Custom Board Games

[CharlestonPenWorks]

Hey, I bought a cheap game at target the other day just because. Boy, did I ever open up a can!! The game is Kalah (Mancala) and boy is it addictive. Our whole family (me, my wife, 3 oldest kids) have played it non-stop the last week. AND, since I am prepping for a small craft show in November, it made me think of how easy it would be to make a few and sell them. I guess I have two questions.

#1 Do any of you make custom board games? Could you share your experiences? Favorite woods, finishes for flat surfaces?

#2 Do you know of any regional or folk style board games that could be made in a modest workshop. An example that comes to mind is an English game called Fox and Geese. It requires a simple board and pieces that I could make. If for no other reason, my family loves playing together and it would be neat to make the games that we spend time with.

Thanks, DJ

 

[alphageek]

If you havn't caught it, check out Keiths article thats the lead article right now on woodturningonline.com ...

 

[sefali]

That brings back good memories. My father and I would play Mancala all the time when I was a young kid. I still remember the look on his face when he realized I'd figured out a counter for one of his plays that always beat me. I don't remember the moves after @ 25 years, but I'll never forget that look - a priceless mix of pride, surprise, and anger. It was likely my own young pride that saw a touch of fear as well. :biggrin: Good luck with the boards.