How horseshoes scoring works
Horseshoes has two scoring systems, and most arguments at a pit come from mixing them up. In cancellation scoring, equal shoes cancel and one pitcher scores an inning; in count-all scoring, both keep everything.
What a shoe is worth
A ringer, a shoe that encircles the stake so a straightedge touching both heel calks clears the stake, is 3 points. A shoe within six inches of the stake is 1 point, and a leaner counts as a shoe in count. A shoe that is not within six inches scores nothing.
Cancellation scoring
Each pitcher throws two shoes an inning. Ringers cancel ringers, and after that the closest shoe scores: one point for each of your shoes nearer the stake than the best of your opponent. Only one pitcher scores in an inning, at most six points (two ringers against none).
Count-all scoring
Every ringer and every shoe in count scores for its pitcher, so both can score in the same inning. Count-all games are usually a set number of shoes, typically 40 (20 innings) or 50, and the highest total wins.
Game length
Backyard cancellation games go to 21; sanctioned cancellation games go to 40. Whether you must land on 21 exactly is a house rule; if you play it, decide whether a bust inning does not count or drops you back.
Who pitches first
In cancellation play the pitcher who scored pitches first in the next inning. In count-all play the order usually alternates.
What Score All does with these rules
What a shoe is worth
A ringer (the shoe encircles the stake) is 3 points. A shoe within six inches of the stake, leaners included, is 1. Each pitcher throws two shoes an inning, so an inning is worth at most 6 to one side.
Cancellation scoring
In the backyard game and NHPA cancellation games, equal points cancel: a ringer cancels a ringer, and a shoe point only counts when it is closer than the best shoe of the other pitcher. Enter the difference for the side that came out ahead, or tap No score when everything canceled.
Count-all scoring
In count-all games both pitchers keep everything they score each inning. Enter both sides (0 included) and the inning moves on once both are in. Count-all games are usually a set number of shoes, 40 or 50, and the highest score after the last inning wins.
How long a game is
Backyard games go to 21, NHPA cancellation games to 40. Exact-21 (an inning that takes you past 21 does not count, or drops you back) is a common house rule, and so is a skunk at 11-0.
Horseshoes scoring FAQ
How many points is a ringer?
Three. A shoe within six inches of the stake is one.
Do ringers cancel in horseshoes?
In cancellation scoring, yes: a ringer on top of a ringer cancels, and the inning is decided by what is left. In count-all scoring nothing cancels.
What is the most you can score in one inning?
Six, with two ringers (a double ringer) against none.
How do you score horseshoes?
Three points for a ringer, one for the closest shoe within six inches. In cancellation scoring only the difference between the two pitchers counts each inning.
What is the difference between cancellation and count-all horseshoes?
Cancellation: equal shoes cancel and only one side scores an inning. Count-all: both pitchers keep their points, usually over a set number of shoes. Both are settings here.
Do you have to get exactly 21 in horseshoes?
Only if your pit says so. Official play does not require it; the bust rule is a setting with three penalties to choose from.