# Sjoelen ## General Info - **Year Published**: 1870 - **BGG Rating**: 6.8 - **BGG Rank**: #6332 - **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 2) - **Duration**: 30 min - **Weight**: 1.16 / 5 - **Designers**: (Uncredited) - **Publishers**: (Public Domain), alfaset, Homas Spelen - **Categories**: Action / Dexterity ## Verdict 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!Addictive dexterity challengeSimple to learnGreat for all agesFun interactionCharming wooden componentsRequires smooth surfaceCan be repetitive for someRECOMMENDED ## Description 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! ## FAQ ### How many players can play Sjoelen? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? 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!