Polish Horseshoes - Scoring

Scoring

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 Frisbee 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 Frisbee 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 Frisbee was uncatchable, then no points are awarded. The Frisbee 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. 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 Frisbee, 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 Frisbee, the throwing team gets 1 point.