Deck Quoits

John · 02-02-2007, 04:44 PM

Quoits is related to another early pub game, the throwing of horseshoes at a pin in the ground. Some theories have it that Quoits developed from Horseshoe pitching as a formalised version of the sport.

In the days of sail, ocean passages could take months (including weeks of being becalmed) and the crew naturally turned their minds to the invention of games to while away the boredom. Constrained to the material carried on board, this simple game is typical, consisting of rope loops that are thrown onto a wooden score board for points - that might have been traded for rum allowances or tobacco.

The quoit is a circular disc with a four inch hole in the centre which was traditionally made of steel. On cruise ships you will find that they are mainly made of rope. The quoit can weigh anything up to 10lbs - depending on the region in which the game is played - although a weight of approximately 5lbs is more common. This is thrown over the "hob" - a pin set in clay within a box-like framework. The clay helps the quoit to stick in place once it has landed. As the game has developed differently in various localities, the rules may vary, but, in the Welsh version, for example, the player is able to make two attempts at hitting the central hob. In the North of England, a quoit which has landed on the hob is called a "ringer" and scores two points. The first player to reach 21 wins the game. Players will also try to land their quoits in ways which block further attempts by other competitors.