There aren't many pieces to a Ouija board set; a standard spirit board comes with the board and the pointer, which is called a planchette. The good news is this means there aren't many Ouija board pieces you can lose. The bad news is if the planchette goes missing, you'll need to come up with an alternative to keep your game operational. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to a planchette you can use as a substitute so your Ouija board is still functional.
Use a Large Coin
Any coin quarter-sized or larger will work well as a Ouija board planchette. Quarters, fifty-cent pieces, and dollar coins or similarly sized coins, such as money from other countries or commemorative medallions, will all fit the bill here because the surface area is large enough that two people sitting across from one another can each place the tip of an index finger on it. While the coin will cover the letter or number it indicates, it's easy to tell which number, letter, or word is underneath.
Try a Large Washer
Similar to a large coin, you can use a large metal washer with a thick rim to move to each letter. The two players need to rest their fingertips along the top edge of the washer on either side of it.
Fashion a Sturdy Cardboard Planchette
Cut a piece of sturdy cardboard into the shape of a heart using a box knife or scissors. Then, cut a round hole in it at the pointed end as a viewing window. Players need to rest their fingertips very lightly on the planchette's surface so they don't pin it down and keep it from moving. You can also cut the cardboard into the shape of a triangle and mark one tip with a felt pen as the pointer that will point to each letter.
Use a Backgammon Piece or Checker
Backgammon playing pieces are about the size of a coin, and they have a smooth surface that slides easily. Use just as you would a coin.
Bet on a Poker Chip
Poker chips will also work similarly to a coin, washer, or backgammon piece. The surface should be smooth enough it will slide easily.
Use an Upside Down Shot Glass or Rocks Glass
Turn a clean, dry shot glass or whiskey glass rim-side down on the board's surface and have each player rest his or her fingertips lightly on the flat bottom of the shot glass. You will be able to see the letters though the glass or use it as you would a coin.
Make a Wood Planchette
You can also use this Ouija board and planchette pattern to make a planchette out of wood. This is a more permanent solution for a planchette, and you can decorate it in any way you wish to complement your talking board.
Requirements for a Substitute Ouija Board Planchette
A substitute for a Ouija planchette needs to have the following properties:
- It needs to be large enough that two people can place at least one fingertip on it.
- It must be relatively smooth so it can slide easily along the surface of the board.
- It needs to be of a shape or size so you can easily read the letter, number, or word it indicates.
- It must be stable and heavy enough it won't move on its own with a slight breeze or if someone inadvertently bumps the Ouija board.
Missing Ouija Board Pieces? No Problem!
Just because your planchette has gone missing doesn't mean you need to give up on using your Ouija board for spirit communication altogether. You have plenty of substitutes in your home you can use in a pinch, and if you're handy, you can even make a new one that will last until you lose it.
