If you enjoy a good dexterity challenge and want something a bit out of the ordinary, Sjoelen is an excellent choice! It's a super traditional game in the Netherlands, but here it's still a gem waiting to be discovered. The experience is relaxing, yet it keeps you engaged with the pursuit of the perfect score, blending luck and a lot of skill. Perfect for gathering friends and having a good laugh with the more 'creative' shots!
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Highlights
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Addictive dexterity challenge
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Simple to learn
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Great for all ages
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Fun interaction
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Charming wooden components
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Keep in mind
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Requires smooth surface
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Can be repetitive for some
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Officially known as Sjoelen in its country of origin, the Netherlands, this classic dexterity game is also called Dutch Shuffleboard in English or Jakkolo in German. It's a very traditional pastime there, so much so that a World Championship is held every two years, with the 2019 edition in Germany and the 2021 one planned for the Netherlands. The game's concept is simple yet addictive: each player gets three rounds to slide 30 wooden disks along a two-meter-long table. The goal is to get these disks through four numbered arches from 1 to 4, located at the other end of the board (the sjoelbak, to be precise). The trick here is that it's not enough to aim for the highest-scoring arches. Getting disks into all four compartments is crucial, because a complete set of four disks (one in each arch) is worth double: 20 points instead of the 10 you'd get by summing 1+2+3+4. It's a challenge of precision and strategy, where every slide counts and the organization of disks in the compartments can turn the game around!
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Gallery
Box and component photos
11 photos · from the community
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Best player count
BGG community vote
1–4 players
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BestRecommendedWorks
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Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Sjoelen can be played by 1 to 4 players, making it versatile for both a solo practice session to hone your aim and a lively competition with friends or family.
What is the average playtime for Sjoelen? expand_more
A game of Sjoelen typically takes between 30 to 30 minutes. It's a quick and dynamic game, perfect for filling a short break or for multiple rounds.
Is Sjoelen a complex game to learn? expand_more
Not at all! Sjoelen has a BGG complexity weight of 1.1562/5, which means it's super easy to learn. The rules are simple: slide disks and try to hit the arches. Mastery comes with practice!
What are the main components of Sjoelen? expand_more
The main components are the wooden board (called sjoelbak), which is about 2 meters long and has four numbered arches, and 30 wooden disks for each player. It's a game with a very classic and tactile feel.
Who is Sjoelen most recommended for? expand_more
Sjoelen is recommended for anyone looking for a fun and challenging dexterity game, ideal for all ages. It's great for families, gatherings with friends, and even for those who enjoy training their motor skills alone.
What is the main strategy for scoring well in Sjoelen? expand_more
The main strategy is not only to aim for the higher-scoring arches but also to try and distribute the disks to have at least one in each of the four compartments. This is because a complete set of four disks is worth double!
