The rules for Toad-in-the-Hole are very simple. For links to rules for specific leagues please scroll down. The following is intended as a brief introduction to the rules of the game.
Every year, regional and pub leagues will naturally adapt the rules because of certain requirements as voted for in Lewes for example, at an AGM and committee, or by the decree of the league organiser in Brighton or even from pub to pub.
Normally these decisions and fine-tunings are made for the game in its respective league or competition to prevent players from having a competitive edge or to ensure everyone has a better time. All the tables and oches are different, which is part of the charm and inclusivity of the game.
Inclusivity
Toads is the most inclusive pub game you will ever play and is played by either those doing it socially with a few drinks to those who've been playing it for years and for whom the pastime is highly competitive. With a few drinks 🤣
The truth is, everyone playing wants to win, or at least do well. The rules, etiquette and guidelines below are the basics most Toads-players agree on. We've added the odd bit of illumination to help understanding.
Please check the respective leagues and pubs for complete rules (listed below) when playing in them. There are also some exceptions which are included below. If we've missed anything please don't hesitate to let us know 😊
Every year, regional and pub leagues will naturally adapt the rules because of certain requirements as voted for in Lewes for example, at an AGM and committee, or by the decree of the league organiser in Brighton or even from pub to pub.
Normally these decisions and fine-tunings are made for the game in its respective league or competition to prevent players from having a competitive edge or to ensure everyone has a better time. All the tables and oches are different, which is part of the charm and inclusivity of the game.
Inclusivity
Toads is the most inclusive pub game you will ever play and is played by either those doing it socially with a few drinks to those who've been playing it for years and for whom the pastime is highly competitive. With a few drinks 🤣
The truth is, everyone playing wants to win, or at least do well. The rules, etiquette and guidelines below are the basics most Toads-players agree on. We've added the odd bit of illumination to help understanding.
Please check the respective leagues and pubs for complete rules (listed below) when playing in them. There are also some exceptions which are included below. If we've missed anything please don't hesitate to let us know 😊
Throw Underarm
Players throw four brass Toads-coins underarm from behind (and up to the front edge of the oche line) onto the Toad table. Overarm is generally frowned upon, due to the dangers of flying metal; not just from the throw but from the unknowable deflections of metal 'missiles' coming off the table. Pub owners also don't like having their decor damaged.
Lead and Hole Points
When a coin lands on the lead surface its 1 point (pt.). When it goes in the hole it's 2 points. Anything else not involved with the coins on the lead is zero.
Maximum Score
The maximum score is therefore 8 (4 Toads coins x 2 points) and the lowest is zero or a 'strike', or 'ladder' (a line drawn on the blackboard).
If you're muddled as to what you scored, just count whatever's left after four clean throws , the remaining coins after discounted or zero-throw Toads.
No Score/ Zero
If it hits the backboard, or wood frame, falls off or ricochets off anything else, hits you in the face or goolies, and then lands on the lead, its zero. Why? Because this would be an assist, and it's not basketball.
To score from the backboard is random and unskillful, (backboards are usually chipped and worn and have unpredictable rebound) so it's not included.
Beginner's Toad
Beginners sometimes get one in the hole off the back and scream "Yes!". Unfortunately this happens a lot and so is named a 'Beginner's or Newbie Toad' because new player's think they've scored.
(You'll also not that nearly everything in the game is called Toad or Toads. It's not confusing at all 😂)
What If My Toad Hits Another Toad?
If your coin hits another and stays on the lead: it counts. If the other coin stays on the lead it counts. If either of them touch anything else other than the lead it doesn't count. It's dead. If one pushes the other out, unlucky. Coins touching each other and still on the lead are okay and are deemed live. As soon as a Toads coin hits something other than the lead, it's dead.
Remember, the score is whatever's left after four throws, after a clean score of each coin.
Toad-is-In-The-Hole
The toad is actually already in the hole waiting for you to throw brass-gold to it. The coins are just coins, but they get called Toads anyway.
Maximum Score
The maximum score is therefore 8 (4 Toads coins x 2 points) and the lowest is zero or a 'strike', or 'ladder' (a line drawn on the blackboard).
If you're muddled as to what you scored, just count whatever's left after four clean throws , the remaining coins after discounted or zero-throw Toads.
No Score/ Zero
If it hits the backboard, or wood frame, falls off or ricochets off anything else, hits you in the face or goolies, and then lands on the lead, its zero. Why? Because this would be an assist, and it's not basketball.
To score from the backboard is random and unskillful, (backboards are usually chipped and worn and have unpredictable rebound) so it's not included.
Beginner's Toad
Beginners sometimes get one in the hole off the back and scream "Yes!". Unfortunately this happens a lot and so is named a 'Beginner's or Newbie Toad' because new player's think they've scored.
(You'll also not that nearly everything in the game is called Toad or Toads. It's not confusing at all 😂)
What If My Toad Hits Another Toad?
If your coin hits another and stays on the lead: it counts. If the other coin stays on the lead it counts. If either of them touch anything else other than the lead it doesn't count. It's dead. If one pushes the other out, unlucky. Coins touching each other and still on the lead are okay and are deemed live. As soon as a Toads coin hits something other than the lead, it's dead.
Remember, the score is whatever's left after four throws, after a clean score of each coin.
Toad-is-In-The-Hole
The toad is actually already in the hole waiting for you to throw brass-gold to it. The coins are just coins, but they get called Toads anyway.
Scoring
Score from 31 Down
Toad-in-the-Hole is scored down from 31.
This goes down to going 'out' on an exact final #'outing' score. In this way it's similar to darts, when they need a number to go out, but in that case, from 180 down to 1. For Toads it's simply 8 down to 1.
Outing from 8 Down
In the case of Toads the 'out-zone' is just 8pts to 1pt, represented by a ring drawn around the number on the chalkboard. From four down you start with the same number of coins, 4 for 4pts, then 3 coins for 3pts, 2 for 2 and 1 for 1. You'll hear the scorer (or Toadrunner) say: "three from three please" and similar reminders. If a player busts, they have to wait another turn. See below in 'Busting'.
Good players tend to like outing on even numbers and most have problems with a 1 (aka 'Sauron' – because the ringed 1 on the board looks like the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings, including the fact that it sometimes takes as long as reading it or watching the films... to get out).
Busting
If a player scores higher than their 'out' score then they bust, and have to wait to play again. In this case a simple 'B' is put instead of the score. This is to let all players what is going on.
The Square 9
Sometimes a square is put round the 9, to create awareness and preparation. This is maybe done to remind other players that the player on 9 will have to go at least twice to win the game. As they say in Rodmell, 'no one likes a nine'.
Beginners on 21
This is not a fixed rule, and it certainly doesn't happen in competition, but: When newbies play experienced players in a pub they will tend to be started at 21 down or juniors on fifteen, as a head-start to even out the play against higher scorers. It is suggested that "8-Ace" players even put their score higher to handicap themselves (like Golf) and create a balanced match.
Brad Pit
When I first played US airline pilot Brad 'Pit' at the Hole in the Wall, I put myself on 51, he was on 21. He won. And a love of the game means that whenever he stops at Gatwick Brad always comes down and plays. Toad is the winner, kids. (It wasn't deliberate, he played well). I would say that Brad is now red hot, but that he is to yet beat me in a normal game. Just had to add that because he's from the States 😎
Toad-in-the-Hole is scored down from 31.
This goes down to going 'out' on an exact final #'outing' score. In this way it's similar to darts, when they need a number to go out, but in that case, from 180 down to 1. For Toads it's simply 8 down to 1.
Outing from 8 Down
In the case of Toads the 'out-zone' is just 8pts to 1pt, represented by a ring drawn around the number on the chalkboard. From four down you start with the same number of coins, 4 for 4pts, then 3 coins for 3pts, 2 for 2 and 1 for 1. You'll hear the scorer (or Toadrunner) say: "three from three please" and similar reminders. If a player busts, they have to wait another turn. See below in 'Busting'.
Good players tend to like outing on even numbers and most have problems with a 1 (aka 'Sauron' – because the ringed 1 on the board looks like the Eye of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings, including the fact that it sometimes takes as long as reading it or watching the films... to get out).
Busting
If a player scores higher than their 'out' score then they bust, and have to wait to play again. In this case a simple 'B' is put instead of the score. This is to let all players what is going on.
The Square 9
Sometimes a square is put round the 9, to create awareness and preparation. This is maybe done to remind other players that the player on 9 will have to go at least twice to win the game. As they say in Rodmell, 'no one likes a nine'.
Beginners on 21
This is not a fixed rule, and it certainly doesn't happen in competition, but: When newbies play experienced players in a pub they will tend to be started at 21 down or juniors on fifteen, as a head-start to even out the play against higher scorers. It is suggested that "8-Ace" players even put their score higher to handicap themselves (like Golf) and create a balanced match.
Brad Pit
When I first played US airline pilot Brad 'Pit' at the Hole in the Wall, I put myself on 51, he was on 21. He won. And a love of the game means that whenever he stops at Gatwick Brad always comes down and plays. Toad is the winner, kids. (It wasn't deliberate, he played well). I would say that Brad is now red hot, but that he is to yet beat me in a normal game. Just had to add that because he's from the States 😎
Ways to Remember Scoring
Some popular catchphrases (initiated at The Hand in Hand, Kemptown) to help you remember the scoring are: "If it hits the wood, it's no good"; "If it's on the floor, it's no score/it's poor"; Not on the lead, it's dead. Etc
Sometimes if it pops out it may be the 'vole in the hole' or the that the Gods of the Lead have spoken'. But again, that's may be just me with my funny way of giving everything names. In truth it's usually the wood below coming through with the hole expanding too far.
Sometimes if it pops out it may be the 'vole in the hole' or the that the Gods of the Lead have spoken'. But again, that's may be just me with my funny way of giving everything names. In truth it's usually the wood below coming through with the hole expanding too far.
Starting the Game
TO START: Usually the first player will throw only 2 coins first, then the next player 3, and from then on the players will throw four coins. This is to stagger the scoring and even out the advantage of going first. More players means that staggered starts are extended to include two players on 2, two on 3 etc.
The thinking behind this is to balance out the fairness of the game and the head-start the first players have. In Brighton the third player in a game of pub toads will normally start with four coins. In Lewes the player who went first will begin the use of four coins on their second visit, after the other players have played two or three coins.
TO END: To win the game a player gets their last 'out-able' score. The 'out-zone' is 8pts down to 1pt and this is represented by a ring drawn around the number on the chalkboard. If a player scores higher than their 'out' score then they bust, just like darts, and they have to wait to play again.
The thinking behind this is to balance out the fairness of the game and the head-start the first players have. In Brighton the third player in a game of pub toads will normally start with four coins. In Lewes the player who went first will begin the use of four coins on their second visit, after the other players have played two or three coins.
TO END: To win the game a player gets their last 'out-able' score. The 'out-zone' is 8pts down to 1pt and this is represented by a ring drawn around the number on the chalkboard. If a player scores higher than their 'out' score then they bust, just like darts, and they have to wait to play again.
Toads Coins in the Hole Rim
There is an argument to be made that a Toads coin trapped in the purgatory that is between lead and hole should score zero, or even 3 if 'called'. But officially, it's 1pt, because it hasn't 'dropped' down to the waiting 'Toad-in-the-Hole'. The hole can therefore be defined as an entrance and 'cave' - the drawer - where the toad waits for brass-gold.
The Golden Toad
When outing and needing a specific score, a player may have a 'golden toad' opportunity to correct a score. This of course only works if they have a Toad coin left over to throw.
Let's use the example of an out-score of 4.
The first two Toads are great throws and one has landed on the lead and the other has gone in the hole. That's three points. Now the player just needs to land it on the lead for 1pt to win. Instead it goes in the hole and they score 5. Bust!
However our plucky, lucky player still has one coin left – The Golden Toad – and can throw it to try and knock the remaining Toad on the lead off (without leaving the thrown coin on the lead either), so leaving a score of 4 live Toads.
Golden Toad moments are much like buses, when you learn about them then three come all at once. 😂
Let's use the example of an out-score of 4.
The first two Toads are great throws and one has landed on the lead and the other has gone in the hole. That's three points. Now the player just needs to land it on the lead for 1pt to win. Instead it goes in the hole and they score 5. Bust!
However our plucky, lucky player still has one coin left – The Golden Toad – and can throw it to try and knock the remaining Toad on the lead off (without leaving the thrown coin on the lead either), so leaving a score of 4 live Toads.
Golden Toad moments are much like buses, when you learn about them then three come all at once. 😂
Game Variations
Toadrunner
Reminiscent of Killer Pool, Toadrunner, invented at the Hand in Hand, is a simple version of Toads involving as many players in the room as possible. It’s great way to inclusively involve everyone. Simply, players have to score the number for the round, ascending from 1-8, with a potential for eight rounds.
Four coins for each round are allowed. If a player misses their required score for the round, they are out and their name is emblazoned on the board next to the number they missed. The winner is the last one standing, having successfully scored the number for each round, having reached the highest number and round.
The Toadrunner is the person organising and scoring the game and they keep tabs on who is playing. Traditionally the Toadrunner takes the last throw in each round to indicate that everyone has been, marking the end of the round.
Four coins for each round are allowed. If a player misses their required score for the round, they are out and their name is emblazoned on the board next to the number they missed. The winner is the last one standing, having successfully scored the number for each round, having reached the highest number and round.
The Toadrunner is the person organising and scoring the game and they keep tabs on who is playing. Traditionally the Toadrunner takes the last throw in each round to indicate that everyone has been, marking the end of the round.
Reverse Toads
Reverse or Tenet Toads, first played at the Hand in Hand, is where the the point scoring is reversed and the hole is worth one point, while landing is worth two. The advantages for this version of the game are for tables that have become a bit hole-centric, i.e. too big, aka bucket leads, and where a Toads coin is more difficult to land on a cambering lead. It's also good for practising one outs; and for rethinking strategy and scoring.
Penalty Shoot-Out
A Caxton Arms game for practising ones, aka Penalties. One coin, one throw, score of one. Each player has five lives like a football penalty shoot-out. If a player misses they drop a life. Excellent nail-biting sudden death for the end of a night.
Etiquette
Collect Your Toads
Whatever your score the etiquette is to 'Pick Up Your Toads!' and hand them to the next player. The value of this is to save time, be polite, teach humility and brings the room of players together, who are all going through similar emotions. Toads coins are shared. It also forces newbies to keep an eye and take responsibility for where they threw their Toads coins and keens them up for playing better. If an uncaring newbie doesn't pick them up they'll soon get reminded by someone, and players will wait until they do.
Keep the Toads Clean
You'll see some player put beer, clammy hands, piss, snacks and all sorts over the surface of the shared Toads. This will affect the way it leaves the hand and – it might not even leave it! –and some compensate by drying them or using chalk to absorb moisture (leading to Chalkgate - listed in the Toad Controversies, below). The general etiquette is that Toads are passed on clean, otherwise it kind of looks like gamesmanship.
Post-Covid, league players expressed concerns over sharing Toads. But as this is part of the social and fair play aspects of the game it was decided that antibacterial facilities were to be made available at matches, to be used at the discretion of the players.
Post-Covid, league players expressed concerns over sharing Toads. But as this is part of the social and fair play aspects of the game it was decided that antibacterial facilities were to be made available at matches, to be used at the discretion of the players.
Newbie's First 8 'Shots'
When a newbie gets their first 8 they may be enthusiastically invited to buy a round of shots for all the players. This can also happen on messy nights when no one is playing particularly well and someone actually gets an 8.
Social Players v League Players
Toads is a social game and drinking is always involved. There is an active prejudice from some social players towards 'those who practise', ie league players. There is no such thing as a professional Toad(s) player but still you'll here (laughably) some called pros. But the critics would still like to win the match, so this is a difficult critique to accept.
The truth is all these people love the game and some get good at it or are more interested in working out how to improve. The social players like the vibe and the occasion and see this as more important than studying how or vying to win. But when they win they still go crackers. Funny that.
League players like the refined element of competitive matches where the game has even more to teach. They will swap notes and experiences, build tables, start teams, leagues and tournaments and make T-shirts, like hobbyists. All league players are drinkers and social as well.
The etiquette when these two groups meet is to accept that Toads is great social game and everyone remains cordial. Often, sledge exchanges related to a person's better skill will happen, but rarely will league players respond and if they do, its usually not unkindly. Conversely, most newbie or social players will enjoy playing mores skilful players as its like an exhibition.
All pubs and the odd team has that mouthy, sweary-Mary character who needs more attention than everyone else, but usually these people are ignored and not sought out for social games beyond mandatory matches in tournaments and league matches. No one tells them.
The top players rarely need to sledge or barrack and reflect the game well in a way that matches their passion. But sometimes there will be needle between long-standing rivalries: that's when the humour and excitement that social players think is missing from league matches, often appears.
The truth is all these people love the game and some get good at it or are more interested in working out how to improve. The social players like the vibe and the occasion and see this as more important than studying how or vying to win. But when they win they still go crackers. Funny that.
League players like the refined element of competitive matches where the game has even more to teach. They will swap notes and experiences, build tables, start teams, leagues and tournaments and make T-shirts, like hobbyists. All league players are drinkers and social as well.
The etiquette when these two groups meet is to accept that Toads is great social game and everyone remains cordial. Often, sledge exchanges related to a person's better skill will happen, but rarely will league players respond and if they do, its usually not unkindly. Conversely, most newbie or social players will enjoy playing mores skilful players as its like an exhibition.
All pubs and the odd team has that mouthy, sweary-Mary character who needs more attention than everyone else, but usually these people are ignored and not sought out for social games beyond mandatory matches in tournaments and league matches. No one tells them.
The top players rarely need to sledge or barrack and reflect the game well in a way that matches their passion. But sometimes there will be needle between long-standing rivalries: that's when the humour and excitement that social players think is missing from league matches, often appears.
House Rules
Where in some venues Toads rules may differ slightly
Frame Win with an 8
The Eagle Ale House, Battersea
Like many pubs the Eagle Ale House celebrates an 8 by awarding the scorer with the game/frame. This is great for newbies or pubs not frequented by those pesky league players. However: This presents an anomaly when going for a 7 out though: Have you busted or have you won the game?
Indy 9/8 Rule
Independent, Hanover, Brighton
So, if you're on a 9 out and you score an 8 at the Independent this allows you to go again for the remaining 1, but with one throw, obviously. If you miss the 1 score, you return back to 9.
Rethrow of a Returned Toad
The Hand in Hand, Kemptown, Brighton
In the good natured atmosphere of the Hand, if having missed a coin comes back to you, players are allowed to pick it up and throw it again, as long as its in one, immediate and instinctive motion from behind the oche.
If it Hits the Wood, It's Good
Lewes Worlds (Team event)
If the Toads coin hits or clips the front and slides up it still counts. This rule is to allow for the design and wear of the tables where the lead and wood are level and where there is a lot of sliding play. Here's a clip promoting the tournament for your entertainment.
If it Hits the Wood, It's No Good
World Toads Singles Championship
This rule is in place simply because its the same rule as everywhere else. It's also to put the onus of the skill of the player to ensure their coins hit the lead.
Sizes and Lengths
There's no real standardisation to the game of toads except when you get to competitions and leagues. In the Lewes League for example the oche length is '7ft (2.134m) from the throwing line to the front legs of the table. This can be up to 3in longer to accommodate local features (existing line or marker)'.
Length of the oche is down to the discretion of the venue and used to be allowed in Lewes League rules as a 'characterisation of the pub'.
The truth is, part of the charm of toad-in-the-hole is the idiosyncratic nature of the table sizes, the differences in oche lengths and the sizes, weights and age of the coins. Often it can be a draw for a toadhouse venue.
Lead remains the material of the surface to land on and brass is what the coins are made of, where sometimes they are copper or a mix. Being malleable the lead changes over time, and it may camber and create a hill, create a 'volcano' around the hole, or create a shallow, or a 'soap-dish'. Essentially it changes the play of the table, which makes things interesting. It's like playing on a different pitch every time.
Often the lead will get slippy from use, and some people even claim it gets hot and stretches, which in itself may be a... stretch.
Length of the oche is down to the discretion of the venue and used to be allowed in Lewes League rules as a 'characterisation of the pub'.
The truth is, part of the charm of toad-in-the-hole is the idiosyncratic nature of the table sizes, the differences in oche lengths and the sizes, weights and age of the coins. Often it can be a draw for a toadhouse venue.
Lead remains the material of the surface to land on and brass is what the coins are made of, where sometimes they are copper or a mix. Being malleable the lead changes over time, and it may camber and create a hill, create a 'volcano' around the hole, or create a shallow, or a 'soap-dish'. Essentially it changes the play of the table, which makes things interesting. It's like playing on a different pitch every time.
Often the lead will get slippy from use, and some people even claim it gets hot and stretches, which in itself may be a... stretch.
Toad Controversies
Sledging
The informal practice of sledging (verbal remarks designed to upset an opponent's equilibrium) is accepted as long as it is good-natured or good-humoured.
Personal and malicious remarks are not accepted, nor are barracking and physical intimidation.
Sledging remarks examples can include the intended irony of: 'You've got this' to 'I've seen these missed'. It's normally seen that better players don't tend to sledge, as they don't need to or may feel it encourages bad sportsmanship.
Once a player is on the oche about to throw or throwing, those watching need to be silent as sledging or talking when a player is throwing is seen as extremely bad form.
Personal and malicious remarks are not accepted, nor are barracking and physical intimidation.
Sledging remarks examples can include the intended irony of: 'You've got this' to 'I've seen these missed'. It's normally seen that better players don't tend to sledge, as they don't need to or may feel it encourages bad sportsmanship.
Once a player is on the oche about to throw or throwing, those watching need to be silent as sledging or talking when a player is throwing is seen as extremely bad form.
Line of Sight
The only person in the line of sight of the player should be the scorer (Toadrunner) where in social games a certain amount of sledging coming from 'the host' of the game may be acceptable. Toadrunners tend to know not to move about during throws.
Some pubs are literally pressed for space with toilets, bar counters and exits situated by the playing area, ensuring a constant footfall of non-players disturbing the game. This is deemed to be a part of the game players will know about and have to contend with in that particular venue.
However, where some fellow players will deliberately stand by the table or make little movements (taking beer sips, develop nervous ticks, call out excitedly between throws, check their phone, tap along to the pub stereo) intentional or unintentional, then it's up to the player to call it out and politely ask the agitant to move behind the oche. Whether or not intended the agitant should then move behind the line of sight.
Some pubs are literally pressed for space with toilets, bar counters and exits situated by the playing area, ensuring a constant footfall of non-players disturbing the game. This is deemed to be a part of the game players will know about and have to contend with in that particular venue.
However, where some fellow players will deliberately stand by the table or make little movements (taking beer sips, develop nervous ticks, call out excitedly between throws, check their phone, tap along to the pub stereo) intentional or unintentional, then it's up to the player to call it out and politely ask the agitant to move behind the oche. Whether or not intended the agitant should then move behind the line of sight.
Hitting the Backboard
The Toads coins often hit the back and players and the scorer will agree that it did, or didn't, by consensus. It's not good etiquette to challenge for extra points (either way) if you actually know in your heart it hit the backboard or you're doing it for competitive edge. However, often naughty 'scorers' or players standing behind will call it hitting the back even though there is no ricochet or noise.
Experienced players may sometimes honestly challenge a ruling having practised throwing hundreds of times, instinctively knowing when it doesn't hit. Often Toadrunners (scorers) will defer to the most experienced player in the room.
Experienced players may sometimes honestly challenge a ruling having practised throwing hundreds of times, instinctively knowing when it doesn't hit. Often Toadrunners (scorers) will defer to the most experienced player in the room.
Sound of Wood Anomaly
Take a brass Toads coin and tap the front and back of the lead. You'll hear a difference in sound frequency register (from lower to higher).
Where the sound of the lead at the back of the table has a higher frequency and more woody timbre (from a physical connection to the backboard or even from sound reflections of wood) some scorers may mistake a good throw for hitting wood.
The momentum of a thrown coin going up the 15° ascent of the lead may also cause a coin to ride and flip up and look like it's bouncing off the back surface. In many cases it's simply riding up vertically. In these cases scorers and players they will double-check with everyone watching the game.
The Laughing Fish pub (five times winners of the World team competition) had a technique for scoring by 'nucking' a coin against the wood to show if it was good. If it didn't move it was 'no good'.
Where the sound of the lead at the back of the table has a higher frequency and more woody timbre (from a physical connection to the backboard or even from sound reflections of wood) some scorers may mistake a good throw for hitting wood.
The momentum of a thrown coin going up the 15° ascent of the lead may also cause a coin to ride and flip up and look like it's bouncing off the back surface. In many cases it's simply riding up vertically. In these cases scorers and players they will double-check with everyone watching the game.
The Laughing Fish pub (five times winners of the World team competition) had a technique for scoring by 'nucking' a coin against the wood to show if it was good. If it didn't move it was 'no good'.
Chalkgate
This refers to chalking your hand before a throw. In some pubs, using chalk is misunderstood and/or frowned upon. Thus the use of it becomes a 'chalkgate' scandal. The Hand in Hand in Kemptown facilitates a bag of chalk hanging beside the table for people to use and this solved the issue for regulars.
It really comes down to whether its intention is of an assist or restoration. The idea behind the assist is to use plenty of chalk to help the Toad coin slide on sheet lead or flat tables like the game Shove Ha'Penny.
The idea of restoration is about preventing drink, foodstuffs and even others' excessive chalking from effecting the throw by wiping the coins and sometimes using a minimal amount of chalk to dry the hand for release of a precision throw.
The proof of this will come if there is chalk on the Toads themselves, which may affect the way it lands or the way an opponent plays. Ultimately its up to players to agree in a pub game, but leagues and tournaments will have their own guidelines on this.
For the World Toads Singles we set out the guideline that chalk can be used for restoration, but players were to be mindful of others and try not to leave chalk on the coins. Equally, player were to be mindful of handing over wet or dirty coins.
It really comes down to whether its intention is of an assist or restoration. The idea behind the assist is to use plenty of chalk to help the Toad coin slide on sheet lead or flat tables like the game Shove Ha'Penny.
The idea of restoration is about preventing drink, foodstuffs and even others' excessive chalking from effecting the throw by wiping the coins and sometimes using a minimal amount of chalk to dry the hand for release of a precision throw.
The proof of this will come if there is chalk on the Toads themselves, which may affect the way it lands or the way an opponent plays. Ultimately its up to players to agree in a pub game, but leagues and tournaments will have their own guidelines on this.
For the World Toads Singles we set out the guideline that chalk can be used for restoration, but players were to be mindful of others and try not to leave chalk on the coins. Equally, player were to be mindful of handing over wet or dirty coins.