Quoits

Origin and rules

Quoits has been played in the British Isles since at least the 14th century and was popular among coal miners and pub players. It survives in regional codes including Northern, Long, Sward, and East Anglian Quoits, each with different distances and rules.

How it plays

Players take turns throwing quoits at a clay target with a vertical pin called a hob. A ringer scores most highly; otherwise the quoit closest to the pin scores. Games run to 21 points across alternating ends.

Competition

National Quoits Association leagues, the Wales Tournament, and various pub championships make up the calendar. England, Scotland, Wales, and the United States all maintain active quoiting clubs. Quoits is not an Olympic sport.