Antique Checkers

Checkers is an ancient game, one that many people still enjoy today. While most checkers games today are plain and lacking in character, you can choose to purchase antique checkers. When you have an antique checkers game you have a bit of history in your hand.

You have something that can not only be enjoyed today, but also passed down through the generations tomorrow.

The History of The Game

The roots for the modern game date back to Ancient Egypt and a game known that later Egyptians called Quirkat or Alquerque. Plato mentions the Egyptians playing such a game, and he mention their version of draughts by the name "patteia". The boards were a smaller version of checkers boards, while archaeological digs have found boards that date all the way back to 600 BCE, and perhaps as early as the time of Queen Hatasu or Hatshepsut of Egypt (circa 1400 or 1500 BC).

While no one is quite certain of the rules, depictions indicate that ancient draughts games had many similarities to modern day checkers, including the small, round playing pieces and a goal of capturing the opponent.

Modern checkers dates back to 12th Century Europe where the game was played on an 8x8 grid. The 10x10 grid would not be introduced until the 18th century. Experts believe that this final version of the playing board originated in Holland.

Today, Checkers is enjoyed in countries all across the globe, though you are more likely to hear the game referred to as Draughts outside the United States.

Finding Vintage Checkers Games

When any game enjoys such an amazing history, you would expect to be able to find vintage Checkers games. These antique checkers games become an interesting centrepiece for any room and conversation piece when entertaining guests. Antique checkers sets can be found in a variety of places.

Craig’s List
Ebay
Antique Stores
Garage Sales
Thrift Stores
Your Grandmother’s Attic
Estate Sales

With checkers being a popular game across the globe, you can also look for games that were made in other countries for additional interest. The playing pieces can vary in color, size and design depending on the manufacturer and time period.

Displaying Old Checkers Games

An antique checkers game makes a lovely centrepiece for any coffee table. It just begs to have someone sit down and play a quick game. However, these old Checkers games can also be displayed in game rooms, children’s rooms, and even home offices.

Any bare table in a room can become a display stand for your antique checkers. The best part of displaying your antique checkers is that you can sit down and play them occasionally, without harming their value in any way.

Antique Checkers as Family Heirlooms

It’s true that you can go to the local discount store and buy a game of checkers. The game is likely to be a generic game with plain, plastic playing pieces. A finely crafted antique checkers game, on the other hand, becomes a family heirloom.

The wood playing boards is a conversation piece in and of itself. The wooden or crystal game pieces add interest to the game, because people want to be surrounded by beauty. When you bring an antique checkers game into your home, you take the game of checkers from the world of children into the world of adults.

There is not only be an enjoyable game available, but there will also be a story behind the game, that you can share with friends.

Generations of Game Lovers

You may already have a checkers game that has been passed down to you. If so, you know the value of that game. Not only is it more interesting and unique, but it also holds many wonderful memories of sitting and playing it.

This is also a great gift that you can pass down to your children and great-grandchildren, weaving a common thread among the generations of your family. Someday they your children and grandchildren can sit in their living room, teaching Checkers to their children, and they can share the story of how they came to have the board and all the wonderful time spent playing this classic, historical game.

Antique Checkers Sets

Antique checkers are a great addition to any home. An antique set of draughts offers a timeless, classic style that compliments just about any decor. These games bring additional interest to any room, as well as an elements both of fun and history.

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