CROKINOLE
The Illustrated Guide
by Michel Cloutier
​
About the Author
​
​
​
As a boy, my most pleasant memories were with my group of friends playing crokinole. Upon reflection on those early days, I came to appreciate that the game was more than just a pastime for me. Like most of the other boys in my age group when the weather was good we raced our bikes or played hockey on a local outdoor rink. However, when the weather was poor there was no arguing as to where you’d find my group of friends and me. It was at someone’s home where the crokinole board came out along with the laughter and excitement that goes with it.
As the years went by my friends and I parted ways to take on adult lives and as a result crokinole ceased to play a role in my life. That is until a few years ago when I saw the game being played on YouTube. Suddenly, the images of my childhood friends and our amusements came back to me complete with all the emotions of friendship and joy.
Today crokinole is back in my life with a vengeance. I now play with my family and present-day friends. Sometimes when game day is over, I find myself travelling back in time when crokinole was not just a game but part of my childhood.
I hope this guide will help you find the magic this game of crokinole has for people of all ages.
Michel Cloutier
.png)
.png)
Support Documents
Available for Download
Upcoming Events
FAQ
The Answers You Need
Who is this book for?
It is for anyone curious about the game of crokinole. Young and old alike will enjoy the information explained in this book. It covers everything from how to choose and maintain a board that is right for you. It also includes game rules, tips and strategies that will help you impress your crokinole-playing friends and family.
I already play crokinole; will this book help me?
If you are an experienced crokinole player who participates in clubs, tournaments or perhaps you’ve played in one of the annual World Crokinole Championships, you probably already know much of what is presented in this book. But if you have limited experience and want to perfect your game, you may enjoy the numerous practice tips that include using angles and detailed strategies with illustrations.
When do I use the 90 and 30-degree rules?
Understanding when to use the 90-degree rule and the 30-degree rule in crokinole can significantly enhance your strategic play. Here's a guide on when to apply each rule:
​
The 90-Degree Rule
When to Use:
Precise Placement: Use the 90-degree rule when you need to predict the exact movement of both discs after contact. This rule is particularly useful when you want to ensure your disc ends up in a specific advantageous position while knocking your opponent’s disc off the playing surface.
​
Offensive and Defensive Play: Employ this rule to combine offensive and defensive strategies in one shot. For example, aiming to land your disc in the twenty hole while simultaneously removing an opponent’s disc.
​
Controlled Rebounds: This rule helps when you need to control the rebound of your disc to avoid leaving it in a vulnerable position or to strategically place it in a higher-scoring area.
Example Scenario:
​Your opponent's disc is positioned near the edge of the twenty hole. By applying the 90-degree rule, you can aim to hit their disc at the precise point (white and black dot) to send your disc into the twenty hole and their disc off the board.
​
The 30-Degree Rule
​
When to Use:
Mid-Range Adjustments: Use the 30-degree rule for mid-range shots where you need to deflect your disc at a specific angle. This rule is ideal for shots that require a slight change in direction to gain a strategic position on the board.
​
Predictable Deflection: Apply this rule when you need your disc to deflect at a predictable 30-degree angle. This is particularly helpful in positioning your disc for future shots or setting up a defensive barrier.
​
Angle Precision: This rule is beneficial when you need to navigate around obstacles, such as other discs or pegs, to achieve your desired positioning.
​
Example Scenario:
There’s an opponent’s disc blocking your direct path to the twenty hole, but there’s a gap at an angle. Using the 30-degree rule, you can aim your disc to deflect off the opponent’s disc at approximately 30 degrees, bypassing the block and positioning your disc closer to the twenty hole.
​
Combining Both Rules
​
Complex Shots: In advanced play, you might find situations where both rules could apply depending on the desired outcome. Understanding both rules allows you to dynamically choose the best strategy based on the specific setup of the board.
​
By mastering when and how to apply the 90-degree and 30-degree rules, you can enhance your precision, control, and strategic play in crokinole, giving you a significant edge over your opponents.
​
Download the free template here:
30-Degree and 90-Degree Angle Rule Templates
I recommend you practice with the 90-degree rule until it becomes natural, then the 30-degree rule and see if it’s a rule you want to master. You may just stick with the 90-degree rule as I did.
​
135-degree angle with Jeremy Tracey
​
Where can I find updates to my book?
​
All effort has been made to present complete, accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information. But sometimes an error may slip through. If this happens, this is the link to consult.
​
​
A letter to the crokinole community
​​​​
Video Tutorials
Watch short video tutorials on the game of crokinole
Contact Michel Cloutier
Have a question?
Please get in touch and I will be happy to respond.