Overview
This video tutorial explains the basic rules, equipment, setup, and scoring for the yard game horseshoes, covering both two-player and four-player formats.
Equipment and Setup
- The game requires a horseshoe set, including two stakes and horseshoes.
- Stakes are placed 40 feet apart but can be adjusted for space or skill.
- Stakes should be angled slightly toward each other and stand about 14 inches above ground.
Player Arrangement
- With two players, both stand at one stake and throw to the opposite stake, then switch ends.
- With four players, one member from each team stands at either stake.
Basic Gameplay
- Players or teams take turns throwing two horseshoes each per round.
- All throws must be underhand and from behind the stake.
Scoring Rules
- Horseshoes within six inches of the stake score one point each.
- Horseshoes encircling the stake (“ringers”) are worth three points each.
- Only one team scores per round through cancellation scoring: subtract the lower team’s points from the higher team’s for that round.
- Example: If red scores a ringer (3 points) and blue lands two within six inches (2 points), red receives one point for the round after cancellation.
Winning the Game
- The first team to reach 21 points with at least a two-point lead wins.
- Players can agree beforehand whether a horseshoe leaning on the stake is worth two points or just one.
Additional Notes
- Rules can be adjusted based on player agreement, such as point value for leaning horseshoes.