How to keep score in horseshoes

In horseshoes, a ringer around the stake scores 3 and a shoe within 6 inches of it scores 1. In the usual cancellation scoring, the two players' shoes cancel out each inning and only one of them can score. Backyard games go to 21, and NHPA games usually to 40.

Players

2 in singles, 4 in doubles

Who wins

First to 21 in the yard, 40 under NHPA rules

Each inning

2 shoes each, and usually only one player scores

Stakes

40 feet (12.2 metres) apart

Keep score for Horseshoes on your iPhone or iPad. Tallynight is free, with no ads.

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What each shoe scores

Score once all four shoes of the inning have been pitched. These are the values under the rules of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association (NHPA).

Measure from the nearest part of the shoe to the stake. Six inches (15 cm) is about the width of a shoe, which is how many backyard players judge it. In cancellation scoring, a shoe within 6 inches only counts if it's closer than the other player's shoes.

Cancellation scoring

The usual way to score, in the backyard and in most NHPA play. Both players pitch two shoes, then compare. Ringers cancel ringers, one for one, and only one player can score in an inning.

• A ringer against none: 3. If your other shoe is also the closest of the rest, add 1, for 4.
• Two ringers against none: 6, the most an inning can score.
• Two ringers against one: one pair cancels, and you score 3.
• One ringer each: they cancel. The closest other shoe within 6 inches scores 1.
• Two ringers each: all four cancel, and nobody scores.
• No ringers: your closest shoe within 6 inches scores 1, and 2 if your other shoe is next closest.
• Level shoes: opposing shoes the same distance from the stake, or both leaning on it, cancel. The next closest shoe scores instead.

Count-all scoring

Some leagues and tournaments count every shoe instead. Nothing cancels: each player scores 3 for every ringer and 1 for every other shoe within 6 inches, so both players can score in the same inning. Each player's inning is worth 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6.

Count-all games usually stop after a set number of shoes, often 40 or 50, and the highest score wins.

Who pitches first, and how long a game lasts

Flip a coin for the first inning. In cancellation games, whoever scored pitches first in the next inning. If nobody scored, the player who pitched last goes first.

NHPA games go to a set number of points, 40 suggested, or a set number of shoes. Backyard games usually go to 21, and many are played to win by 2.

In doubles, partners stand at opposite stakes, and each pitches against the opponent at the same end.

A scoring example

A backyard game to 21 with cancellation scoring. Distances are from the stake, and a shoe more than 6 inches away doesn't count.

In inning 1, Ben's shoe 2 inches away beat Ana's 4 inch shoe, so Ana scored her ringer alone. In inning 2, the ringers cancelled, and Ana's shoe 3 inches away was the closest that counted. With count-all scoring, the same shoes would have given both players points most innings.

Tallynight

Keep score for horseshoes in Tallynight

Horseshoes isn't one of Tallynight's built-in games yet, but it takes a minute to set up. Choose Something else, then Running score, "Add points as they happen", with Highest winning, and pick 1 · 2 · 5 points per tap. For an NHPA game, turn on Play to a target and lower it to 40.

Tap the star to add it to your favourites, then Start game. Tallynight doesn't cancel ringers for you: work out who scored the inning and add it to them, with + or by tapping their total. For count-all, add both players' points. Playing to 21 in the backyard? Leave the target off and tap End game when someone gets there.

• A big tile for each player or team
• Tap a total to add a 3, 4 or 6
• Undo, and a scoring log to fix any inning
• Offers to end the game at 40

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A Horseshoes score sheet to print

Playing on paper tonight? Print a free Horseshoes score sheet, or save it as a PDF.

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