Ring Toss Rules: How to Score, Set Up & Play Any Version
This guide uses garden peg ring toss: throw rings onto a peg base, score the values printed on the set, and keep a running total. Give each player the same number of throws. Hook-and-ring is a separate swing game with different equipment.
- 2 or more (singles or teams) PLAYERS
- AGES 4+
- Under 2 min SETUP
- A small flat area; about 10 to 15 ft of clear toss room
What you need
- A ring toss set: a peg base (often 1 center peg plus surrounding pegs) and a set of rings, usually 5 or 6
- Rings made of rope, rubber, plastic, or wood, typically 5 to 7 inches across
- A flat patch of grass, deck, or patio
Need the gear? See our ring toss picks before game day.
How to play ring toss
- Set up the peg basePlace the peg base on flat ground with the printed values visible. If the pegs are unmarked, agree one point per successful ring for this game.
- Mark your toss lineStep back and set a toss line a few feet from the target. A casual distance is around 5 to 10 feet for peg ring toss; shorten it for little kids and stretch it to 10 to 15 feet for competitive adults.
- Toss an equal number of ringsTake turns throwing the same number of rings from behind the line. Toss all your rings, then count those that remain around a peg before clearing them for the next player.
- Add the turn scoreAdd the printed values for your successful rings, then add that sum to your running total. Misses score zero, and this version does not cancel another player's points.
- Finish after equal turnsUse the agreed target or round limit. Give everyone equal turns, then compare totals; if tied at the finish, play complete extra rounds until one player or side leads.
Scoring
- A ring that lands and remains around a peg earns that peg's printed value. Misses score zero.
- If your pegs have no values, agree one point per successful ring before starting.
- Each player or side keeps its own points in this version; there is no cancellation. Give everyone the same number of rings per turn.
- Agree a target or fixed number of rounds before starting. Check the finish after equal turns; with fixed rounds, the highest total wins.
- If players are tied at the finish, play complete extra rounds until one player or side leads.
Keeping score on paper? Print the free ring toss score sheet. No signup needed.
Distance & setup
Fun variations
- Hook-and-ring (bimini ring): a ring on a string that you swing onto a wall- or post-mounted hook. Set the string so the ring just reaches the hook at the end of a smooth swing, then fine-tune.
- Bottle ring toss: replace pegs with bottles of different point values, a county-fair classic.
- Team play: two teams alternate rounds and combine each member's points.
- Around-the-world: each peg must be ringed in order before any of your tosses count toward the win.
Ring Toss rules FAQ
How far should you stand for ring toss?
There is no fixed regulation distance for backyard ring toss. A common casual toss line is about 5 to 10 feet from the pegs. Move closer for young children and back to 10 to 15 feet for competitive adults.
How do you score ring toss?
Score the value printed on each peg that a ring encircles. Misses score zero. Each player keeps their own points; this version has no cancellation. For unmarked pegs, agree one point per successful ring before starting.
What string length should you use for hook and ring?
Set the string so the ring just reaches the hook at the top of a smooth swing. Mount the anchor point above and to one side of the hook, hang the ring, and adjust until it lines up with the hook when swung.
How many rings are in a ring toss set?
Most ring toss sets come with 5 or 6 rings, often split between two colors for two players or teams. The rings are usually 5 to 7 inches across and made of rope, rubber, plastic, or wood.
What is the difference between ring toss and hook and ring?
In classic ring toss you throw rings at a set of pegs and try to land them. In hook-and-ring, a single ring hangs from a string and you swing it sideways to catch it on a wall- or post-mounted hook.
What score do you play ring toss to?
There is no universal target for garden ring toss. Agree either a points target or a number of complete rounds. Check the result after equal turns; a tie goes to complete extra rounds until one player or side leads.
Ready to play?
Grab a set and start your league this weekend. See the ring toss sets we picked and what comes in each box.