The Oakes & Oakes story begins with a young Harry Oakes. Eldest of 4 born and raised in Croydon, sold stockings door to door to pay for a degree in languages at London University, which took him to Spain not long before the second world war. Enlisted in the tank regiment he served in the Middle East, Crete and Athens, rising through the ranks to lieutenant-colonel.

After the war he continued to serve in various countries across the world as an education officer - here’s the thing about Harry: he was an avid bridge, chess, canasta and domino player and, what with all that travel and operational strategy, it isn’t surprising during this time he began to develop the board game which he called Domination…

Sadly, Harry passed away in 1970 before i could meet him, but his words and drawings contained in his patent for the game Domination were found by my father in 2015. So i’ve got the blueprints to realise the game and after various prototypes, a new look, a new name - Harry’s Game (nice idea dad!), the Oakes & Oakes project was launched in homage to Harry.

With its origins traced to Northern India circa 560A.D, a region at the time under rule by the Huns, this game has travelled the world through conquest and trade. The Persians, aiding in the destruction of the Huns, were deeply interested in Indian culture leading to the introduction to the game. 100 years later, the Arabs conquered Persia, absorbing the game quickly. Wherever Islam penetrated, so did Chess, from Spain to Zanzibar to Turkestan. In 1000A.D Christians on the Spanish March and in Italy began playing. By 1100A.D it was played widely across Bavaria, France & England. It’s history is fascinating and too long for all the details here…

“Checkmate” originates from the Persian shãh-mãt, translating to “the king is helpless”.

‘From my close contacts with artists and chess players, I have come to the conclusion that while all artists are not chess players, all chess players are artists.’

~ Marcel Duchamp

This game is proof of how far back humans have been engaging and creating games. The archeological discovery of a set unearthed in the ancient Sumerian city of Ur dates back to 2600-2400 BCE. Now on display at the British Museum. The game was popular across the Middle East as sets have been found in Iran, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Cyprus and Crete.

Rules have been hypothesised by H.J.R Murray, Robert Charles Bell & most recently or most famously by Irving Finkel. The boards found in Ur were accompanied by small round counters, each with five dots on them, seven light and seven dark. Also found were six pyramidal dice each with two dots on the two of the four corners.

Sometimes referred to as an early version of backgammon as players must guide their counters around the board whilst avoiding getting “eaten” along by the opponent. First one who gets all seven home wins the game.

The origins of this game are a little hazy. Possibly Northern France, brought over to Britain in the 20th century. Popular amongst sailors and fishermen. Now often played in pubs. A great arithmetic work out which can be played solo or with any number of people.

Roll the dice and attempt to shut all the counters.

A British pub game classic which at the height of its popularity the national competitions were televised on the Indoor League. Part of the shuffleboard family, this is played predominantly in the United Kingdom. Two players or teams compete against one another shoving coins or discs with any part of the hand up a tabletop board. The objective is to get coins to sit within each of the nine bays. Winning a game requires the players or teams to score an agreed amount in each of the nine bays.

I have an ambitious list which keeps growing. If you would like a custom board made get in touch through the contact page.