Who invented Crokinole?

Crokinole, a dexterity-based tabletop game, has a deep history rooted in Canadian tradition. For over a century, this wooden board game has been passed down through generations, providing countless hours of entertainment and friendly competition. Despite its simplicity and popularity, the true origins of Crokinole remain shrouded in mystery, sparking debate and speculation over who first invented the game and how it became a household favorite.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Crokinole, the theories surrounding its invention, and the path it took to become the global sensation it is today.

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The Mystery of Crokinole's Origins

The generally accepted story is that Crokinole was invented in 1876 by a Canadian man named Eckhardt Wettlaufer, a woodworker living in Sebastopol, Ontario. According to local legend, Wettlaufer crafted the first Crokinole board as a birthday gift for his five-year-old son, Adam. Made from wood, with a distinctive round playing surface and a central hole (known as the "20 hole"), the game was a simple yet engaging diversion, offering hours of fun for families.

The original Wettlaufer board still exists today and is held by the Joseph Schneider Haus Museum in Kitchener, Ontario, where it is considered a historical artifact. The Wettlaufer family’s story has become the cornerstone of Crokinole’s origin narrative, but there’s more to the story than just a humble birthday gift.

Speculation Around the Game's Invention

While many accept Eckhardt Wettlaufer as the game's inventor, there is some speculation that Crokinole might have existed in various forms before 1876. This is where the mystery deepens. Crokinole seems to borrow elements from several older European games, leading some historians to theorize that it could have evolved from similar pastimes.

The Influence of Carrom

One theory suggests that Crokinole was inspired by Carrom, a game that originated in India in the 19th century and has similarities to billiards or pool. Carrom involves flicking discs across a square board into corner pockets. Though Carrom is culturally distinct from Crokinole, the two games share the same flicking action and emphasis on precision.

It is possible that European immigrants to North America, particularly those from Germany and the Netherlands, were familiar with games like Carrom or other flick-based games and sought to adapt them for their new surroundings. In fact, Mennonite and Amish communities, who were early adopters of Crokinole, have a long history of playing board and tabletop games that focus on skill rather than chance.

Other Predecessor Games

Aside from Carrom, Crokinole also bears some resemblance to shuffleboard, a game that dates back to 15th-century England. Like Crokinole, shuffleboard requires players to slide pucks toward a target. Another possible influence is pitchnut, a French-Canadian game that involves pocketing marbles into holes on a circular board.

These similarities make it plausible that Wettlaufer's design was influenced by earlier games he might have encountered or heard about through his community. Still, none of these predecessors fully explain the unique aspects of Crokinole, like the 20 hole or the distinctive layout of pegs, which makes it stand out from other games of its type.

The Game’s Rapid Rise to Popularity

While Crokinole's exact origins may be murky, its rise to popularity is well-documented. By the early 20th century, Crokinole had become a staple in many homes throughout Ontario and the wider Mennonite and Amish communities of North America. The game’s combination of skill and luck, paired with its accessibility to players of all ages, made it an ideal pastime for families and gatherings. It quickly spread from rural communities to larger towns and cities, where it became a common feature in parlors and game rooms.

Part of Crokinole’s appeal lies in its simplicity. The rules are easy to grasp: players take turns flicking wooden discs toward the center of the board, aiming to score points by landing their discs in higher-scoring areas and knocking opponents’ discs out of play. The presence of wooden pegs adds an element of unpredictability, as discs can ricochet off these obstacles, changing the course of the game. Crokinole’s quick pace and strategic depth made it a hit among competitive players and casual enthusiasts alike.

The Role of the Mennonite and Amish Communities

The Mennonite and Amish communities, known for their tradition of family-centered games, played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Crokinole. These communities, particularly in Ontario and Pennsylvania, valued games that were not overly complex or expensive and could be enjoyed by large groups.

Because Crokinole could be played indoors during the cold Canadian winters, it was a perfect fit for rural families. The game soon became a wintertime tradition in many households, where children and adults alike would gather around the board to test their flicking skills.

Crokinole’s spread beyond these tight-knit communities was aided by local craftsmen who began creating and selling boards. These boards were often handmade, with each maker adding their own unique flourishes to the design. The craftsmanship behind Crokinole boards became a point of pride, with beautifully inlaid boards becoming common sights in homes.

A Competitive Scene Emerges

As Crokinole gained popularity, competitive play began to emerge, leading to the establishment of formal tournaments. One of the most significant developments in this regard came in 1999, when The World Crokinole Championship was founded in Tavistock, Ontario. This annual event attracts players from around the world, all vying for the title of the best Crokinole player. The championship has helped put Tavistock on the map as the unofficial "Crokinole capital of the world."

Players from as far as the United States and even Europe have traveled to compete, showcasing the game’s broad appeal and continued relevance. The emergence of online communities and digital versions of Crokinole has further boosted its visibility in recent years, connecting fans across continents.

Crokinole in Modern Times

Though Crokinole began as a simple parlor game, it has evolved into a cultural icon, especially in Canada. Board game enthusiasts continue to celebrate its unique mechanics and elegant design, while modern manufacturers, like Mysafy Brand Boards, strive to create boards that balance craftsmanship and playability.

The rise of the board game renaissance in the 21st century has introduced Crokinole to new audiences around the world. This resurgence has led to an increase in both casual play and competitive Crokinole leagues, as well as a renewed interest in crafting high-quality Crokinole boards. Even outside of Canada, the game has garnered a loyal following, with players drawn to its tactile gameplay and strategic depth.

An Enduring Mystery and Legacy

While Eckhardt Wettlaufer’s role in creating the first Crokinole board is widely accepted, the true origins of the game are still the subject of debate. Whether inspired by European dexterity games or entirely original, Crokinole has grown far beyond its humble beginnings in rural Ontario. Its ability to bring people together—whether through casual play or fierce competition—has ensured its lasting legacy.

As Crokinole continues to capture the imagination of new generations, its exact origin may remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: the game’s enduring appeal will keep it flicking forward for years to come.

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