If you’ve ever tried playing crokinole solo, you know the challenge: you flick from one side of the board, then walk around or stretch awkwardly to take the next shot. It works… but it’s far from ideal. Even if you’re just practicing 20s, shooting nonstop for 30 minutes can get a bit dull. Whether you're aiming to sharpen your precision or simply unwind with a quiet session of flicks, there's one simple tool that can transform your solo crokinole experience—the Lazy Susan.
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| Lazy Susan |
Here’s why adding a Lazy Susan to your setup is a total game-changer:
1. Keeps You in the Zone
When you’re focused on your shot, the last thing you want is to break concentration by having to move around the board. A Lazy Susan lets you stay seated and simply spin the board to take your next turn. It keeps the momentum going, helping you stay locked into your rhythm and improve your consistency.
2. Mimics Real Gameplay Flow
Crokinole is meant to be played turn by turn from opposite sides of the board. With a Lazy Susan, you can replicate this pattern perfectly. Each time you spin the board, you’re simulating the perspective of the next player. This is especially helpful if you’re practicing defensive and offensive strategies alone.
3. Protects Your Board and Your Back
Dragging a board across a table or constantly leaning over can scuff the surface—or strain your back. A Lazy Susan allows for smooth, controlled rotation with minimal effort. You won’t need to touch the board itself, and your posture will thank you.
4. Great for Skill Building
Solo crokinole is all about refining your accuracy and learning from your mistakes. Being able to flick from consistent, ergonomic positions helps you isolate variables: Are you pulling your finger too far? Is your angle off? With a rotating board, you get clearer feedback and can fine-tune your technique faster.
5. Adds a Touch of Style
Let’s face it—there’s something satisfying about a smoothly turning crokinole board. Whether you're using a handcrafted wood Lazy Susan or a DIY version, it just feels premium. If you’re investing time into your solo practice, why not make the experience as enjoyable as possible?
Choosing the Right Lazy Susan: What to Look for Before You Buy
If you decide to purchase a Lazy Susan to enhance your solo crokinole setup, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind before dishing out your money.
First, size and strength matter. It's recommended that your Lazy Susan be at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) in diameter and built with high-quality turntable bearings. This will ensure it can comfortably support crokinole boards up to 32 inches (81.28 cm) wide. Look for one with a high load capacity—a model rated for 300 lbs. (136 kg) is more than sufficient and can often be found in hardware or kitchen appliance stores at a very reasonable price.
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| Figure 1 |
Next, consider the height your crokinole board will sit at once placed on the Lazy Susan. A board elevated too far from the tabletop can create issues. For example, as seen in Figure 1, if there’s too much space underneath, discs—or other objects—can slip beneath the board and be difficult to retrieve without disturbing gameplay.
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| Figure 2 |
In contrast, Figure 2 shows a Lazy Susan with ideal spacing. A quick way to test for this is by sliding a crokinole disc under the board. If it can’t fit underneath, you’re in the right range. Just remember that some crokinole boards are built with thicker bases, so achieving the perfect height may not always be possible.
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| Lazy Susan |
Finally, a word of caution if you’re considering a wooden or plastic Lazy Susan: many of these are designed with a centrally positioned turning mechanism that isn’t well suited to supporting the weight distribution of a crokinole board. When you place your hand on the outer rail, the board may wobble or tilt, disrupting your shots and overall experience. Always check the product specifications and reviews to ensure stability and smooth rotation.
Final Thoughts
A Lazy Susan isn’t just a convenience—it’s a smart upgrade for anyone serious about solo crokinole. With the right model, you'll enjoy smoother gameplay, better posture, and a more authentic two-player simulation. Just make sure you choose one that’s built to handle the size and weight of your board, and keep an eye on the height.
Join the Discussion: Have you played crokinole before? Share your experience in the comments below!
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