Basic Rules of Play
In the previous part, “Mastering Crokinole: NCA Rules (Part 6 – Scoring)” we walked through exactly how the game’s scoring works, from the values of 20s, 15s, 10s, and 5s to what counts when discs touch lines or lean in the 20 hole, giving clear examples so that both beginners and seasoned flickers can confidently tally up a round and understand how every point is earned.
Part 7 is the part of crokinole where technique, consistency, and respect for the game really show.
At first glance, the shooting rules may seem strict, almost fussy, but every one of them exists for a reason: fairness, safety, and skill-based play.
NCA Rule 7: Shooting
a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k)
No Distractions, Please
Crokinole is a game of focus. When your opponent is shooting, you’re expected to stay completely out of it. That means no touching the board or the table, no placing discs early, and definitely no sudden noises or movements meant to distract.
In short, once it’s not your turn, you’re a spectator until the shot is over.
Stillness Before the Shot
Before you shoot, everything must be completely still. If any disc from the previous turn is still moving, even just a slow spin, you wait. This rule removes any ambiguity and ensures every shot starts under identical conditions.
Your shooting disc must also begin flat and stationary, touching the outer boundary line of your quadrant (or both the boundary and the dividing line). No hovering, nudging, or creative positioning.
Fingers Only—No Gadgets
Crokinole is proudly low-tech. The disc must be struck with one or more fingers, no finger guards, no mechanical aids, no clever workarounds. What you bring to the table is your hand, your touch, and your practice.
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| Taking a shot |
Likewise, shaking the board, intentionally or excessively, is not allowed. If the board moves, the skill disappears.
What Counts as a Shot
Once your finger and disc are set, and the disc leaves your finger, the shot is officially underway. There’s no “take-back” if you didn’t like how it felt. This reinforces commitment and consistency; two traits every good crokinole player develops over time.
Stay Seated, Stay Grounded
Competitive crokinole is played seated, and the rules are very clear about posture:
- At least part of your posterior must remain in contact with the chair.
- All four chair legs must stay on the floor, no leaning or lifting.
- No part of your body except your feet may touch the floor.
- No extra support of any kind is allowed.
These rules ensure that everyone shoots from the same physical position. Power comes from technique, not leverage.
Respect the Space
Neither the board nor any player’s chair may be moved during play. The only exception is when someone needs to retrieve a disc that’s fallen out of reach.
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| The One Cheek Rule |
Again, the goal is consistency; once the game starts, the environment stays the same.
Final Thought
Shooting rules are what elevate crokinole from a casual tabletop game to a true competitive sport. When everyone shoots under the same conditions, the outcome depends on precision, control, and calm under pressure.
Master these fundamentals, and you’ll find that every shot feels cleaner, fairer, and more satisfying.
Coming Up Next…
In the final part of this series, we will look at the finer details that keep the game flowing smoothly, wax, timing, and what happens when discs leave the board.
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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