A tossary of slang, phrases, terminology, nicknames and catchphrases. Toads terms by Jonny Wills and Benton Wieldy (unless otherwise stated)
Abraham
Sacrificial Toad. Like when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on Moriah. Players will get excited they knock one off to get another in because it looks biblical. But it does mean players drop points. Hence the sacrifice.
Of course he didn't the make the sacrifice in the end, because 'God' was testing him. I've confused myself. Anyway, he was going to, so that's why it's synonymous. Or not.
Abraham
Sacrificial Toad. Like when God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on Moriah. Players will get excited they knock one off to get another in because it looks biblical. But it does mean players drop points. Hence the sacrifice.
Of course he didn't the make the sacrifice in the end, because 'God' was testing him. I've confused myself. Anyway, he was going to, so that's why it's synonymous. Or not.
Alloy Lead
A lead that has been cast with a percentage of another or other metals. An alloy lead presents a different game where the Toads coin is apt to ricochet or slide off after it bows. The harder surface is less malleable and offers less give, sounding with a 'ding' when it lands, like landing on a tin tray. A 'marmite' lead that divides players, traditionalists point out that the cheaper metal-mix top could just as well be made with any metal, diminishing the special qualities that lead brings to the game-play of toads; while other others point to the difficulty being a plus and meaning players have to have more landing skill.
Andropov, a Yuri
A toad coin that is not thrown with any conviction and drops off the table at the front or front sides. Not to be confused with a Boris Curloff, the more artful and pretentious form of missing, or the wibbly-wobbly 'Yeltsin', which is more accidental.
Bozo
Also known as Bozo's Clown Car, spare tyre or 'the wheels have come off': a badly-thrown Toads coin that lands sideways on and rolls off the table, as exemplified by the spectacular F1 GIF below.
A lead that has been cast with a percentage of another or other metals. An alloy lead presents a different game where the Toads coin is apt to ricochet or slide off after it bows. The harder surface is less malleable and offers less give, sounding with a 'ding' when it lands, like landing on a tin tray. A 'marmite' lead that divides players, traditionalists point out that the cheaper metal-mix top could just as well be made with any metal, diminishing the special qualities that lead brings to the game-play of toads; while other others point to the difficulty being a plus and meaning players have to have more landing skill.
Andropov, a Yuri
A toad coin that is not thrown with any conviction and drops off the table at the front or front sides. Not to be confused with a Boris Curloff, the more artful and pretentious form of missing, or the wibbly-wobbly 'Yeltsin', which is more accidental.
Bozo
Also known as Bozo's Clown Car, spare tyre or 'the wheels have come off': a badly-thrown Toads coin that lands sideways on and rolls off the table, as exemplified by the spectacular F1 GIF below.
Beginner's or Newbie Toad
Beginners sometimes get one in the hole off the backboard and scream "Yes!", believing they've scored. As it's hit the wood it doesn't count, no matter what the sorrowful face of the new player tries to implore. Toads is not basketball, and to angle a score from chipped wood on purpose would be pretty miraculous, placing you in the same skill bracket of say, Jesus.
Beginners sometimes get one in the hole off the backboard and scream "Yes!", believing they've scored. As it's hit the wood it doesn't count, no matter what the sorrowful face of the new player tries to implore. Toads is not basketball, and to angle a score from chipped wood on purpose would be pretty miraculous, placing you in the same skill bracket of say, Jesus.
Blofeld's Lair
A feature of volcano leads where the wood has been exposed and resembles the crater doors for Blofeld's volcano lair from the film You Only Live Twice arbitrarily closing. Believe me, when a sure-fire toad-in-the-hole comes back flying back out, leaving you with no points, you will be grateful for some form of explanation, however vaguely analogous.
A feature of volcano leads where the wood has been exposed and resembles the crater doors for Blofeld's volcano lair from the film You Only Live Twice arbitrarily closing. Believe me, when a sure-fire toad-in-the-hole comes back flying back out, leaving you with no points, you will be grateful for some form of explanation, however vaguely analogous.
Boris Curloff aka Boris
A horror throw brought about my nerves or lack of concentration where the coin just curls off the board. And like Boris Johnson it has a destructive effect and runs off somewhere else for its own irresponsible amusement, sometimes leading to more Borises or Children of Boris. A Boris Curl-in can cause the same horror to your opponents. See 'Yeltsin'.
Brighton 4
Two in the hole, two on the floor. All coins aimed at the hole in a gung-ho, brazen fashion. Jokes abound that Brightonians like hole etc. But it's more to do with being a peacock, or trying to copy me 😂. The basis of this will be The Hand in Hand in Kemptown, where the table is notoriously difficult and further back (7ft 5" from the front?). This pushes players to be a bit "all or nothing", as a landing lead tends to slide down one of the four cambers yawning away on all sides.
Bucket Lead
A table with an oversized hole where scoring big is far too easy. A solution for this problem is to play the game Reverse Toads - see below.
Bust
When a playing overscores while trying to 'out' at the end they bust and so a 'B' is chalked up on the scoreboard.
Buttons
When Toads land like a column of buttons.
Cat-flap of opportunity
Similar to a door of opportunity, the cat-flap is smaller, said when a player has to make an extremely difficult or highly pressured score after their opponent has left them a small gap to go in front or win the game.
Cast Lead
Succinctly, a lead that has been made from a cast mould. A lengthy and tricky process, pure lead is smelted down and poured into a ready-made square or rectangle shape mould with a hole. Cast leads are usually heavier, thicker and more malleable, developing a flat, cambering or concave surface topography over time, depending on use and the supporting qualities of the table they are sat on. To carry the weight and the thousands of throws a table will endure over time, the supporting structure has to be robust and built to last.
Clark or Closed
A game invented by Clark Left during the Hand in Hand interleague where during the game 'Toadrunner' players were offered the option of throwing Toads coins with their eyes closed or while looking into the toadrunner Clark's face. Once, while he was on a business trip to Miami, players were invited to look at Clark five hours ahead, from across the Atlantic and via live streaming, while a stand-in held a smartphone in the contestant's faces.
Digback trad.
A throw that 'digs a coin into the lead and lands it flat.
Dink off
When a toads-coin hits another and literally ricochets or 'dinks off' in various directions.
Dink out
Probably the most accurate throw in toads you didn't want to do: when the coin hits the back inside rim of the hole on its edge and flies back out, aka a 'Rimmer' or 'Colonel'.
Disaster-Splat
A common phrase used when a Toad landing looks like fireworks and most or all Toads disappear off the face of the lead. Commonly-used slang.
Doigian Lob
A style of lob named after Marc Doig where the arc of the toad is high propelled by a swinging arm coupled sometimes a slight stoop or low down stance.
Doig 4
A seemingly straightforward four out that is somehow missed, squandering the opportunity to win at a crucial time, and where the non-landing is made all the more incomprehensible by a previously confident run of form and expectation of victory. Named after Marc Doig's infamous last visit at the WTSC 23 semi-final versus Reg Martin, when the crowd audibly gasped.
NB: Doig was seeded and was sledged for being so despite, up till that time, not winning a tournament.
Dribble or Dribbler
Description of a toads-coin that falls off the front.
Dumps trad.
Another name for the game used in some parts of Sussex.
Fixture
Three games equal a match and seven matches usually equal a team fixture in Toad leagues. (League term)
Fortress Rodmell
The public/sports bar of the Abergavenny Arms, home of the seemingly unbeatable Rodmell.
Frame
Used to signify the end of the current visit between two or more players. Games can be counted in frames or visits, a 5-frame or 5-visit being the optimum.
Freehaus 4 The Freehaus
(a phrase invented at the now defunct Freehaus pub): Another pub with a long oche, almost 8 feet from the front, meant players had to really 'trebuchet' or put some welly into throwing. So two on the lead, one in the hole, one on the floor at the now defunct (and now The Howard with a good little table).
Game of toads
Similar to the book and Netflix show Game of Thrones, one of the beautifully absurd parts of the game is that it carries on personal and regional rivalries. Often Toads players will walk into venues and begin recalling matches or sledging before a game has even been been played. Unlike pool or darts the pastime attracts questions about its derivation and history. It can engage whole pubs and create complicated relationships formed by players choosing different teams for leagues and tournaments, either for convenience, loyalty or personal agenda.
Golden Toad
A situation explained on the rules page where the player has an opportunity to reduce their out score after busting using a toad they have left in their hand to remove another live toad off the table. Usually when experiencing the Golden Toad moment, another couple come along around the same time. This rule was introduced to the Lewes League by Ben Ward.
Grouping
When Toads are clustered together on the lead. (Anon.)
Gutter
Extra table around the lead made of wood or brass that creates a gutter for toads-coins to slip or fall into. See The Country House in Earlsfield.
Home-table Hero
When a pub regular gets so good on their home table they are difficult to beat, aka home-table advantage. Home crowd support also helps. The story can be very different when they play away and aren't used to the table.
Unlike pools or darts, the charm of toads is that tables, toads coins, oche lengths and locations of tables are all different, for example, by a busy toilet door or where the pub is small and crowded/noisy. This benefits locals used to the idiosyncrasies or players who enjoy a challenge. The ideal of home crowd support can also backfire if the player feels under too much pressure to perform.
Home of Toads - a short history
The earliest recorded table in a pub we've heard so far was based in Alfriston, where it may have gone back as as gentrified, dedicated table game far as the 1920s.
For the modern game the home of Toad in the Hole is Lewes, as the flame of the game has been kept alive there since at least the mid-90s and earlier, particularly at The Lewes Arms, The Elephant and Castle and The Black Horse.
A special mention has to go to The Laughing Fish in Isfield which once played host to the International Toad in the Hole Competition or 'Worlds' for teams of four, plus the Lewes League for 'helping pubs out through the winter on Monday nights'. For more history on the origins of Toads try here.
In recent years Brighton has seen has seen an emergence of Toads following the donation of a Toads table by a regular to the original 'home of Brighton Toads' The Hand in Hand in Kemptown, back in the late twenty-tens.
With the popularity of a number of ten-week Tuesday night Shaka Cup Leagues held at the pub, where landlady Jennifer Left even provided free Toad-in-the-Hole with mash and gravy, and some players brought in baked goods, word soon got round town about the excitement and madness the game inspired. For two years the game was played idiosyncratically where the emphasis was on the social aspect. 'Competition and practice' was ostensibly frowned upon. Throughout this period the more competitive 'Toadlerone' team members Jonny Wills and Noel Wilkins would host Toads for newbies at weekends, introducing hundreds of people to the game.
While some pubs refrained from encroaching on The Hand's new signature draw, it was followed by the defunct Freehaus now The Howard in Hanover, where the Free Hands, formerly Toadlerone - half Hands, half Freehaus - were based and entered the Lewes League, followed by the Modern Tossers who also based themselves at the pub.
A year later two more self-styled new 'home of Brighton toads' pubs housed the game: The Hole in the Wall, and sporting pub The Caxton Arms, replete with three tables. Around this time the Modern Tossers left the Lewes League to form their own Brighton version. The number of venues beginning to host Toad in the Hole went from one to over thirty within just a few years as table-makers Ian Murdoch and Noel Wilkins supplied set-ups to venues for the new and hotly contested Brighton League, originated by MT player Ian Murdoch, aka 'Garold', together with his team-mate Cody and other supporters.
Each pub loves the game, has loyal followings, has held well-attended tournaments and been supported by the Brighton Toads community. Other pubs that could rival for a 'home of Brighton Toads' tag are perhaps the multi-tabled The Round Georges and The Dover Castle in Hanover, if number of tables, intense local fervour and league patronage is to go by. For a list of all the fabulous Toadhouses in Brighton check out this link.
New burgeoning leagues have since sprouted up in Mid-Sussex, Bognor, Lincoln and Oxford, where perhaps their respective pubs may be able to claim the 'Home of Toads' titles for their respective areas.
When a pub regular gets so good on their home table they are difficult to beat, aka home-table advantage. Home crowd support also helps. The story can be very different when they play away and aren't used to the table.
Unlike pools or darts, the charm of toads is that tables, toads coins, oche lengths and locations of tables are all different, for example, by a busy toilet door or where the pub is small and crowded/noisy. This benefits locals used to the idiosyncrasies or players who enjoy a challenge. The ideal of home crowd support can also backfire if the player feels under too much pressure to perform.
Home of Toads - a short history
The earliest recorded table in a pub we've heard so far was based in Alfriston, where it may have gone back as as gentrified, dedicated table game far as the 1920s.
For the modern game the home of Toad in the Hole is Lewes, as the flame of the game has been kept alive there since at least the mid-90s and earlier, particularly at The Lewes Arms, The Elephant and Castle and The Black Horse.
A special mention has to go to The Laughing Fish in Isfield which once played host to the International Toad in the Hole Competition or 'Worlds' for teams of four, plus the Lewes League for 'helping pubs out through the winter on Monday nights'. For more history on the origins of Toads try here.
In recent years Brighton has seen has seen an emergence of Toads following the donation of a Toads table by a regular to the original 'home of Brighton Toads' The Hand in Hand in Kemptown, back in the late twenty-tens.
With the popularity of a number of ten-week Tuesday night Shaka Cup Leagues held at the pub, where landlady Jennifer Left even provided free Toad-in-the-Hole with mash and gravy, and some players brought in baked goods, word soon got round town about the excitement and madness the game inspired. For two years the game was played idiosyncratically where the emphasis was on the social aspect. 'Competition and practice' was ostensibly frowned upon. Throughout this period the more competitive 'Toadlerone' team members Jonny Wills and Noel Wilkins would host Toads for newbies at weekends, introducing hundreds of people to the game.
While some pubs refrained from encroaching on The Hand's new signature draw, it was followed by the defunct Freehaus now The Howard in Hanover, where the Free Hands, formerly Toadlerone - half Hands, half Freehaus - were based and entered the Lewes League, followed by the Modern Tossers who also based themselves at the pub.
A year later two more self-styled new 'home of Brighton toads' pubs housed the game: The Hole in the Wall, and sporting pub The Caxton Arms, replete with three tables. Around this time the Modern Tossers left the Lewes League to form their own Brighton version. The number of venues beginning to host Toad in the Hole went from one to over thirty within just a few years as table-makers Ian Murdoch and Noel Wilkins supplied set-ups to venues for the new and hotly contested Brighton League, originated by MT player Ian Murdoch, aka 'Garold', together with his team-mate Cody and other supporters.
Each pub loves the game, has loyal followings, has held well-attended tournaments and been supported by the Brighton Toads community. Other pubs that could rival for a 'home of Brighton Toads' tag are perhaps the multi-tabled The Round Georges and The Dover Castle in Hanover, if number of tables, intense local fervour and league patronage is to go by. For a list of all the fabulous Toadhouses in Brighton check out this link.
New burgeoning leagues have since sprouted up in Mid-Sussex, Bognor, Lincoln and Oxford, where perhaps their respective pubs may be able to claim the 'Home of Toads' titles for their respective areas.
Indy 9
A controversial house rule at the Independent in Hanover, Brighton where a player is allowed to finish on a one-out following a successful 8. However... the risk is, if they miss the one, they have to return to their original 9.
A controversial house rule at the Independent in Hanover, Brighton where a player is allowed to finish on a one-out following a successful 8. However... the risk is, if they miss the one, they have to return to their original 9.
James Brown or Jim
Split Toads. A coin lands on another and they both fly off in opposite directions, kind of like James Brown's legs did when he did the splits in Leeds at the V festival when I saw him play in 1999. He was 66.
Split Toads. A coin lands on another and they both fly off in opposite directions, kind of like James Brown's legs did when he did the splits in Leeds at the V festival when I saw him play in 1999. He was 66.
At the Hole in the Wall in central Brighton, split Toads are also called a "Jim", after the landlord who has seemed to make this throw his specialty. The two namings are purely coincidental, but obviously meant to be. (HitW term).
Ladder; or Strike (from US term.); i.e. no score trad.
Nothing. "Newbies shouldn't lose heart. If they're hitting the table, it's a start". Recorded as a 'ladder' rung or horizontal dash-line on the chalkboard. You just don't want the yips to set in and get several in a row.
Lead (a) trad.
Slang for a game or frame of Toads. Three leads equal a match. (DS). The lead is obviously the table surface, a fact that has to be explained to the uninitiated who rub their hands on it while inspecting. Even when you tell them lead is toxic, they seem Brexitly adamant it won't affect their health.
Lewes 4
Four on the lead. Nice and safe, a steady, stealth approach, points on the board, especially in competition when games get nervy and super-tense.
Match trad.
Usually best of three, sometimes best of five or even more in some tournaments, especially in the latter stages. In the WTSC the matches for the semis and final are best of seven, last sixteen and quarters are best of five and the early stages are all best of three.
A toads league fixture usually constitutes seven matches of best of three: four singles matches, two doubles and one team match.
Mottos var.
There are a few catchphrases and mottos flying around the toads scene. If you find the game makes you take it too seriously remember the phrase: "Toads is Just Something to Do While We're Drinking": Mark Reynolds/Clark Left or "Toad/s is the Winner" aka "Bufo/Bufones Est Victor" c/o The Windy Toaders, not to be confused with 'Buffo', which means 'clown'.
Moulin Rouge
Similar to a James Brown split, but with only one Toad flying off in the style of a can-can kick.
Outzone
The descending score from 8 down to zero where a player can go out on their visit.
Overlead Plan
A drawing or design layout for a Toads competition: see below for the WTSC23. Lead tables in grey.
Nothing. "Newbies shouldn't lose heart. If they're hitting the table, it's a start". Recorded as a 'ladder' rung or horizontal dash-line on the chalkboard. You just don't want the yips to set in and get several in a row.
Lead (a) trad.
Slang for a game or frame of Toads. Three leads equal a match. (DS). The lead is obviously the table surface, a fact that has to be explained to the uninitiated who rub their hands on it while inspecting. Even when you tell them lead is toxic, they seem Brexitly adamant it won't affect their health.
Lewes 4
Four on the lead. Nice and safe, a steady, stealth approach, points on the board, especially in competition when games get nervy and super-tense.
Match trad.
Usually best of three, sometimes best of five or even more in some tournaments, especially in the latter stages. In the WTSC the matches for the semis and final are best of seven, last sixteen and quarters are best of five and the early stages are all best of three.
A toads league fixture usually constitutes seven matches of best of three: four singles matches, two doubles and one team match.
Mottos var.
There are a few catchphrases and mottos flying around the toads scene. If you find the game makes you take it too seriously remember the phrase: "Toads is Just Something to Do While We're Drinking": Mark Reynolds/Clark Left or "Toad/s is the Winner" aka "Bufo/Bufones Est Victor" c/o The Windy Toaders, not to be confused with 'Buffo', which means 'clown'.
Moulin Rouge
Similar to a James Brown split, but with only one Toad flying off in the style of a can-can kick.
Outzone
The descending score from 8 down to zero where a player can go out on their visit.
Overlead Plan
A drawing or design layout for a Toads competition: see below for the WTSC23. Lead tables in grey.
Pancake or Fried Egg
A newbie throw from a flat palm in the style of serving a pancake or fried egg.
Penalties
Origin: The Caxton Arms, a practise game similar to a football penalty shoot-out where players have five visits of one toad each in order to score a one, with three lives.
Petulant toad/s Brighton
Origin: Round Georges; Coin or coins thrown at the table in frustration after an undesirable first couple of throws. A petulant toad is usually the last one, sometimes costing the player yet another point or two. This doesn't matter if a game win was supposed to be with the previous throws, but not only can it be bad etiquette, it can be a tell.
Petrocelli
An ostensibly friendly-looking, maverick player who throws tantrums which include the behaviour of petulant toads, see above. Such petrocellis may throw their remaining three toads away because they didn't like their first throw; or throw the toad in anger overarm at the table like a projectile, narrowly missing the scorer on the rebound. Petrocellis are often frustrated with their own or their team's game, or both. In the spirit of Thoreau's men living in 'quite desperation' they probably thought that with Toad in the Hole they may have found the game to solve their life questions, yet still can't quite reach the upper echelon of consistent ability: this may mirror elements of their life, and hence the deep-seated and eruptive fury. Petrocelli was also the name of a TV series about a New York lawyer who drove his truck too fast and never finished building his house.
'Pick up your toads' trad.
Phrase used for newbies when they forget to collect their coins. The game is humbling at first and that may be the point. Seasoned players resent having to pick up toads from slippy leads or tables with non-collecting coin trays where toads fall on the floor.
Ping off
A term describing one coin hitting another and ending up dead. It doesn't help players knowing they did it because they remained consistent and accurate.
Pitch and toss trad.
The original game toads derived from, a basic game that has it's roots throughout the world in every variant of throwing coins at a wall, into a circle or bucket, dating back millennia.
Pond
An interpretation of the lead whereby the toad is waiting in the hole and the lead is 'pond' water. This goes back to the mythology that Incas threw gold to toads to bring good luck to their harvest. It's more likely the game was derived from a simplified version of frog games played in Belgium, France and Spain called Le Grenouille and Sapo. where tables have multiple holes.
Practice 8 trad.
An eight which is scored during a warm-up because the player is more relaxed. As opposed to a Competition 8 which is ultimately harder.
Prickery
Extreme consensual pub sledging which has got out of hand due to drink and long-standing petty rivalries.
A newbie throw from a flat palm in the style of serving a pancake or fried egg.
Penalties
Origin: The Caxton Arms, a practise game similar to a football penalty shoot-out where players have five visits of one toad each in order to score a one, with three lives.
Petulant toad/s Brighton
Origin: Round Georges; Coin or coins thrown at the table in frustration after an undesirable first couple of throws. A petulant toad is usually the last one, sometimes costing the player yet another point or two. This doesn't matter if a game win was supposed to be with the previous throws, but not only can it be bad etiquette, it can be a tell.
Petrocelli
An ostensibly friendly-looking, maverick player who throws tantrums which include the behaviour of petulant toads, see above. Such petrocellis may throw their remaining three toads away because they didn't like their first throw; or throw the toad in anger overarm at the table like a projectile, narrowly missing the scorer on the rebound. Petrocellis are often frustrated with their own or their team's game, or both. In the spirit of Thoreau's men living in 'quite desperation' they probably thought that with Toad in the Hole they may have found the game to solve their life questions, yet still can't quite reach the upper echelon of consistent ability: this may mirror elements of their life, and hence the deep-seated and eruptive fury. Petrocelli was also the name of a TV series about a New York lawyer who drove his truck too fast and never finished building his house.
'Pick up your toads' trad.
Phrase used for newbies when they forget to collect their coins. The game is humbling at first and that may be the point. Seasoned players resent having to pick up toads from slippy leads or tables with non-collecting coin trays where toads fall on the floor.
Ping off
A term describing one coin hitting another and ending up dead. It doesn't help players knowing they did it because they remained consistent and accurate.
Pitch and toss trad.
The original game toads derived from, a basic game that has it's roots throughout the world in every variant of throwing coins at a wall, into a circle or bucket, dating back millennia.
Pond
An interpretation of the lead whereby the toad is waiting in the hole and the lead is 'pond' water. This goes back to the mythology that Incas threw gold to toads to bring good luck to their harvest. It's more likely the game was derived from a simplified version of frog games played in Belgium, France and Spain called Le Grenouille and Sapo. where tables have multiple holes.
Practice 8 trad.
An eight which is scored during a warm-up because the player is more relaxed. As opposed to a Competition 8 which is ultimately harder.
Prickery
Extreme consensual pub sledging which has got out of hand due to drink and long-standing petty rivalries.
"Recovery" trad.
When a toads player claws back a good score or good throw/s after throwing points away with a combination of the first, second and even third throw. Usually voiced as 'good recovery' or simply 'recovery'. Sometimes called a 'rescue'.
When a toads player claws back a good score or good throw/s after throwing points away with a combination of the first, second and even third throw. Usually voiced as 'good recovery' or simply 'recovery'. Sometimes called a 'rescue'.
Reg Martin: WTSC23 Runner-up
Reg Lewes
Reg Martin of the 2022 Team World Champions The Black Horse, in Lewes, can knock another coin in and slide both in at the same time. It looks like a Tenet Toad but it's a next level version. And Reg has done this many times and so is his signature Toad move.
Reverse Toads
A game invented by WTSC Organiser Jonny Wills as a solution to oversized holes or 'bucket leads'. The game is the same as normal Toads except holing is worth one and landing on the lead is worth two. This scoring changes strategy and is great practice game for outing on ones, in the reverse sense 🙃
Rimmer
A Toad that bounces back out from the back of the rim, or aka a 'Colonel' as in Colonel Rimmer from Red Dwarf. Also known as a Jimmy Rimmer or 'Sunday Brunch' re: Channel Four's Simon Rimmer. Perversely and arguably the most accurate throw in Toads, if it was ever intended.
Ronnie
A term originated in Burgess Hill to indicate a throw that is short of the hole, aka a Ronnie Corbett. The opposite of a long throw, ie a Jonny.
Reg Martin of the 2022 Team World Champions The Black Horse, in Lewes, can knock another coin in and slide both in at the same time. It looks like a Tenet Toad but it's a next level version. And Reg has done this many times and so is his signature Toad move.
Reverse Toads
A game invented by WTSC Organiser Jonny Wills as a solution to oversized holes or 'bucket leads'. The game is the same as normal Toads except holing is worth one and landing on the lead is worth two. This scoring changes strategy and is great practice game for outing on ones, in the reverse sense 🙃
Rimmer
A Toad that bounces back out from the back of the rim, or aka a 'Colonel' as in Colonel Rimmer from Red Dwarf. Also known as a Jimmy Rimmer or 'Sunday Brunch' re: Channel Four's Simon Rimmer. Perversely and arguably the most accurate throw in Toads, if it was ever intended.
Ronnie
A term originated in Burgess Hill to indicate a throw that is short of the hole, aka a Ronnie Corbett. The opposite of a long throw, ie a Jonny.
Ronnie: 'I tried to play Toad-in-the-Hole once but fell in'
Sauron
Horror nickname for the dreaded high-pressure 'one out' plus a practise game subsequently invented by Jonny Wills. Twelve toads are used and thrown as ones onto the head. If a coin touches another it's no score, if it goes in the hole it's minus 2. Off the table is no score. Players can choose between adding as they go or totting up at the end, where the cumulative maths for an ongoing score includes the lost point as well as the -2 for unintended holed coins.
The Sauron refers to a one score looking like the all-seeing eye from Lord of the Rings, a symbol that Tolkien himself may or may not have drawn as an Elvish rune to represent the character in his notes.
Horror nickname for the dreaded high-pressure 'one out' plus a practise game subsequently invented by Jonny Wills. Twelve toads are used and thrown as ones onto the head. If a coin touches another it's no score, if it goes in the hole it's minus 2. Off the table is no score. Players can choose between adding as they go or totting up at the end, where the cumulative maths for an ongoing score includes the lost point as well as the -2 for unintended holed coins.
The Sauron refers to a one score looking like the all-seeing eye from Lord of the Rings, a symbol that Tolkien himself may or may not have drawn as an Elvish rune to represent the character in his notes.
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Sledge
To sledge or 'sledging' is a sporting gamesmanship technique designed to put your opponent off. Historically in cricket players have reacted 'like a sledgehammer' to abuse. It can vary from subtle psychology to blatant shouting depending on the venues. However, speaking or 'coughing' between throws and outright off-putting is frowned upon and perpetrators often shunned. Swearing and personal remarks are a real no-no and players will tend to avoid venues where they know this happens.
Sledging is usually a 'tell' the other is not very good and are resorting to tricks to gain an advantage. Other sledges include: moving about, sipping beers, going on phones - during a game😂- or suddenly twitching in the line of sight during throws, especially crucial ones. The best response to this is to politely ask those doing it to move behind the oche. Seasoned players may use charming cliches like 'I've seen these missed' and 'no pressure' are often said, but this is usually accompanied with goodwill from regular meetings.
Sheet Lead
A sheet lead table consists of thinner lead-coded playing surface. The millimetre thickness and the material the sheet is attached to will change the game play substantially, with some sheet leads suitable for sliding, while others make landing easier or see the Toads coins have more bounce. If the hole has not been secured properly, or is worn over time and not maintained, then it will usually be disfigured and cause coins not to pass through and drop, creating a controversy in the game where players may wonder if they are playing 'Toad-in-the-hole'.
Some 'cheap' sheet lead tables are bodged and this can be either charming or horrible to play depending on your preference. When not secured they morph and play in weird way. These are sometimes called 'youth club tables'.
Slider trad.
Sliding toads coin designed to go into the hole on tables that cater for such a throw.
Soap-dish lead
When a lead has dipped at the front or before and around the hole creating a 'soap-dish'. These leads can be good for sliding and are easier for getting ones.
Square Round the 9
Sometimes a toadrunner, scorer or chalker will put a square round the number when the player has got down to nine. The origins of this are from The Black Horse and it has been called a Stacey 9 after the scorer. The reasons aren't clear but presumably its to let all players know they approaching the outzone, or or could be interpreted as a subtle sledge to say the player is locked out of outing for one visit or 'boxed in'. See 'Indy 9'.
Swayze
Ghost Toad. When it doesn't touch the sides, like Swayze, in erm, the film Ghost, where he was a ghost. But he did the touch the sides, because that was the point. I've confused myself again. Anyway, he was definitely a ghost.
To sledge or 'sledging' is a sporting gamesmanship technique designed to put your opponent off. Historically in cricket players have reacted 'like a sledgehammer' to abuse. It can vary from subtle psychology to blatant shouting depending on the venues. However, speaking or 'coughing' between throws and outright off-putting is frowned upon and perpetrators often shunned. Swearing and personal remarks are a real no-no and players will tend to avoid venues where they know this happens.
Sledging is usually a 'tell' the other is not very good and are resorting to tricks to gain an advantage. Other sledges include: moving about, sipping beers, going on phones - during a game😂- or suddenly twitching in the line of sight during throws, especially crucial ones. The best response to this is to politely ask those doing it to move behind the oche. Seasoned players may use charming cliches like 'I've seen these missed' and 'no pressure' are often said, but this is usually accompanied with goodwill from regular meetings.
Sheet Lead
A sheet lead table consists of thinner lead-coded playing surface. The millimetre thickness and the material the sheet is attached to will change the game play substantially, with some sheet leads suitable for sliding, while others make landing easier or see the Toads coins have more bounce. If the hole has not been secured properly, or is worn over time and not maintained, then it will usually be disfigured and cause coins not to pass through and drop, creating a controversy in the game where players may wonder if they are playing 'Toad-in-the-hole'.
Some 'cheap' sheet lead tables are bodged and this can be either charming or horrible to play depending on your preference. When not secured they morph and play in weird way. These are sometimes called 'youth club tables'.
Slider trad.
Sliding toads coin designed to go into the hole on tables that cater for such a throw.
Soap-dish lead
When a lead has dipped at the front or before and around the hole creating a 'soap-dish'. These leads can be good for sliding and are easier for getting ones.
Square Round the 9
Sometimes a toadrunner, scorer or chalker will put a square round the number when the player has got down to nine. The origins of this are from The Black Horse and it has been called a Stacey 9 after the scorer. The reasons aren't clear but presumably its to let all players know they approaching the outzone, or or could be interpreted as a subtle sledge to say the player is locked out of outing for one visit or 'boxed in'. See 'Indy 9'.
Swayze
Ghost Toad. When it doesn't touch the sides, like Swayze, in erm, the film Ghost, where he was a ghost. But he did the touch the sides, because that was the point. I've confused myself again. Anyway, he was definitely a ghost.
Tenet
Like the film "Tenet" where things go backwards, this is a Toad that slides backwards on the lead (above the hole) and goes in or knocks another in. It looks like magic.
Like the film "Tenet" where things go backwards, this is a Toad that slides backwards on the lead (above the hole) and goes in or knocks another in. It looks like magic.
Toad
A multi-purpose word that seems to describe anything and nothing. For example it can mean a direct 2-score in the hole. It can also mean the coin you're throwing, though some would say it's a coin being thrown to the toad waiting in the hole in the pond physically signified by the lead.
Names for scoring a toad in the hole: Cuppa: One Toad or 'T'; Isle of Man: Two Toads or 'TT'; Tyne Tees Television: Three Toads or 'TTT'; Roaring Forties: Four Toads or 'TTTT' (Wills/Wilkins).
Toad Bore
A toads player who can't discuss anything else other than Toads and/or go to the pub without playing Toads.
Toaded Out
A post season or big tournament feeling where a toads player's game has either turned to shit or they're simply not enjoying the game, usually both.
Toader Brighton
Term for toads player and same-name website catering for the Brighton League, originated by the Modern Tossers.
Toadhouse
Any venue that hosts Toads, preferably with beer. Usually pubs, social and sports clubs, and taprooms.
Toadium The Black Horse
A word coined by landlord Declan Rowell to describe a dedicated arena for Toads. Chairs and tables, lights and standing area are all moved and focused on the lead, and are thus making it significant, providing space for participants to watch. At the Black Horse the area is 'retractable' in a wry tribute to the centre court roof at Wimbledon.
A multi-purpose word that seems to describe anything and nothing. For example it can mean a direct 2-score in the hole. It can also mean the coin you're throwing, though some would say it's a coin being thrown to the toad waiting in the hole in the pond physically signified by the lead.
Names for scoring a toad in the hole: Cuppa: One Toad or 'T'; Isle of Man: Two Toads or 'TT'; Tyne Tees Television: Three Toads or 'TTT'; Roaring Forties: Four Toads or 'TTTT' (Wills/Wilkins).
Toad Bore
A toads player who can't discuss anything else other than Toads and/or go to the pub without playing Toads.
Toaded Out
A post season or big tournament feeling where a toads player's game has either turned to shit or they're simply not enjoying the game, usually both.
Toader Brighton
Term for toads player and same-name website catering for the Brighton League, originated by the Modern Tossers.
Toadhouse
Any venue that hosts Toads, preferably with beer. Usually pubs, social and sports clubs, and taprooms.
Toadium The Black Horse
A word coined by landlord Declan Rowell to describe a dedicated arena for Toads. Chairs and tables, lights and standing area are all moved and focused on the lead, and are thus making it significant, providing space for participants to watch. At the Black Horse the area is 'retractable' in a wry tribute to the centre court roof at Wimbledon.
The relevance of this harks back to darts being brought in during the early 70s to save space for food, as oches could be rolled up. Similarly, Toads asks for a large playing space in a pub, and attention to detail makes players happier. Pubs have therefore the dilemma whether to allow for the potential raucousness of a league or weekend-mates match to dominate or prescribe set nights and the facilitation of a 'Toadium'.
Toadrunner The Hand-in-Hand
Scorer of Toad-in-the-Hole game who adjudicates on the throws as well, especially whether a Toads coin hits the back. They are usually trusted to be impartial, stay still and know how to do all the markings. In a busy pub there may be some showmanship involved as well. Clark Left coined the phrase and also invented the game Clark or Closed. Toadrunner is also the name of a game similar to Killer Pool where only the score of the round needs to be achieved, with the Toadrunner traditionally throwing last.
"Toads"
Said when a player has scored well or shown exceptional skill or strategy. Usually in the style of a darts player saying 'darts', or like 'arrows' as in London Fields by Martin Amis.
Toadrunner The Hand-in-Hand
Scorer of Toad-in-the-Hole game who adjudicates on the throws as well, especially whether a Toads coin hits the back. They are usually trusted to be impartial, stay still and know how to do all the markings. In a busy pub there may be some showmanship involved as well. Clark Left coined the phrase and also invented the game Clark or Closed. Toadrunner is also the name of a game similar to Killer Pool where only the score of the round needs to be achieved, with the Toadrunner traditionally throwing last.
"Toads"
Said when a player has scored well or shown exceptional skill or strategy. Usually in the style of a darts player saying 'darts', or like 'arrows' as in London Fields by Martin Amis.
Toadsplain
To lecture new players on the rules and ways of playing Toads. Especially relevant when teaching female newbies, prefaced with the polite enquiry: 'Permission to Toadsplain?' This should get a laugh instead of a slap across the face, and so the seasoned player is thus generally invited to impart their knowledge.
To lecture new players on the rules and ways of playing Toads. Especially relevant when teaching female newbies, prefaced with the polite enquiry: 'Permission to Toadsplain?' This should get a laugh instead of a slap across the face, and so the seasoned player is thus generally invited to impart their knowledge.
Toadzooky
A teenage toads player with prodigious talent, soon to be a Toadzilla.
Tossary
Toad slang words and nicknames.
Tumbler or "Cary Grant"
Toads coin that is thrown forward and rolls over itself into the hole, not necessarily a slider. Cary Grant started his career in showbusiness as a vaudeville tumbler.
A teenage toads player with prodigious talent, soon to be a Toadzilla.
Tossary
Toad slang words and nicknames.
Tumbler or "Cary Grant"
Toads coin that is thrown forward and rolls over itself into the hole, not necessarily a slider. Cary Grant started his career in showbusiness as a vaudeville tumbler.
Visit/s
A set of four throws. Some seasoned players judge their match play in visits, sometimes called frames, ie a five-visit is deemed to be the optimum. So from 31 for example, five visits might look like:
3 - 28
8 -20
7 - 13
6- 7
7 - W
Four-visits are possible but not from a staggered start of two or three coins. This can only be done with four coins, as in 3x8 and a 7, which is possible in pub game with multiple players, if it is accepted that somebody starts with four coins.
The staggered four start - where the last player/s gets four to start - is favoured in Brighton pub toads, but not in Lewes where it is deemed as too much of an advantage. Here the first player to start with four coins is the original starting player on the second visit or frame.
A set of four throws. Some seasoned players judge their match play in visits, sometimes called frames, ie a five-visit is deemed to be the optimum. So from 31 for example, five visits might look like:
3 - 28
8 -20
7 - 13
6- 7
7 - W
Four-visits are possible but not from a staggered start of two or three coins. This can only be done with four coins, as in 3x8 and a 7, which is possible in pub game with multiple players, if it is accepted that somebody starts with four coins.
The staggered four start - where the last player/s gets four to start - is favoured in Brighton pub toads, but not in Lewes where it is deemed as too much of an advantage. Here the first player to start with four coins is the original starting player on the second visit or frame.
Volcano lead
A lead that resembles a volcano where the hole is higher yet more precarious. Sometimes the lead comes away underneath and exposes the wood, leading to dink outs where players believed they had holed, see Blofeld's Lair. Pictured: Brewers Arms, Lewes.
A lead that resembles a volcano where the hole is higher yet more precarious. Sometimes the lead comes away underneath and exposes the wood, leading to dink outs where players believed they had holed, see Blofeld's Lair. Pictured: Brewers Arms, Lewes.
W
When a player has won the scorer or toadrunner will write a 'W' for win or winner and other unsolicited suggestions.
'What happens in Toads stays in Toads'
A phrase borne to highlight that intense rivalries should not tip into unnecessary toxicity.
When a player has won the scorer or toadrunner will write a 'W' for win or winner and other unsolicited suggestions.
'What happens in Toads stays in Toads'
A phrase borne to highlight that intense rivalries should not tip into unnecessary toxicity.
Yeltsin
Also known as a Boris Yeltsin and member of the Boris set of unintentional throws - see Boris Curloff. A Yeltsin is the drunk version that wobble-curls into the hole or off the table.
Also known as a Boris Yeltsin and member of the Boris set of unintentional throws - see Boris Curloff. A Yeltsin is the drunk version that wobble-curls into the hole or off the table.
