With Bagatelle as a splendid staple, Jaques of London is extremely proud of our long-standing heritage within the exciting world of toys and games. With over 225 years of experience, the Jaques family have invented some of the world’s most loved and widely renowned games and have remained a much-loved supplier of Bagatelle to Britain’s shores for over a century.
With sets literally built for royalty, our regally purposed Bagatelle boards have been lovingly crafted from the original deluxe Bagatelle design. That same classic craftsmanship continues to provide today’s players with the same high standards and quality as those gifted to Queen Victoria more than 100 years ago. Having since become the standard in bagatelle board design, this original concept is presented in luxurious mahogany and is accompanied by precise replicas of the original Jaques of London rules and instructions, breathing life into the legacy of the game.Handcrafted for an exquisite finish, our bagatelle boards are the perfect compliment to the modern home. Serving `as a centrepiece for the heritage of British gaming, these delicately detailed sets create the perfect ambience for deep thought and hours of dedicated play.
Bagatelle: your questions answered
What age is bagatelle suitable for?
Most bagatelle boards work well from around age six, when children have enough coordination to use the cue and enough patience to count scores. Younger children aged four or five can enjoy a simplified version with adult help. There is no upper age limit; bagatelle is genuinely a game the whole family plays together.
Why choose a wooden bagatelle board over a cheaper alternative?
Wooden bagatelle boards hold their shape, survive decades of use, and look good enough to leave out on a table rather than hide in a cupboard. Cheaper boards made from MDF or plastic warp, chip, and lose their pins over time. A solid wood board from a maker like Jaques is a one-time purchase rather than a repeated one.
How do I care for a wooden bagatelle board?
Keep it away from direct heat sources and damp, which can cause the wood to warp and affect the playing surface. Wipe the board with a dry or very slightly damp cloth. Store it flat or hang it on a wall. The pins and balls need no special maintenance beyond checking occasionally that pins are still firmly seated.
What is the difference between bagatelle and billiards or pinball?
Bagatelle sits historically between billiards and pinball. Players use a short cue to strike balls up a wooden board, aiming to land them in numbered cups or past pins for points. Unlike billiards there is no return shot, and unlike pinball there are no electronic parts. It is entirely mechanical, which is much of its charm.
Is bagatelle a good gift for someone who already has plenty of toys?
Yes, particularly because it is not really a toy in the conventional sense. It sits on a table or hangs on a wall, involves skill that improves with practice, and suits mixed-age groups. For a child who has outgrown most toys, or an adult who enjoys traditional games, a quality wooden bagatelle board tends to be genuinely used rather than shelved.
How many players do you need for bagatelle?
Bagatelle works with one player keeping score against their own previous best, or with two or more players taking turns. There is no fixed maximum, so it suits family gatherings well. Because turns are quick, even four or five players rarely have to wait long, which keeps younger children engaged rather than frustrated.
What size bagatelle board should I buy?
Consider where you plan to use it. A smaller board, around 60 to 90 centimetres long, fits comfortably on a kitchen table or can be packed away between sessions. Larger boards give a more satisfying playing experience and are better suited to a games room or a permanent spot on a sideboard. Measure your space before choosing.
Jaques of London · Britain's oldest games and toy maker · Est. 1795