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How to Build a Pegs & Jokers Game

A North American derivative of the Indian race game Parcheesi, Pegs & Jokers pits players against each other in a contest to advance their pegs around a uniquely interconnected board. Pegs are moved in accordance with drawn playing cards, each card signifying a specific movement. Creating your own game board allows you to bring this uncommon but entertaining game into your home.

Cut both ends of each pine board at a 45-degree angle, creating 8 individual polygons with a bottom edge measuring 20 inches.

Drill a row of 18 evenly spaced holes using the 1/2-inch drill bit one inch up from the bottom edge. Repeat for all 8 boards.

Drill 5 holes in an X-shape in the upper left hand space above the bottom row of holes. There should be 1 hole at each of the four ends of the X with a fifth hole in the center. Repeat for all 8 boards.

Drill five holes in an arc or curve in the upper right hand space of the board leading from the the X-shape to the third hole from the right in the row of 18. Repeat for all 8 boards.

Sand all boards with the medium-grain sandpaper. Then sand all boards with the fine-grain sandpaper.

Paint five of each peg a different color. Paint five pegs red, Paint five pegs orange, five yellow, and so forth for green, purple, teal, dark blue and violet. Allow to dry overnight.

Stain or varnish all 8 game boards. Allow to dry overnight.

Things You'll Need:

  • 8 1-inch by 6-inch by 20-inch pine boards
  • Chop saw or miter box
  • Drill with 1/2-inch bit
  • 2 sheets medium grade sandpaper
  • 2 sheets fine grade sandpaper
  • 40 2 by 1/2-inch bevel base craft pegs
  • 8 paint colors
  • Stain or varnish

Tip

Before you paint or varnish your game boards, you may choose to wood burn or paint designs, such as leaves or dancing animals. If you paint on your designs, allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. Apply clear varnish to preserve the boards after your designs are done.

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