Who is Eckhardt Wettlaufer, the creator of Crokinole.

For nearly 150 years, crokinole has captivated players with its simple yet strategic gameplay, becoming a cherished pastime across Canada and beyond. Whether it’s played casually at family gatherings or in competitive tournaments, crokinole holds a special place in the hearts of many. But behind this beloved game lies a figure whose story is less well-known — Eckhardt Wettlaufer, the man who created crokinole in 1876. This article dives into Wettlaufer’s life, his motivations, and the legacy of the game he gave to the world.

Eckhardt Wettlaufer was born in Sebastopol, Ontario, a small community in Canada. Like many in rural areas of the 19th century, Wettlaufer’s life was tied to the land, where farming and craftsmanship played important roles. His upbringing gave him practical skills, particularly in woodworking, which would later become a key part of his legacy.

It was in 1876, when Wettlaufer, inspired by a desire to create a unique gift for his son’s birthday, crafted the very first crokinole board. The design of the game was entirely his own, though it may have drawn upon other tabletop games popular at the time, such as carrom, shuffleboard, and the finger-flicking mechanics of European games. However, crokinole was distinct in its simplicity and its focus on dexterity and strategy, which made it an instant hit.

Wettlaufer used his woodworking skills to carve a circular board with a central hole and concentric scoring rings. In fact, his very first crokinole board is still preserved today and can be seen in a museum in Ontario.

Crokinole is a two- or four-player game where participants take turns flicking small wooden discs across a smooth, circular board. The goal is to get your discs into the higher-scoring central zones, while knocking your opponent's pieces off the board, similar to shuffleboard or curling, but on a smaller, tabletop scale. The rules are easy to grasp, making it accessible for players of all ages, which likely contributed to its growing popularity.

What set crokinole apart from other games was not just its ease of learning but its balance of luck and skill. As much as one’s flick could be influenced by chance, experienced players understood the finer points of angles, force, and blocking strategies. The game combined these elements in a way that attracted both casual and serious players alike.

Though Eckhardt Wettlaufer was not a famous figure during his lifetime, his impact on Canadian and, ultimately, international culture is undeniable. Unfortunately, little is known about the man’s personal life, as few written records of him remain. What is clear is that Wettlaufer’s creation was never meant to be a commercial enterprise, but rather a labor of love for his son. He didn’t patent the game or profit from its spread across Canada. Instead, it was shared organically as families and friends built their own versions of the board, passing the game from generation to generation.

Wettlaufer's own crokinole board was crafted from high-quality wood, and his care in its design showed his attention to detail and craftsmanship. His son’s delight in the game quickly spread to neighbors and friends, and soon Sebastopol became a hub for crokinole. It’s no surprise that the game eventually spread to wider circles, reaching rural communities throughout Ontario, and later to other provinces and even the United States.

The late 19th century was a time when entertainment options were limited, particularly in rural communities. Crokinole quickly became a household staple, finding its place alongside other parlor games like checkers and dominoes. Its portability and the ease with which players could understand the game made it popular in family homes and social gatherings.

What’s fascinating is that crokinole’s popularity grew organically, without marketing or mass production in its early days. People began building their own boards, often making improvements or adding personal touches, but Wettlaufer’s basic design remained consistent. The game’s smooth surface and compact size made it ideal for playing indoors, a particularly useful feature in regions that experienced long, harsh winters, like Canada.

The game eventually spread to the United States and other parts of the world, thanks largely to word-of-mouth. In fact, crokinole tournaments began to emerge by the mid-20th century, with players taking the game more seriously and competing at increasingly higher levels. The World Crokinole Championship, held annually in Tavistock, Ontario, celebrates the game’s history and the community that has formed around it.

While crokinole may not have the global recognition of chess or poker, it has carved out a unique niche for itself. In Canada, the game is often seen as part of the country’s cultural fabric, particularly in rural areas. Crokinole boards are passed down through families, becoming heirloom pieces that carry stories of countless gatherings and friendly competitions.

Eckhardt Wettlaufer’s original board, now housed at the Joseph Schneider Haus Museum in Kitchener, Ontario, is a testament to the game's enduring appeal. The board itself remains in good condition, a sign of Wettlaufer’s craftsmanship and the care with which it was made. The museum receives visitors who are eager to see the origins of the game that they love.

While modern crokinole boards are often manufactured on a larger scale, many players still appreciate handcrafted boards made from high-quality wood, similar to Wettlaufer’s original. This reflects the deep connection between the game and the craftsmanship that first brought it to life.

Though Eckhardt Wettlaufer may not have achieved fame during his lifetime, his legacy is felt through every flick of a disc on a crokinole board. The game he created has stood the test of time, not only as a source of entertainment but as a cultural artifact that connects generations of families and communities.

In an era where video games and digital entertainment dominate, crokinole offers a refreshing return to tactile, social gaming. It’s a game that invites players to gather around a table, connect with one another, and engage in friendly competition. For Wettlaufer, who likely saw crokinole as a way to bond with his son, this lasting legacy is perhaps the greatest testament to his invention.

Crokinole may not have made Eckhardt Wettlaufer wealthy or famous, but it cemented his place in the annals of Canadian culture and the history of tabletop gaming. Through his simple act of craftsmanship and love, Wettlaufer created something timeless, a gift that continues to bring joy to people across the world.

Eckhardt Wettlaufer’s crokinole board started as a modest birthday gift but evolved into a game that transcended its origins. From his workshop in Sebastopol to family tables around the world, crokinole has become a beloved pastime thanks to his ingenuity and craftsmanship. Though the man himself may be a somewhat mysterious figure, his creation continues to delight and entertain, ensuring his legacy lives on through every flick of a disc.

As crokinole continues to be passed down from generation to generation, Wettlaufer’s story reminds us of the enduring power of simple, well-made things — and the joy they can bring to the lives of countless others.