Happy International Crokinole Day

 

Celebrating the Game We Love – August 20

Every year on August 20, crokinole players from around the world come together to celebrate one of the greatest tabletop games ever created. Whether you're playing in a competitive tournament, gathering with family around the kitchen table, or introducing someone to the game for the very first time, International Crokinole Day is the perfect excuse to flick a few discs and enjoy the fun.

International Crokinole Day

You may have wondered why August 20 was chosen. The date is actually a clever tribute to the game itself. August is the eighth month, representing the eight discs each player uses in a singles game, while 20 celebrates the most exciting shot in crokinole, the 20-hole. Sink a disc into the center hole, and you earn 20 points. It's a date that perfectly captures the spirit of the game.

What makes crokinole so special?

It's a game that crosses generations. Grandparents, parents, and children can all compete on equal footing. The rules are easy to learn, but mastering the perfect twenty, the delicate take-out, and the strategic hide shot can take years of practice. Every game is different, and every shot tells a story.

One of the things I enjoy most about crokinole is the community. Around the world, clubs meet weekly, tournaments welcome players of every skill level, and countless friendships have begun over a crokinole board. It doesn't matter where you live or how long you've been playing; you'll always find someone willing to say, "Want to play another game?"

If you've never played crokinole before, there's no better day to start than International Crokinole Day. Find a local club, visit a friend who owns a board, or dust off the family board that's been sitting in the closet. You may discover a game that quickly becomes a lifelong passion.

How You Can Celebrate

• Play a few games with family or friends.
• Teach someone who has never played before.
• Visit your local crokinole club or tournament.
• Share photos or videos of your games on social media.
• Challenge yourself to see how many twenties you can score in a single game.
• Tell others why crokinole is one of your favourite games.

For me, crokinole has become much more than a hobby. It has introduced me to wonderful people, inspired me to write books, and given me countless memorable moments around the board. Seeing the game continue to grow each year is exciting, and International Crokinole Day is a wonderful reminder that this uniquely Canadian game is now enjoyed around the globe.

So, on August 20, gather your discs, sprinkle a little playing powder, and enjoy a few friendly matches.

Here's to great shots, good sportsmanship, and many more years of crokinole.

Happy International Crokinole Day!

Join the Discussion: Have you played crokinole before? Share your experience in the comments below!