How to Play Trenton Quoits

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STARTING A GAME:

1. Only Regulation Quoits may be used: Outside Diameter 7 1/2", Inside Diameter 4 7/8", Weight 2 1/2 lbs. The Hub should be 5/8" diameter.
2. The height of hub from the surface should be 2 1/2" - 3".
3. Pitching distance should be 21 feet from Hub to Hub.
4. The start of play is determined by the flip of a coin or quoit. (Letter side up is heads in Quoits.)
5. One-on-one - You pitch from the same side of the hub when you travel to the opposing hub. Non-diagonally. (see D1 below). The scoring player pitches first in the following inning.
6. Two-on-two (a.k.a. couples or doubles) - Your partner pitches from the diagonal side of the hub (see D2 below). Players cannot advance any further than center court. Scoring is counted by players at the opposing hub. When a game is won, the players switch to the opposite end of the court and continue the match.
7. There are 4 quoits (2 for you and 2 for your partner). Each person chooses two quoits with the same letter.
8. Pitching turns alternate with each quoit.
9. The hub is yielded to the player delivering the pitch. The opponent must move at least 60" away from the hub.
10. Players cannot be substituted once the match has started.
11. Hubs may not be moved once the match has started. However, the hubs may be raised to the proper height prior to pitching the current inning. The ground surrounding the hubs can also be raked and tamped at this time.
12. Players may "toe" the hub or hub line while pitching. Only one foot will be allowed to pass the hub on the follow thru.

DETERMINING THE SCORE:

1. The first person or team to reach a score of 21 wins the game. The game must be won by two or more points.
2. If the score reaches 11 - 0, this is called a "Shutout Game" and the scoring person or team wins.
3. When playing a match, the person or team who wins two out of three games is declared the winner.
4. Every "ringer" (meaning the quoit landed on the hub) is worth 2 points.
5. Every "leaner" (meaning the quoit is leaning against or on top of the hub, but not a ringer) is worth 1 point. A leaner touching the top of the hub wins over a leaner touching the side of the hub.
6. If there are no ringers and leaners the person who throws the closest quoit gets one point(per quoit with the same letter). This must be within the outside diameter of the quoit, determined by placing an outside quoit over the hub and measuring the nearest quoit. A set of calipers is useful for this measurement.
7. A quoit striking the court wall(s) is considered foul. No point is awarded and the quoit must be removed from the court.
8. Any quoit(s) moved prior to the agreed scoring is considered a violation. A resulting 2 points are awarded to the opposing player or team.
9. Interference due to a wandering dog or small child (which sometimes happens) is grounds for a "re-throw" (a.k.a. do-over) if the quoit is deflected during release or in mid-air.

PITCHING:

1. The first quoit pitched from either end of the court must be a "male" quoit, letter side up.
2. Variations of the male quoit pitch:
   1. Kick Quoit: Cooked wrist and clockwise spin on delivery, right handed players.
   2. Toby Quoit: Any quoit that flips forward or backward after hitting the ground. This particular pitch will take practice to master. This pitch is always a sight to see and often a game clincher.
3. Only two "she" quoits are allowed to be pitched during a game.
4. The she quoit must be declared prior to pitching. This quoit is played letter side down. Violation of this rule will result in loss of the game.

COURT MAINTENANCE HINTS:

1. Permanent ground level is to be 8' x 8' square with the hub centered. The walls are to be constructed of treated wood 2" x 6" on end and anchored in the ground. As an alternative, they can be 6" x 6" sunken in the ground with 4" minimum above ground exposure. The front wall may or may not be used.
2. The court substance is to be of clay or packed sifted tamped dirt. Sand is not an acceptable material. The depth of the material should be a minimum of 4 1/2 feet. The court should be smooth and level.
3. Keep a rake and a hand tamper handy to groom the court during the match.
4. Be sure to cover your court area when not in use and during periods of rain.
5. Should you not have any court space, you may place the hubs 21 feet apart in the grass or dirt. Be sure to repair any ground damage after completing your match!

D1: One-on-One Positions	D2: Two-on-Two Positions