its unique blend of cognitive challenge, social interaction, and subtle physical benefits makes it an ideal activity for maintaining a healthy and engaged lifestyle. It's a game that promises not only fun, but it’s also competitive, and offers a wealth of lasting advantages.
Here at Crokinole for Seniors, we are well equipped to organize, teach, and conduct tournaments for organizations like yours. Crokinole for Seniors has the equipment required to hold events, as well as resources to satisfy the growing interest and participation, and assist you in acquiring the best equipment and accessories most suited for you. Please reach out to meet and discuss the game and introduce it to your interested parties.
OVERVIEW AND BASIC RULES
CROKINOLE – THE MOST FUN GAME YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
Crokinole is a classic tabletop dexterity game that blends elements of shuffleboard,
curling, billiards, carrom and other games. Originating in rural Canada in the late 19th
century, it remains a wonderful socially engaging activity, but like pickleball, is evolving into a competitive sport, having many international clubs and tournaments. The game remains
a classic, multi-generational game that is easy to learn, has simple rules, and provides so much fun!
THE BOARD AND PIECES
The game is played on a circular wooden board, typically around 30 inches in diameter, featuring:
• The 20-Hole: A small, recessed hole in the dead center.
• The Pegs (Bumpers): Eight small posts surrounding the inner circle that act as obstacles.
• Scoring Rings: Three concentric circles valued at 15, 10, and 5 points.
• The Ditch: A recessed gutter around the perimeter where out-of-play discs are placed.
• Discs: Small, flat wooden pucks (usually 8 per side for 2 players, or 6 per person for doubles – 4 players).
HOW TO PLAY – THE BASICS
The objective is simple: Score the most points by flicking your discs into the high-scoring areas while knocking your opponent's discs away. Discs must be “contacted” by 1 or more fingers.
1. Flicking: Players take turns flicking a single disc from the "starting line" at the edge of their quadrant. Play advances in a clockwise manner.
2. The Contact Rule: This is the game's defining challenge. If an opponent has a disc on the board, your shot must strike an opponent's disc (either directly or via another disc). If you fail to make contact, your shot is "fouled" and removed to the ditch. If you don’t contact your opponent but strike 1 or more of your own discs, you lose all of the ones contacted.
3. Free Shots: If the board is clear of opponent discs, or each round’s first shot, you are free to shoot for the 20 hole, but you must make a valid shot to remain on the board. Valid meaning in the 20 hole, within the 15 point area, or minimally touching the 15 point line.
4. The "20": If a disc lands perfectly and flat in the center hole, it is immediately removed and set aside to be counted as 20 points at the end of the round.
SCORING
At the end of a round (once all discs have been shot), players calculate their scores:
• Center Hole: 20 points
• Inner Circle: 15 points
• Middle Circle: 10 points
• Outer Circle: 5 points
• Note: Discs touching a line are counted as the next lower point value.
Traditionally, the game used "cancellation or differential style of scoring," but the modern
“Tournament Scoring” method is now most popular:
• Each game consists of 4 rounds.
• Win a round earn 2 points, Tie a round 1 point, Loss 0 points.
• Final match scores will result in 8-0, 6-2, 5-3, or 4-4. A tiebreaker round may be played to determine a winner.
WAKE COUNTY SENIOR GAMES
This Olympic style event is designed to create year-round health promotion and competition for participants 50 + years old. Participants compete in a wide range of events including heritage and visual arts, croquet, table tennis, basketball shooting, swimming, shuffleboard, pickleball, and more.
CROKINOLE NOW ADDED IN 2026 REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 2, 2026
For the first time, Crokinole will be featured in the 2026 Wake County Senior Games! A 24-player singles tournament will be held at Fortnight Brewing in Wake Forest the evening of April 2, 2026. For additional information contact us directly or visit https://www.wcseniorgames.com for registration and details on crokinole and all the other great events taking place.
CROKINOLE FOR SENIORS PRODUCT AND AFFILIATES
SHOP FOR CROKINOLE
Browncastle Games is your go to supplier for quality, and the Official board supplier to Crokinole for Seniors.
Made in Pennsylvania, their quality and selection is outstanding. Offering free domestic shipping on $39+ orders too!
Select from our exclusive packages of boards and bundled accessories and purchase at special discounted pricing by using the following link and password SENIORGAMES
www.browncastlegames.com/pages/seniorcrokinolegames
GAME ON!
Looking for the perfect activity to add to your programming for members or residents? Interested in a corporate team building activity for your organization? Look no further! Contact us today to discuss and schedule an introduction to CROKINOLE.