Some sources suggest that Quoits is a variation of the ancient game of discus throwing that the Greeks and Romans enjoyed. It was played at the first Olympiad and was considered a martial sport because it could be used as a weapon. The game as it is currently played can be traced back to medieval Britain, which was occupied by the Romans from the first to the fifth century. The game was organized around the 15th century in England, where it was often played around pubs and taverns. It was officially organized with the first set of official rules in 1881. The British brought the game, which is very similar to horseshoe pitching, to the United States. The basic game is that people throw metal discs at a metal pole, and the closest disc wins. For many years, the game was closely related to mining towns because the miners would use poor quality metal left over from their work to make the Quoits equipment.
- There are two versions of Quoits. In England they play the “northern game.”
- The hobs, stakes the iron quoits are thrown at, are 11 yards apart.
- Quoits weigh 5.5 pounds and are shaped like an iron disc with a hole in the middle.
- Players take turns throwing their quoits at the hobs.
- Each player has two quoits for a round.
- The closest player gets a point, however if more than one quoit lands on the hob, only the top quoit scores.
- Any quoit that encircles the hob is worth two points.
- A quoit that lands on its back is disqualified.
- In Scotland and Wales, they play a version called the “long game” or “the old game.”
- The quoits weigh 11 pounds.
- Hobs are 18 yards apart.
- A player gets a point for every quoit that is closer than his opponent’s, landing on the hob is not an important part of the game.
- The first player to reach 21 points wins.
