Chinese Checkers

Chinese checkers

Chinese checkers is the most sociable of the classic strategy games. It takes two to six players, the rules take a minute to explain, and because the jumping mechanic rewards planning without punishing beginners it works across mixed ages better than almost anything else on a games shelf.

Each player starts with ten pegs in their own triangle and moves them across the star to the triangle opposite, hopping over any piece in the way, their own or an opponent's. Chains of jumps in a single turn are allowed, and that is where the game opens up. First player to fill the opposite triangle wins.

Tabletop or giant

The Dal Rossi 37cm Chinese Checkers Set is the conventional version: a 37cm board that sits on a table and puts away afterwards. It is the one to buy if you want a game to play rather than an object to live with.

The Mega Chinese Checkers is a 100cm colourful metal star board that mounts on the wall and stays there, with ten pegs per player in six colours. It is design patented by Archtwain, and it plays flat on a table as well if you would rather not mount it.

Which to buy

Buy the tabletop set if you want to play Chinese checkers. Buy the giant board if you want the game permanently available and doing something for the room while it waits. Households that host tend to get more out of the wall version, because a board already up gets picked up in passing in a way a boxed game does not.

Lead times and warranty

The giant board is made to order, so contact the team for the current production timeframe before ordering. It carries a 2 year limited manufacturer warranty covering manufacturing defects.

Browse related

• Checkers and draughts. The related tabletop classics.
• Wall games. Other boards built to mount.
• Giant games. The oversized range.
• Traditional games. Classic games at scale.
• Archtwain. The studio behind the giant board.

Chinese checkers FAQs

How many players can play?

Two to six. Each player takes one of the six coloured starting triangles and ten pegs in that colour.

How do you win?

Move all ten of your pegs from your starting triangle into the triangle directly opposite. Single steps and chained jumps both count, and you may jump over any piece, yours or an opponent's.

Does the giant board have to go on the wall?

No. It is designed to mount, but it plays flat on a table as well. Mounting instructions are included; wall fixings are not, since the right fixing depends on the wall.

Is it suitable for children?

Ages 3 and up, with adult supervision recommended under 6. The rules are simple enough that children and adults can play the same game without handicaps.