DIY Chinese Checkers Board Game
If you’re a sucker for family game night like myself, you’re going to have a lot of fun creating and playing with this DIY. I was surprised how simple this DIY was, especially due to how it turned out. It has this fun and modern twist to it that will look great on any coffee table, yet still holds the simple design and functionality of the traditional game of Chinese Checkers. Competition meets design is my kind of combo!
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:
18x18x1” piece of Plywood
Ruler (18 inch minimum)
Pencil
Circular Saw. (Jigsaw or hand saw will work but will take longer)
100 to 180 Grit Sand Paper (Recommended)
60 1/2” Wooden Marbles
1/2” Masking Tape
Modge Podge
Small Paint Brush
3/8” Spade Bit
6 Different Acrylic Paint Colors
HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:
MEASURE & CUT OUT A HEXAGON: Use the image on the left above as a guide to measure and draw out your hexagon. Every outside edge should measure 9 inches, and every corner should measure 9 inches out from the center (or the radius). This part took the longest for me to figure out, so I figured if you had a little diagram of my notes it would be super helpful. If you’d like, after this step, take a 100 to 180 grit sand paper and buffer out any sharp edges.
MEASURE & PLACE HOLES: Use the image on the right above a guide to measure and place where your holes will go. I found it helpful to first, measure the 3/4” from each corner, then measure the 14 1/2” line across. Repeat this step six more times for each corner. Then, draw dots on the top of each triangle and where your lines intersect. Use these initial dots to start measuring out where your other dots will go. Each dot will have equal distances of 1 3/16'“ from each other. It’s very important you measure these dots correctly. Shoot, why not measure them twice? If you don’t take your time with this and do it correctly, your board won’t have a nice even pattern and will look a little funky.
DRILL HOLES: Use your 3/8” spade bit and drill a total of 60 holes. I put a little piece of tape on my bit so I know how far down I need to drill. You wouldn’t want to drill through the bottom of your board
TAPE WOODEN MARBLES: Use the 1/2” masking tape, tape half of every marble. This will help you create that “dipped” effect with the marbles but it also creates a stand for your marbles to sit on while they dry. I suggest use a box or cookie tray to hold your marbles while you work. They definitely love to roll.
MODGE PODGE & PAINT MARBLES: With any edged/lined painting projects, I ALWAYS use Modge Podge to make sure those lines are beautifully defined. Ooo yeah, I love me a defined paint line (cue the goosebumps). Modge podge also gives your paints a little extra stick and your colors a little extra pop. Then, use 6 acrylic paint colors to paint the tops of your marbles. There should be 6 sets of 10 marbles (60 total).
PAINT HOLES: Take your time with this step so you don’t get paint on the surface of your board. Just like your marbles, there should be 6 sets of 10 holes (60 total). If you’d like to paint the holes on the actual “playing area,” you should do that at this time. Try to keep those holes all the same color (neutral) color as to not cause confusion for yourself or your competitors.
MODGE PODGE BOARD: Take some Modge Podge to the entire game. This will help protect your wood as well as give it a little shine.
HERE’S HOW YOU PLAY
Creditials:
Game design — inspired by Lovely Indeed
Game “Chinese Checkers”— inspired by George Howard Monks, Halma