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How to Select a Chinese Checkers Board

A Chinese checkers game board is a 6-pointed star with 121 holes or spaces on the board. That is where the consistency ends. Game pieces are usually marbles or pegs but can be made from glass, wood or plastic. The Chinese checkers game board can consist of inexpensive cardboard, metal or plastic or it can be made from expensive woods such as walnut, teak and oiled maple, or even marble. Budget, frequency of use and the ages of the players can be deciding factors when you select a Chinese checkers board.

Instructions

- 1
  Decide how much money you can comfortably spend on a Chinese checkers board. Games can range from just a few dollars for a cardboard board with plastic pegs to more than $100 for a walnut or marble board with glass marbles. Amazon offers a wide variety of Chinese checkers boards to fit every price range (see Resources below).
- 2
  Determine how much you will be using your Chinese checkers board before you select a particular set. A tin or plastic game will not withstand the same level of daily use as a game constructed from teak or another sturdy wood. Mastersgames.com carries an attractive selection of higher-end wooden games (see Resources below).
- 3
  Consider your storage and playing area when researching Chinese checkers games. Most standard size boards measure approximately 12 inches across but can differ in shape. You may be able to store a circular or square-shaped board more easily than a hexagonal shape.
- 4
  Choose a board that includes large marbles or pegs if you are playing with children whose fine motor skills are still developing. Marbles that are 1 inch in diameter are ideal for kids and for people who have problems with arthritis in their hands.
- 5
  Select a magnetic board to use while traveling or to avoid losing marbles or pegs at home. This type of Chinese checkers game is usually made of tin, and will probably need to be replaced sooner than a more expensive game. Due to its ease of use, it may be a good version to choose when introducing your child to Chinese checkers.

Chess & Checkers