DIY Chinese Checkers Game » Lovely Indeed

A colorful DIY that’s not only fun to play but looks incredible on a coffee table! Make a DIY Chinese Checkers game to add to your game nights.

Here it is, gang! Another incredible addition to our DIY game series!

I grew up playing Chinese Checkers with my grandmother during the long summer days, but I have to say – this set is much more vibrant than hers was!

Our DIY Chinese Checkers will not only look incredible on your coffee table but it’s fully functional and ready to play at a moment’s notice.

Psst — before you get the tutorial, be sure to sign up below for my VIP group. I send these folks my very best DIY ideas and tutorials!

DIY Game Inspo

Over the years we’ve created dozens of DIY board games! I included a few favorites below.

I love creating these for gifts or to keep for functional family heirlooms!

Be sure to pin your favorites so that you can find them again easily when you feel like getting crafty.

Supplies You’ll Need

Gather a few basic craft supplies and tools, and you can turn them into this whimsical game!

Materials

How to Make a DIY Chinese Checkers Board Game

Make Time: 4 Hours (Plus Drying Time) 

Making the Game Board

1. Measure and cut a hexagon on the board. We made our board as long as our wood round would allow. Each flat edge will measure 9″ if you’re using an 18″ wood round. Each vertex (corner) will be 9″ from the center point of the hexagon. Use a flat edge ruler to sketch your lines in pencil on the wood before you cut.
2. To draw all the dots for the holes on the board, draw a dot one inch in from each point of the hex. Connect the dots to create a six-point star. Make a dot at each intersecting point. Start filling in the dots along the lines. You should have a dot every 1 1/8″. Keep filling in, using your ruler to keep the dots in straight lines.
3. Drill a hole at each dot, placing the drill bit carefully centered on the dot. Drill about halfway through the wood.
4. Give the entire board a good sanding to smooth out any rough edges. Thoroughly brush off all dust and clean the board.
5. Choose 7 paint colors. Paint the inside of the holes. Each point of the star and its corresponding 10 holes should have its own color, and all of the center holes can be another color. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Create the Chinese Checkers Game Pieces

1. Wrap a piece of washi around a wooden marble at the halfway point.
2. Apply a thin layer of paint on the unmasked part. Use the washi to stand the marble up while drying.
3. If desired, add a second coat of paint. Remove the washi tape and set the marbles in the board to dry and cure.
4. Repeat the process with 60 marbles, 10 in each color. Make the colors correspond to the colors you chose for the points on the board.

How to Play Chinese Checkers

I hope you love this game!

You can play this game with two to six players, which makes it really versatile for game nights!

I also think it’s a great game to play with younger kids who are just starting to get into board games. It teaches lots of basics, and you can even work on concepts like colors and shapes.

Here’s a great summary on how to play. Have fun! xoxo

P.S. See all of our past game night DIYs right here!

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Tutorial photos by Lovely Indeed. All other photos by Scot Woodman.