Where was the game "Chinese Checkers" invented?

"Chinese Checkers" was not of Orient design. It originated in Germany by the name “Sternhalma” in 1892. It is a variation of the original "Halma" game, invented by a US thoracic surgeon. Whereas "Halma" is played on a square board, "Sternhalma" was played on a star-shaped playing surface. Stern is German for star. "Sternhalma" would eventually receive the name "Chinese Checkers" in the US, when it was mass produced by Bill and Jack Pressman in 1928. The Pressman company originally named the game “Hop Ching Checkers”, but it became popular after being introduced to Chinese-speaking regions mainly through the Japanese and was renamed to "Chinese Checkers".

The object is to move and jump marbles from one point in a star to the opposite point on the other side of the board. The game can be played with 2-6 people.

"Chinese Checkers" remains popular today with a starting participation age of 4 and up.