Polish Horseshoes

Polish Horseshoes (also called Spanish Horseshoes) is an outdoor game played between two teams of two people using a Frisbee, two glass bottles, and stakes nailed into the ground (traditionally, the stake is a ski pole, but other similar items may be used). The game is played by the players taking turns throwing a Frisbee at a glass bottle that rests on top of the stakes in the ground. The two stakes are placed anywhere between 20 to 40 ft (6.1 to 12 m) apart.

Play

Polish Horseshoes is played in almost the same style as regular horseshoes. The game begins with some kind of fair settlement between each team to decide who starts first. A good example would be a coin toss. The winner of the toss is the first person/team to start the game. The first team tosses the frisbee, aiming it towards a glass bottle that is placed on top of the stake opposite them. After scoring, the other team throws the Frisbee at the first team's bottle, trying to score points. Play continues until one player/team has reached the set amount of points (typically 21). One team must beat their opponent by at least two points.

Scoring

Each Player MUST have a drink in their hand. The object of Polish Horseshoes is to knock the glass bottle off the stake either by hitting it directly or by hitting the stake. Knocking the bottle off by hitting it directly is worth 2 points. This is called a "dinger" (similar to regular horseshoes if one scores a "ringer."). Knocking the bottle off by hitting the stake is worth 1 point. The defending players can try to catch the falling bottle with one hand. If they succeed, the point value of the hit is reduced by 1. For example, catching a bottle that was knocked off with a direct hit earns the throwing team 1 point. Catching the bottle after a stake hit prevents the throwing team from earning any points. The disc cannot be caught before it has passed the pole. If it is, the team that threw is awarded 3 pts. Because of this rule, it is usually a good idea to stand just a step or two back from the pole as to eliminate any early catches.

In addition, the disc itself must be caught after every throw. Failure to do so earns the throwing team 1 point. If it is collectively decided (by the players and maybe the bystanders) that the disc was uncatchable, then no points are awarded. The disc is deemed uncatchable it if hits the ground before getting to the stake, or if the angle between the disc and the ground is more than 30 degrees (this is called a 'blade'). It may also be called uncatchable if it is way off target, too high, or for other reasons. Use common sense. Also, if the frisbee hits the stake below the knees, the frisbee is deemed uncatchable, but the bottle is still in play and therefore worth 1 point.

Scoring examples: If a thrower hits the bottle directly and the defenders fail to catch the bottle and the disc, the throwing team earns 3 points. Catching one object but not the other is 2 points. Catching both is 1 point. If the bottle is knocked off by hitting the stake and nothing is caught, this is worth 2 points. Catching either object lowers the point value to 1 and catching both the disc and the bottle results in 0 points being awarded. If the bottle is not dislodged, but the receiving team fails to catch the disc, the throwing team gets 1 point.

Alternative rules:

-If you and your teammate both catch the frisbee at the same time, you must link arms and dosey doe.

-Different Scoring: Knocking the bottle off of the pole is worth 2 points whether you hit the stick or the bottle.

-Another fun way to play is at night time with two clear bottles (ie. Carona, twisted tea, etc.), two glow sticks in each bottle, and a light up Frisbee.