The Hammer

Competitive single player Crokinole vs. 80 points.

‘The only way to involve your butt, your finger, play with yourself, and NOT get arrested.’

SET UP

The game requires a tabletop and one chair.
The game is played on a tournament-sized Crokinole board, with a back board (optional).
16 tournament-sized Crokinole discs. 2 colors of 8 each.
1 score disc.
1 Hammer token. (The Hammer token is used in Crokinole to identify the player with the last unanswered shot.)
The board is preset with 8 opponent discs nested equally between the pegs.
8 player discs are set in front of the playing position's quadrant.
The score disc is preset with 80 points for the opponents’ starting score, and the Hammer token is set in front as an invitation.
CAUTION: Small game pieces are a swallowing hazard to children of all ages. PLEASE always game responsibly.

The game begins with the opponent preset score of 80 points to start.
The Hammer invitational challenge is to take 8 unanswered shots to earn a higher score, playing by the rules of Crokinole.
After 8 shots, scores are calculated and marked on the score disc. Rounds continue until either player reaches 100 points.

ETIQUETTE is KEY to make this 1-player arcade possible.
Once you have enjoyed a game, note your score, and reset the board for the next player.
Crokinole is normally played as a 2 or 4-player. The Hammer is a single-player version of Crokinole.
There is only 1 limitation, and 2 validation rules.

You must be seated. The 1 butt cheek rule applies.
If there are no opponent discs on the board, your disc must land within or touching the pegged 15 point line, to remain on the board.
If any opponent's disc are anywhere on the board, your disc must make contact with it, to remain on the board.

For the starting preset, variations can be made on the inner or outer spaces of the pegged circle.
The Hammer could be played by multiple players, each taking their individual turn for the highest score and bragging rights.

The Hammer is as old as the game of Crokinole itself. It has been used as a warm up and practice exercise to improve a players flicking skills before a tournament.
I didn’t invent it, I just gave it a name.

Consider how many games have a singular competitive option? Few, very few, which makes this a real gem.
A perfect score in this game would be 160 points, I believe it to be impossible, because of the starting challenge of 8 opponent discs on the board, each shot must make contact with at least one of the opponent’s discs AND land in the 20 point circle. With only 8 shots, you will want to make the most of each shot. (My personal best game is 115 points.)
With some well placed shots, it is possible to ricochet off and hit other discs, displacing or clearing them off the board. The best strategy is, Can you clear the opponent discs off the board quickly and leave yourself open 20 point shots?
The Hammer is an excellent example of what it takes to play a game, any game, with the proper mindset.

In other words, give it your best, and play with honor and respect. (Respect for the game itself, and respect for the next player.)
One VISION: Imagine a world where the Hammer was set up and left open in a Bar or game room setting as an invitation and a challenge. If everyone had the players’ mindset, anyone could play, score, and reset for the next player.