The Mystique of Chinese Checkers

Despite its simplicity and popularity with people of all ages, the curious thing about Chinese checkers is that it is neither Chinese in origin nor a game of checkers.

The origin of Chinese checkers can be traced to "Halma," that became popular in Great Britain in the 1870s, and which in turn was based on an older British board game called "Hoppity." The six-pointed star, or "Stern," was later introduced in 1892 into the board by the German game company, Ravensburger, and called the game "Stern-Halma." Then, in 1928, latching on to the interest in the Oriental mystique sweeping the world at that time, such as the introduction of Mah Jong in 1923 and the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922, J. Pressman & Co. called it "Chinese Checkers."

A craze for the game hit America in the 1930s. Despite the popularity of the game, its past was not totally obliterated and is still called Halma in Germany where it is still played under the original rules.

Chinese checkers is so simple that children can easily learn it. With the help of the game, parents can teach their children learn critical thinking and motors skills. Even a child who is poor in basic arithmetic will be able to play the game because it does not involve any dice throwing, counting or scoring.

This Dal Rossi Chinese checkers is not only excellent for the young, but for the old as well, whose poor eyesight prevents them from playing games that involve a lot of complex rules or reading. That is why Chinese checkers are ideal tools for keeping seniors in nursing homes busy, mentally alert and entertained.