How To Play Horseshoes

Horseshoes is a fun, social yard game that can be enjoyed by two or four players.

Throw your horseshoes close to the stake to help you win this game!

Find the video tutorial and written explanation for how to play horseshoes below.

Horseshoes Tutorial

Needed

Two or four players; Horseshoes game set

Setup

The two stakes are placed 40 feet apart. This distance can be shortened based on the available playing area or playing ability. The stakes should be driven into the ground so that they angle slightly toward each other. The stakes should be about 14 inches high out of the ground.

When playing with two players, the players will stand at one stake, and throw to the opposite stake. Then, switch ends to throw the other way. When playing with four players, one player from each team will stand at either stake.

Objective

The object of the game is to score points. Points are scored by throwing your horseshoes close to the stake.

Game Play

The game begins with a player throwing both horseshoes at the opposite stake. After the first player throws their horseshoes, the opposing player will throw their two horseshoes. The scores are calculated after all throws have been made.

Scoring

Horseshoes within six inches of the stake are worth one point each. Horseshoes that are wrapped around the stake are known as a ringer and are worth three points each. Cancellation scoring is used so that only one team scores per round.

For example, if team A gets three points and team B gets two points from a round of throws, team A would score one point for the round (3-2=1).

The first team to 21 points or more with at least a two point lead wins the game.

Rules

Players must throw underhand and stay behind the stake on their side when throwing.

Before the game begins, players can agree a horseshoe leaning on the stake is worth two points, or just one point for being within six inches of the stake.

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