Whether you're new to crokinole or a seasoned player aiming for tournament play, mastering the official rules is key to improving your game and enjoying it to the fullest.
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| Part 1: Getting Ready |
In this 8-part illustrated blog series, we’ll break down the official National Crokinole Association (NCA) rules into clear, easy-to-understand segments — complete with diagrams. From the basics of setup to the finer points of valid shots, scoring, and tournament conduct, we’ll help you feel confident at any table.
Today, we’re breaking down Part 1: Getting Ready from the National Crokinole Association’s official rulebook. It’s a short section, but it sets the tone for the whole game.
NCA Rule 1: Getting Ready
a)
Let’s Start at the Very Beginning...
Before anyone flicks a disc across the board, there are a few things that need to be sorted out. According to the rules, the order of play, the disc colours, and where each player sits should be determined either:
By chance (think: flipping a coin, drawing straws, spinning something), or
By the organizer, if you're at a club or tournament.
Sounds simple, right? It is—but it’s important.
Why It Matters
At first glance, it might feel like a formality. Who cares who goes first, or which colour discs you get?
But here’s the thing: In crokinole, first shots can be huge, especially at higher levels of play. Deciding who gets to go first in a fair way levels the playing field right from the start.
The same goes for seating. In doubles, for example, teammates sit across from each other. Sorting this out early keeps the game moving and avoids awkward mid-game adjustments or arguments.
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| Playing 2v2 or 1v1v1v1 |
Some Handy Tips
If you’re hosting a game night or running a small tournament, here are a few easy ways to handle this part:
Keep a coin nearby for quick decisions.
Use disc holders to hold each team’s discs—it’s a nice visual touch and keeps things organized.
Create a simple rotation sheet if multiple matches are being played. That way, no one ends up sitting out or playing the same opponent back-to-back.
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| St. Jacob’s Crokinole Club Tournament Format |
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St. Jacob’s Crokinole Club Tournament Format |
For a detailed breakdown of the St. Jacob’s Crokinole Club Tournament Format—for 2 to 12 players, including the use of a ghost player—visit Crokinole 101 on YouTube.
Bottom Line
"Getting Ready" might not seem like the most exciting part of crokinole, but it’s a big deal. Taking a minute to get things set up properly helps everyone get into the right mindset—and makes for a smoother, fairer game.
Next time, we’ll get into the real action with Part 2: How to Play, where we break down what a round actually looks like and how points are scored.
Until then—keep flicking, keep practicing, and most of all, have fun!
Source:
All rules in this article are taken from the NCA Rules (Feb 9, 2011). Download the full document at the National Crokinole Association website.
Join the Discussion: Have you played crokinole before? Share your experience in the comments below!
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