How To Play Horseshoes – How Do You Win At Horseshoes

If you need an interesting summer game, a horseshoe is good for you. Horseshoe involves throwing horseshoes at stakes set up in a horseshoe pit.

But the game gets better when it’s more competitive and lively; that’s why it is important to know about the rules of a horseshoe and how to play this game properly.

In this article, you will learn the rules of horseshoes and how to score points; we will also share some tips on how to throw horseshoes like a pro.

What Are The Rules of Playing Horseshoe?

To play horseshoe competitively, here are the rules of a standard horseshoe game. These rules are straightforward to adhere to.

Horseshoe consists of a 6 feet square space that contains a horseshoe pit that measures three by 6 feet.
The horseshoe pit contains a metal stake in the middle that has a 1-inch diameter as it sticks out 15 inches above the ground surface.
The metal stake is vertically inclined towards the player at an angle of 12 degrees or 3 inches.
For a standard horseshoe pit, your stakes should be 40 feet apart, and they should be placed in a box (the pit) that measures a minimum of 3 feet by 6 feet.
The sand in your horseshoe pit should be 4 to 8 inches deep. But sand 8 inches deep is usually for tournament players.
Players stand before a foul line to throw the horseshoes at the stakes. A foul line is made 27ft to 37ft from the stakes.
A horseshoe can be any size for a backyard game, but for tournaments, a horseshoe should weigh 2.8 ounces and should measure 8⅝ inches in length, 7 inches in width, and a gap that measures 3½ inches in width.
A coin toss is made to determine which players throw first.
The horseshoe closest to the stake earns one point if no ringers are thrown.
If both players throw a ringer, it is canceled, and the horseshoe closest to the stake earns one point.
If both players each score a ringer, it is canceled, and no point is awarded to the players.
Three points are awarded if one player scores a ringer and the other player scores two ringers.
If a single ringer has been scored, the player who scored the ringer is awarded 3 points and given an additional point if that same player’s horseshoe is close to the stake.
If one player makes two ringers and the other doesn’t score a ringer, six points are awarded.

How To Play Horseshoes?

This guide is made following the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA). After a coin flip is made to decide which player throws first, the first player throws both horseshoes (one at a time) at the opposite stake, the second player then follows suit, throwing both horseshoes one at a time also at the opposite stake.

After the score is made, both players play in a reverse manner. This reverse manner involves both players taking turns to throw their horseshoes at their original stake, and not the opposite one. The game continues until one player achieves at least 15 points.

How Do You Win at Horseshoes?

For a standard horseshoe game, a player earns one point for a horseshoe within 6 inches of the stake. When the horseshoe arms encircle the stake, it is known as a ringer. Each ringer is awarded 3 points.

Both players can keep playing until they reach the agreed finishing point.

The player with the highest number of points wins the game, but you should note that the same rule does not apply to horseshoe tournaments.

How Do You Throw Horseshoe Like a Pro?

For some players, throwing horseshoes comes naturally, while others rely on tips to help them make a good throw. Here are some helpful tips to help you make a ringer or a point in a horseshoe game.

Do not swing your horseshoe too slow or too fast.
Find a good speed or momentum that you can stick to.
Use a grip that suits you.

There are different types of grip to use in a horseshoe; the first is the 1¼ turn grip. Most professional male players use this grip that involves holding the horseshoe by the shank; the concept is that the horseshoe will rotate 1¼ times in the air before landing a ringer on the stake.

The 1¾ or ¾ turn grip is quite similar to the previous grip. You hold the horseshoe by the shank and throw it in an anti-clockwise motion.

The last type of grip in horseshoe is the flip grip. The flip grip is the most used; all you have to do is hold the horseshoe by the center and throw it at stake.

How Many Points Do You Play to Win in Horseshoe?

When playing a backyard game of horseshoe, it’s your kingdom, so you make the rules, okay well, not all the rules. For a simple horseshoe game, you can determine your finishing point, but it should not be less than 15 points.

For professional games, the finishing point is 21 points. The first player to earn a minimum of 21 points in a horseshoe tournament or championship wins the game.

How Many Points is a Ringer in Horseshoe?

A normal point where the horseshoe gets close to the stake is worth one point.

A ringer is earned when the horseshoe encircles the stake; a ringer is awarded two points.

Making a ringer in a horseshoe game is your best shot at winning. It counts more than earning normal points, which can also be useful.

Can You Play Horseshoe on Grass?

Not everyone can afford to buy a horseshoe set or build a horseshoe pit, so you use what you have. Although grass is not the ideal surface for a horseshoe game, it is a good alternative if you don’t have a horseshoe pit.

All you need to do is carefully bury your stake below the ground such that 15 inches of the stake are above the ground. This game can also be played on other surfaces like gravel and concrete floors.

Conclusion: How To Play Horseshoes

Horseshoe is not as easy as you think, especially when all the rules are followed strictly at a professional level. But it’s more fun that way. We have outlined some of the basic rules of a horseshoe that should guide you.

We have also discussed how to win and how many points are awarded for different throws. Improve your throwing skills with different grips, and if you don’t have a sandpit, you can always play horseshoe on the grass.

Helpful Links:

We trust this article helped you learn How To Play Horseshoes. You may also want to check out How Do You Make a Portable Horseshoe Pit?

Thanks for taking the time to read our article, and we hope you find it helpful. Would you mind leaving a comment below if you have any suggestions?

Kindly reach out to people by sharing this post on social media.

If you liked this article, then please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.