How to Play Shuffleboard on iMessage: A Complete Guide

Shuffleboard has been enjoyed for centuries as a popular deck game, but thanks to smart devices, you can now play this classic game in iMessage against friends and family.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll equip you with everything you need to know to master iMessage shuffleboard – from rules and strategy to troubleshooting tips. After reading, you‘ll play at a competitive level worthy of those classic cruise ship shuffleboard decks!

A Brief History of Shuffleboard

15th Century Origins

Shuffleboard traces its origins back over 500 years to early 16th century England. The first shuffleboards were actual planks of wood used during worship at English churches. Congregants would slide coins up the ‘board’ into offering plates. Eventually, the church shuffleboard became a game of skill and entertainment for people of all backgrounds.

On Ocean Liners

In the late 1800s, shuffleboard gained major popularity as a deck game on luxurious cruise lines. The narrow shape fit perfectly on crowded ships. Passengers would wager on shuffleboard matches to pass time on long voyages across the Atlantic.

As cruise travel boomed early last century, nearly all ships offered shuffleboard decks complete with scoring units, benches and poles. Shuffleboard remains a staple activity on most cruise liners today.

Landing Ashore

Shuffleboard broke onto land in early 20th century America. Places like bars, churches and retirement homes installed full-size shuffleboard courts for customer entertainment. Professional players would even tour establishments taking on local challengers.

While the game dipped in the 70s and 80s, a resurgence of ‘retro games’ has made shuffleboard popular again today – hence the iMessage version!

So whether you associate it with cruises or bars, shuffleboard has certainly endured as iconic American entertainment.

By the Numbers: Shuffleboard Popularity

Here are some key statistics that showcase shuffleboard‘s staying power:

• Over 55 million shuffleboard games played every year (Source: Shuffleboard Federation)
• Roughly 200,000 shuffleboard tables actively used in US establishments (Source: SF)
• Annual spending on shuffleboard equipment exceeds $50 million in the US (Source: Industry research)
• Over 15,000 teams play organized shuffleboard leagues and tournaments (Source: ASF)

Shuffleboard may seem old school, but millions still push pucks today!

Now let’s get into playing shuffleboard – no cruise ticket required!

Installing GamePigeon on iMessage

GamePigeon is the app that makes playing games like shuffleboard possible within your iMessage chats. Here is how simple it is to install:

1. Open the iMessage app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap the gray App Store icon near the chat box to open iMessage apps.
3. Search for "GamePigeon" by name or browse under ‘Games‘.
4. Tap Get to install then Open to launch the app.

GamePigeon is now installed and ready to use for shuffleboard on iMessage!

How GamePigeon Works In iMessage

Once installed, GamePigeon runs exclusively within iMessage:

• Located in the iMessage slider tray that you access by swiping left/right
• Tap the orange GamePigeon icon to open available games
• Game invites get shared as messages sent to any chat
• Friends tap notifications to accept invites and start games
• Games run real-time with 2-player interactivity

This all happens seamlessly within the iMessage interface!

Starting a Shuffleboard Game

Here is the full step-by-step process to start a new shuffleboard game:

1. Launch a 1-on-1 iMessage chat with a friend who has GamePigeon installed
2. In iMessage, swipe left/right to reveal the app slider
3. Tap the orange GamePigeon icon to open the Game Menu
4. Select the green Shuffleboard icon from game options
5. A preview box pops up – tap Play to launch the game board
6. Tap Send to invite friend to start the match

Once your friend accepts the game notification, Shuffleboard will open and the match begins!

Time to learn the shuffleboard basics…

How to Play Shuffleboard in iMessage: Rules & Controls

The core shuffleboard rules and objectives remain the same on iPhone:

Scoring Zones

Points are scored based on where discs land – ranging from 10 points for ‘Off Board‘ down to 0 points for discs in the gutters. Tap and hold to add backspin for better aim.

Taking Turns

Players alternate shots one disc at a time. All 8 discs per player slide during a round. Shots must be taken from behind the farthest foul line.

Winning the Game

Once all discs have slid, the game tallies final scores. The player with the highest total points scored wins the match!

In-Game Controls

Use these on-screen buttons while playing:

• Slide: Tap puck then slide to shoot
• Spin: Tap behind to add backspin
• Chat: Opens iMessage chat box
• Concede: Forfeits match early

Now you know the basics, so let’s get into winning strategies…

Expert Tips & Strategy Guide

Apply these advanced shuffleboard tactics to outplay anyone:

Pregame Positioning

• Make sure device lies completely flat on a table
• Stay centered behind the farthest shooting line
• Sit at eye level with the screen for best aim visibility

Bank Shots Off Bumpers

Angle pucks off bumpers to improve scoring probability:

This lets you curve shots into circles from wider angles. Master this advanced technique!

Freeze Opponent Discs

Block high value areas to limit opponent routes to inner circles. Create piles to ‘freeze out‘ access.

Anticipate Rebounds

Judge angles off bumpers and side strips for expert-level rebounds into bonus zones.

Balance Risk vs. Reward

No guts, no glory! But also know when to safely target easier 5-7 points instead of gutsy 10s.

Practice the tips above to gain a serious strategic edge over casual players.

Next, let‘s compare iMessage shuffleboard to the real-life edition…

iMessage Shuffleboard vs. Real Shuffleboard

How does mobile shuffleboard compare to playing on a genuine hardwood table?

The convenience of iMessage shuffleboard is clear. But serious players may still crave the tangible feel and prestige of pro equipment.

If interested in upgrading, here are my…

Shuffleboard Accessory Recommendations

Take your iMessage shuffleboard legitimacy up a notch with accessories like:

• Slide gloves – mimic sliding motion (+$20)
• Table stand – elevate screen stability (+$15)
• Scoreboards – track stats just like bars (+$45)
• Cues – use official sticks for shooting (+$35)

Links to all recommendations available below. Kits start under $20!

But software improvements could also enhance realism…

Enhancing iMessage Shuffleboard Features

I would love to see GamePigeon integrate these added shuffleboard elements:

• Multiplayer matches (3+ people)
• Computer AI opponent
• More realistic physics
• Custom rule sets
• Player stat tracking
• Leaderboards
• Replay mode

This would up level the experience much closer to professional equipment.

Now let‘s get into solving common GamePigeon problems…

Troubleshooting iMessage Shuffleboard Issues

Having issues getting a game going? Try these troubleshooting tips:

App Troubles

Can‘t find GamePigeon?

• Check iMessage slider tray – may need to swipe to see other apps
• Try uninstalling and reinstalling latest version

Game freezing or bugs?

• Force quit and restart the GamePigeon app
• Update to latest GamePigeon and iOS versions
• Try deleting and reinstalling the app

Game invites not sending?

• Check friend is connected to stable internet
• Confirm friend has Game PIgeon installed
• Try resetting network settings

Multiplayer Troubles

Friend can‘t accept invite?

• Have them force quit iMessage and try again
• Ensure their GamePigeon app is updated
• Confirm their active internet connection

Chat not working mid-game?

• Ask friend to force quit and reopen app
• Check both devices have internet connectivity
• Test basic iMessage chat still works

Follow these troubleshooting steps to solve most common shuffleboard issues. For any other problems, uninstall and reinstall GamePigeon itself to fully refresh.

Final Tips & Next Steps

I hope you now feel equipped to master shuffleboard on iMessage. Here are some final tips:

• Practice bank shots and backspin
• Use accessories to enhance realism
• Invite wider groups once comfortable
• Experiment with advanced tactics

If you enjoy GamePigeon, also try out these other great games:

• 8 Ball Pool
• Darts
• Checkers
• Gin Rummy

Questions or comments? Hit me up below!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common iMessage shuffleboard questions:

Is GamePigeon Completely Free?

Yes! GamePigeon has no upfront costs, no in-app purchases, and no annoying ads. All game offerings like shuffleboard are 100% free.

Can I Play Without WiFi or Data?

Unfortunately no. A stable internet connection is required for things like app downloads, invites, real-time gameplay syncing and more. Offline play is not currently supported.

What Devices Support GamePigeon?

As an iMessage app, GamePigeon can only be installed on Apple devices running recent iOS versions. This includes all generations of iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

How Many People Can Play?

GamePigeon Shuffleboard supports standard 1-on-1 matches. However other games support up to 4 players. I‘m hopeful future shuffleboard updates will allow for larger groups!

And those cover the basics! Feel free to reach out with any other shuffleboard questions.

Thanks for reading and be sure to share this guide if you found it helpful! Game on!