The basics

Where to stand

Pitch from behind the front edge of your own pit, across the stream bed, to the stake on the far side. The stakes are 40 feet apart, the regulation distance. Younger players, and anyone who would like a shorter throw, are welcome to step forward.

An inning

Each player throws both shoes, then the other player throws both. In doubles, partners stand at opposite ends and play against the person at their end.

Ringer: 3 points

The shoe circles the stake. Tap +3.

Close: 1 point

The shoe lands within one shoe-width of the stake, about six inches, or leans against it. Tap +1.

Every shoe counts

Count each of your shoes on its own. Two close shoes: tap +1 twice. A ringer and a close shoe: tap +3 and +1. Nothing cancels, so it is the same for one player or four.

Winning

First to the score you picked wins: 11, 21 or 40. Tied at the end? Play two more innings.