DIY Board Game: Checkers

By Andrew Jacobs
Sep 25, 2015

DIY Board Game: Checkers

When was the last time you played a board game? And I don’t mean opening an app on your phone. Can you remember when you sat down with another human and picked up the pieces to a board game? With our DIY Checkers Board you can quickly create a favorite board game. ( perfect for traveling too!) So turn off your TV, put down the phone and stretch your brain muscles. Game night coming right up!

Fun Fact: Checkers, called Draughts in most countries, has been traced back to the 1300s.

How to create your checkers board:

Grab a heavy piece of cardstock …in any color you’d like and draw an 8x8 inch large square in the middle. Sharpies are ideal here! Don’t forget to use a ruler! Straight lines are essential!

Next draw lines 1 inch apart from top to bottom and also side to side. This will create your 64 square grid needed to play.

Time to color! Drawing in every other square: make them solid, striped or whatever you desire. No 2 empty squres should touch.

All you need is pieces to play. Grab whatever you have laying around: buttons, paper clips, binder clips... You need 12 pieces for each color. Here I choose our regular size paper clips for the pieces and the jumbo ones once one is kinged!

Now to learn how to play….

These are the standard US rules for Checkers:

First you need a partner! Checkers is played by two players. Each begins with 12 colored pieces usually red and black but here we used our paper clips.

Typically Black moves first. Players then alternate. (here you can flip a coin to decide who goes first)

In the beginning of the game: if it is your turn, you can move your piece one space forward in a diagonal direction to a dark square only. To win a game you need to move your pieces towards your opponent's side of the board. You can move quicker by jumping your opponent's pieces and then removing them from the board.

To capture: jump over their piece by moving two diagonal spaces in the direction of the checker, like you are hopping over your opponent's piece. Once you have jumped over them you can take that piece off the board!

But don’t forget! A space on the other side of your opponent’s checker must be empty to move to it.

A rule to remember: If you have the chance to jump your opponent, you have to take it.

If you capture a piece you only get to move forward once. But if your new spot gives you another opportunity to snag another piece, you can keep going until you can't jump any more.

When a piece reaches the furthest row from the player who controls that piece, it is crowned and becomes a king. In traditional checkers one of the pieces, which already has been captured would be placed on top of the ‘king’ so it is twice as high as a regular piece. Here we used our jumbo paper clips in place for a king.

Kings are limited to moving diagonally, but can move forward and backward, so it's easier for kings to capture your opponent's checkers.

A player wins the game when the opponent cannot make any more moves.

Game on!

this craft was inspired by this post on Scissors and Sage

Posted in Paper Products and Arts & Crafts

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DIY Board Game: Fun and Creative Ideas for Making Your Own

Key Summary:

Create your own fun and unique board game with easy tips and tricks.
This article will provide guidance on choosing a theme, designing the game board, creating rules, and adding interactive elements.
Real world use cases and examples will be shared to inspire and guide readers in their DIY board game projects.

Board games have a long history of bringing people together for fun and entertainment. In recent years, do-it-yourself (DIY) board games have gained popularity as a creative and engaging activity for individuals and families. In this article, we will explore the benefits of creating your own board game and provide tips on how to get started. From choosing a theme to designing the game board and pieces, to creating rules and adding interactive elements, we will cover everything you need to know to embark on your DIY board game project. Get ready to unleash your creativity and have fun making your very own board game!

Choosing a Theme for Your Board Game

When creating your own board game, one of the first steps is choosing a theme that will set the tone for the entire game. Popular themes for board games include fantasy, mystery, adventure, and historical settings. However, to make your game truly unique, consider personalizing your theme by adding a twist or combining different genres. Brainstorming ideas can help you come up with a theme that resonates with you and your intended audience.

Popular Themes for Board Games

Fantasy
Mystery
Adventure
Historical

Personalizing Your Theme to Make It Unique

To make your board game stand out, consider personalizing your chosen theme by adding unique elements or a creative twist. This can help make your game more memorable and engaging for players.

Tips for Brainstorming Ideas

When brainstorming ideas for your board game theme, consider your interests, favorite genres, and the preferences of your target audience. Look for inspiration in books, movies, and other board games to come up with a theme that excites you.

Designing the Game Board and Pieces

Once you have chosen a theme for your board game, the next step is designing the game board and pieces. Consider the materials needed for creating a game board, such as cardboard, paper, or wood. For game pieces, you can opt for DIY options like tokens, cards, or figurines. Incorporating visuals and graphics can enhance the overall look and feel of your game.

Materials Needed for Creating a Game Board

Cardboard
Paper
Wood

DIY Options for Game Pieces

For game pieces, you can create your own tokens, cards, or figurines using materials like paper, clay, or recycled items. Get creative with your designs to make your game pieces unique and visually appealing.

Incorporating Visuals and Graphics

Adding visuals and graphics to your game board and pieces can enhance the overall aesthetic and theme of your board game. Consider using illustrations, colors, and symbols that align with your chosen theme to create a cohesive and engaging game experience.

Identifying the Target Audience

When creating a DIY board game, it's important to consider who the game is intended for. Understanding your target audience can help you tailor the theme, design, and gameplay to appeal to their interests and preferences.

Who is this product for:

Families looking for a fun and creative activity to do together
Board game enthusiasts interested in designing their own games
Educators seeking interactive and engaging teaching tools
Individuals looking for a unique and personalized gift idea

Choosing the Right Time to Create

Deciding when to work on your DIY board game project can impact the outcome and your overall experience. Consider factors such as your schedule, inspiration levels, and availability of materials before diving into the creative process.

When to use this product:

During family game nights for a personalized and memorable experience
As a creative project during weekends or holidays
As a team-building activity for groups or organizations
As a fun and educational project for children during school breaks

Exploring Different Use Case Scenarios

There are various ways to incorporate DIY board games into different settings and occasions. Whether it's for entertainment, education, or team-building, exploring different use case examples can inspire you to create a game that suits your specific needs and goals.

Use case examples:

Creating a personalized board game for a special occasion or celebration
Designing a themed board game for a classroom lesson or workshop
Developing a strategic board game for team-building activities in a corporate setting
Adapting a classic board game into a customized version for family game nights

What Sets Our Product Apart

Our DIY board game guide stands out from the rest due to its comprehensive approach to creating a unique and engaging game. We provide tips on choosing a theme, designing the game board, creating rules, and adding interactive elements, ensuring that every aspect of game creation is covered. Additionally, our real-world use cases and examples offer inspiration and guidance for readers looking to embark on their own DIY board game projects.

Interactive Elements

One of the key features that make our product special is the emphasis on adding fun and interactive elements to the board game. By incorporating challenges, obstacles, and surprises, players are engaged and entertained throughout the gameplay, enhancing their overall experience.

Applications of Our Product

Our DIY board game guide can be used in a variety of settings and scenarios to create memorable and enjoyable experiences. Whether you are looking for a fun family activity, a creative project for game enthusiasts, an interactive teaching tool for educators, or a unique gift idea, our product offers something for everyone.

Personalized Gift Ideas

One of the key use cases for our product is creating personalized board games as unique gift ideas for special occasions. By customizing the theme, design, and gameplay, individuals can create a one-of-a-kind gift that is both thoughtful and entertaining.

Maximizing Your DIY Board Game Adventure

To get the most out of your DIY board game project, it's important to follow a step-by-step guide, source materials and tools efficiently, and explore budget-friendly options for game creation. By taking these tips into consideration, you can unleash your creativity and create a board game that is not only fun to play but also satisfying to make.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow our detailed step-by-step guide on creating a DIY board game to ensure that you cover all aspects of game design and development. From choosing a theme to playtesting the final product, each step is essential in creating a successful and engaging board game.

Unleash Your Creativity: Start Your DIY Board Game Project Today

Creating your own board game is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to express your creativity and bring people together for entertainment. From choosing a theme to designing the game board and pieces, to creating rules and adding interactive elements, this article has provided you with all the guidance you need to get started on your DIY board game project. So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your creativity, gather your materials, and start creating your very own board game today!