Unlock the Secret to Open 20s in Crokinole
In the world of crokinole, the open 20 shot is one of the key fundamentals that can make or break your game. Whether you’re a beginner looking for that satisfying drop in the centre or a seasoned player striving for mastery, understanding the open 20 is crucial for success in the game. This blog will explore what an open 20 is, why it holds such importance in the game, and actionable tips to help you perfect this pivotal shot.
What Is an Open 20?
An open 20 occurs when a player flicks their disc directly into the center hole of the crokinole board, scoring the maximum 20 points in a single shot. Unlike other shots that involve navigating around pegs or interacting with opponents’ discs, the open 20 is typically taken on a clear board. It’s called “open” because there are no opponent discs in play that you’d otherwise have to shoot at. Despite its apparent simplicity, executing open 20s consistently requires a high degree of accuracy and control.
Why Are Open 20s Important?
The open 20 can be a crucial factor in competitive crokinole matches. Here’s why:
- Immediate Point Advantage: Each round of crokinole starts with what is commonly known as a 20s race, where players go back and forth in open 20s until one player misses. Whoever wins this race has an advantage going into the rest of the round.
- Momentum and Confidence: Successfully landing an open 20 mid-game, when the opportunity arises, can shift momentum in your favour, boosting your confidence while putting pressure on your opponent.
- Strategic Edge: In high-level play, it is crucial to capitalize on every open 20 you can. If you can consistently nail open 20s, you’re likely to dominate the game.
Whether it’s in the initial 20s race or midge when the opportunity arises, being able to score open 20s can, in some cases, make or break your game. So, let’s learn how to improve that skill!
Tips to Improve Your Open 20s
Now that you understand the significance of the open 20, let’s dive into how you can enhance your ability to execute this critical shot.
1. Master Your Flicking Technique
The foundation of a successful open 20 lies in your flicking motion. Experiment with different styles—such as straight-on flicks versus side flicks, to find what feels most natural and controlled. Remember to keep your motion smooth and consistent, aiming for a balance between power and finesse. Watch the full explanation on mastering your flicking technique here.
2. Fine-tune everything about How you Shoot
Consider everything about how you shoot, even things that may not seem too obvious: how are you placing your disc on the board- does your placement in relation to your shooting finger allow you to have a consistent shot? How about your posture? Are you comfortable and able to hold the posture you’re shooting in through a round, a game, or a whole day of crokinole? How’s your hand resting on the board, how is your arm postured while you shoot, where are your eyes looking before, during, and after you shoot? These variables on their own are small, but considering each variable and adjusting everything to make your shot the best can go a long way to improving your 20s, or even your entire game.
And, please note: this will look different for everybody. What works for me may work wonders for one person and be useless to another. The point is to consider and take control of every variable you can that could potentially impact your shot.
3. Practice with a Purpose
To build consistency, dedicate time to practicing open 20s. One effective drill is the 10-Button Challenge, where you take 10 consecutive open 20 shots and track how many you land. Repeat this drill regularly to monitor your progress and identify areas for improvement. Learn more about this drill here.
There’s other fun ways you can practice. You can try to set a record for consecutive 20s (the current unofficial world record is held by Steve Burrows with 77 20s), or play crokinole mini games that incorporate the open 20 as a critical shot (such as Crokinole Solitaire, a game included in Crokinole Cards created by Colter Hahn). Practicing this skill through challenges or mini games can add an element of fun into however you decide to drill the open 20!
4. Focus on Disc Placement
Before each shot, carefully position your disc on the shooting line. While this will vary slightly for each player in terms of how exactly you place it, ensure that the disc isn’t moving on you when it goes on the board, and make sure that however you place it is identical every single time. Again, consistency will come as you eliminate more and more variables.
5. Control Your Speed and Aim
The speed of your shot can greatly impact its accuracy. Practice varying the force of your flick to discover the optimal speed that keeps your disc on target. We highly recommend that, especially in a tournament setting, always take a second to practice your open 20s on a board before playing on it! Each board will play differently, so take a second to fine tune your shot to get the hang of the speed of any particular board.
Final Thoughts
The open 20 is more than just a shot—it’s a skill that can define your crokinole experience. By understanding its importance and practicing with intention, you can unlock the secret to consistent 20s and gain a competitive edge. So, set up your board, grab your buttons, and start flicking your way to victory. With dedication and the right techniques, you’ll soon be the player everyone fears at the table. Happy flicking!