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Pegs and Jokers Boards

Introduction: My mother-in-law and father-in-law acquired their boards at two different RV parks in two different parts of the country. Construction of the first board described here was a social event for all to participate in. A weekend was set aside to build boards. While some performed the wood work, others would finish and paint the boards. Thirty of these were constructed during two winters at an RV park in Florida some ten years ago.

Basic Layout: Each player sets in front of a "side" that consists of 18 holes drilled for pegs. From the fourth(4) hole in from the right, toward the center of the board, are five(5) holes that are the player's "Home". From the ninth(9) hole in from the right, toward the center of the board, are five(5) holes that are the player's "Start". All holes are 1/8" diameter spaced 1/2" apart.

Example: example

Each player's side is painted a different color and this player's pegs are the same color. Usually a color stripe with the holes dilled for the pegs running inside it. The pegs can be commercially made game pegs or cut off golf tees.

Board Construction: Based on the above configuration two types of boards are commonly used.

The first style consists of "sides" laid out on a large piece of 3/8" to 3/4" plywood for four, six, and eight players. Each track is laid inside the other such that the four sided game is center most, then the six sided game, and finally the eight sided game. This is the most common form (even number of sides) since it generally played with partners. But, some boards have the odd multiple of sides (3,5,7) included on the back side. This style of board can be quite beautiful and elaborate. For example: The "Start" area can be painted to resemble a thatched roofed house with the five holes inside. While the "Home" area, with its' five(5) holes, can be a painted to resemble a castle.

board 1

The second type of board is more practical but a little more difficult to build. It allows for any number of sides to be assembled for a game. As many as ten sides with playing cards can fit into a plastic Tupperware(brand) bread box. board 2 view 1 Each side is made from a piece of 1"x3"x12.5" wood. The main track of holes is cut 1" wide then expands to 3" where the "Start" and "Home" areas are and then contracts back to 1" wide. board 2 view 2

Each end is relief cut on opposite sides 1" in from the end. The left end has a 3/8" hole dilled through to accept a 3/8" dowel that is set in the opposite end. This allows for the sides to be fitted together.