With a name like Chinese checkers it would be logical to assume the game originated in China and had some link to the ancient game of checkers. Surprisingly, neither is correct. Most historians agree a similar game first appeared in Germany under the name 'Halma' (meaning 'jump') during the latter stages of the 19th century. Like Chinese checkers, the game involved trying to move your pieces from one corner of the square board to the opposite one. The game evolved into its current 6 point star design under the name 'Stern-Halma', which translates to Star-Jump. The "Chinese" aspect of the name came about once the game was brought over to America by Pressman Toys in 1928, using the name "Hop Ching Checkers" to take advantage of the interest in that era for "Oriental mystique". The game was a huge success for Pressman Toys. Eventually they modified the name to its current incarnation "Chinese Checkers". Even in China, the game is known as "Chinese Checkers" despite having no actual ties to the country. The objective of the game remains true to its Halma origins, with the first player able to move all their pieces across the board to the opposite side declared winner. The game is still widely played all over the world.
SKN: 367529
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