NEW: Make Mom’s last-minute gift more thoughtful with a gift teaser! 🎁✨

Chinese Checkers

  • Review spotlight

    Learn More About Chinese Checkers

    If you’re looking for a fun board game to play with friends and family, Chinese checkers is a great choice. This classic game was invented around 1880 and was originally called Halma, which is Greek for the word “jump.” The original game involved players moving pieces from one corner of a square board to the opposite corner, and the first person to get all of their pieces to the other side was declared the winner. Although this awesome game has the word “Chinese” in the name, it was actually invented in Germany.


    This popular board game was introduced to the United States in the 1930s and features slightly different components and rules today. Colorful Chinese checkers marbles are used to play the game. The board is typically made of wood or metal, although some mass-produced games use cardboard. An official Chinese checkers board is shaped like a six-pointed star. The marbles sit inside small divots in the board instead of the original design, which featured squares.

    You can enjoy playing a Chinese checkers game with an assortment of unique board designs from shops on Etsy. A heavy-duty wood board adds a classic feel to this popular board game. If you consider yourself a collector or connoisseur, try vintage Chinese checkers boards that add interest and a retro-inspired look to every game you play.


    A metal board offers more durability for heavy gameplay and creates a vibrant, colorful look. If you want something truly unique, explore the independent shops on Etsy to have your Chinese-checkers board customized. Engrave a wood board with a name, or ask a talented seller to make you something completely custom with your favorite graphic designs.