This category of our directory features Quoits, a traditional game in which players throw metal, rope, or rubber rings over a set distance to land over or near a spike.
Quoits is an ancient game. It is believed to have originated in Britain during the Roman occupation, where it evolved from the Greek game of discus throwing. Initially, the game involved tossing metal rings over a spike or peg, similar to horseshoes.
Quoits was popular among Roman soldiers, who spread the game throughout Europe during their conquests. Over time, the game became popular in Britain and America, where people of all ages and classes enjoyed it. Eventually, the game transitioned from a casual pastime to a competitive sport, with various versions.
The Northern Game, also known as Northern Quoits, is played in northern England. It involves pitching heavy iron quoits, weighing about six pounds, onto a clay bed with a central pin. The clay bed is eleven yards long, and the pin (hob) stands about six inches high.
The Long Game is popular in the Midlands and the South of England. In this version of the game, players throw lighter quoits over a longer distance, typically eighteen yards. The target is a metal pin set in a clay bed. Points are awarded for ringing the pin or landing close to it.
East Anglian Quoits is played in the East of England with specific local rules. It involves a mixture of elements from both the Northern and Long games. The clay bed is smaller, and the throwing distance varies.
Traditional American 4lb Quoits is popular in the United States. As the name suggests, it uses quoits that weigh around four pounds, pitched over a distance of twenty-one feet. The target pin is set in soft ground or sand.
Indoor (Table) Quoits is a miniature version of the game designed for indoor play. Players use small rubber or metal rings, pitching them onto a raised board with a central pin. This game is often played in pubs and social clubs.
Deck Quoits originated on passenger ships with limited space. This version of the game uses rope or rubber quoits, which are thrown onto a small deck or target board. The rules are similar to Garden Quoits but adapted for confined spaces.
Slate-board Quoits is played with a slate board rather than clay. The board has a central pin, and players pitch rubber or metal pins onto it. It is popular in areas where outdoor play is not feasible.
Garden Quoits and Hoopla are casual versions of the game intended to be played in gardens or backyards. Garden Quoits uses light rubber or wooden rings and stakes set at shorter distances. Hoopla is a carnival-style version where players toss rings onto pegs to win prizes.
Competitive quoits is a popular game with several leagues and associations dedicated to promoting and preserving the sport, or specific variations, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Online resources for quoits or any of its variations are appropriate for this category, although retail or product sale sites should be submitted to the corresponding category in our Shopping & eCommerce section.
Recommended Resources
The Allen Valley Quoits League is a competitive league based in the Allen Valley area that promotes the game of quoits. The league features multiple divisions, with teams competing in various matches throughout the season. The league is organized and managed through the LeagueRepublic platform, which provides standings, match results, and player statistics. Division 1, 2, and 3 competitions are featured, along with venues, web statistics, and contact information.
https://allenvalleyquoits.leaguerepublic.com/
The Danby, North Yorkshire, England quoits league is a long-standing quoits league that has been active for more than a hundred years, with the pitch situated overlooking the village and a historic blacksmith's shop. The league hosts various competitions and events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of community and tradition. Fixtures, results, scores, competition winners, photographs, and minutes are published on the website, along with a profile and history of the league.
https://danbyquoitleague.chessck.co.uk/
Affiliated with the National Quoits Association (NQA), which standardizes rules and competitive play, the Lower Dales Quoits League is a competitive league based in the Lower Dales area of North Yorkshire, England. The league organizes various matches and tournaments throughout the year, promoting the game of quoits. League and cup fixtures, Division 1 and 2 results, league rules, meeting minutes, archives, a contact email, and a profile of the league are featured.
http://www.lowerdalesquoits.co.uk/
Quoits USA provides high-quality quoits equipment, including Trenton-style steel quoits, canvas carry bags, and replacement quoits, all made in the United States. The company also has an interest in repolularizing the game of quoits, also known as Round Radical Horseshoes. The company's website includes information on the history and nature of the game, P.Q. Wolf's game rules, Harry's game rules, a product catalog, and an online contact form for those interested in its wholesale plan.
https://quoitsusa.com/
Featured on the website of the John Deaver Drinko Academy, an institution at Marshall University dedicated to promoting civic literacy and civil discourse, the page features the rules of quoits, including the quoit court layout, beginning play, pitching, and scoring. Also included are three possible positions in which a quoit can score points, conditions resulting in a down-quoit, and winning the game, concluding with statements on the etiquette of the game.
https://www.marshall.edu/drinko/rules-of-quoits/
United States Quoiting Association, The
The USQA is the national governing body for the sport of Traditional American Quoits. Established in 2003, the organization was created to bring together scattered quoit pitchers and groups across North America, fostering organized competition and promoting the game. Its objectives are to publicize the game, standardize the rules, organize competitions, and organize an annual Quoiting Championship. Schedules, results, rules, and an introduction to the USQA are set forth.
https://www.usqa.org/
