Hook and Ring Toss Game – Rules and Strategy

Simple games are often the most entertaining and addicting to play. The hook and ring toss game is no different. Here’s the ultimate hook and ring game guide, from rules and winning strategies, to the best hook and ring toss games we found, and how to make a DIY game.


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Simple games are often the most entertaining and addicting to play. The hook and ring toss game is no different. Here’s the ultimate hook and ring game guide, from rules and winning strategies to the best hook and ring toss games we found, and how to make a DIY game.

How to Play Hook and Ring Toss

The game’s premise is simple. A string is affixed to an O-ring on one end and tied to an overhead structure on the other. A hook is then mounted on a wall (with or without a backboard), and players try to land the ring on the hook by swinging the string.

Below are the ring toss game rules and how to win it.

Hook and Ring Toss Rules

For the ring toss rules, they actually vary depending on where you get and play the game, but the objective remains the same. The more times you hit and land the ring on the hook, the more points you get, and whoever has the most points, win.

Each player gets three turns to swing the ring. He or she can score on all three turns, after which, it’s the next player’s turn. After several rounds, the points are tallied, and in the event of a tie, players take extra turns to gain that winning point.

The point system can be simple, where 1 point is awarded when the ring lands on the hook, or tournament style, where points are given for the following:

  • 1pt- the ring hits the hook and makes a “ting” sound once
  • 2pts- the ring hits the hook and makes a “ting” sound twice
  • 5pts- the ring lands on the hook

Hook and Ring Toss Strategy

Here’s how to win this hook and ring game:

Make sure that the O-ring is still (not rotating) when you toss it towards the hook so you increase its chances of landing. Moreover, swing the ring slightly to the left or right of the hook so it makes a slight arc and successfully lands rather than clanking with the hook.

Best Hook and Ring Toss Games

Check out these five best hook and ring toss games you can buy online:

Tiki Toss Surf Original

tiki toss surf

The most popular option is the Tiki Toss Surf Original, a classic model that offers endless fun for everyone. It’s a simple game that is quick and easy to set-up, fun, competitive, and addictive, making it great for get-togethers.

This is a high-quality, imported product made with 100% bamboo wood and metal. All the hardware needed for installation is included, and the entire thing is easy to set-up. It also comes in many colors and styles.

Here are the Tiki Toss rules: unlimited players can join, each one with 10 attempts to hook the ring once. The first to reach 11-21 points is considered the winner. Sounds easy? What you don’t know is it’s difficult to master.

  • Bamboo and metal construction
  • 5-minute set-up
  • Available in 4 colors

Hammer Crown Hook and Ring Game

hammer crown hook and ring

For a great ring toss bar game, check out the Hammer Crown hook and ring game with a clean, minimalist design and a functional bottle opener plus a magnetic catch for bottle caps. It’s no surprise that this unique design makes it so popular.

As for the rules, you simply need to swing the ring and stick it onto the hook in order to score. You get ten tries each turn, and whoever reaches the predetermined point goal first wins. It’s fun, easy, and addictive!

Aside from the cool neodymium magnet that holds up to 24 bottle caps, it also features a wood base, metal bottle opener, steel ring and hook, nylon string, and the screws and instruction manual for assembly.

  • Wood base with steel parts
  • Magnetic catch with 24 bottle cap capacity
  • Assembly screws included

GETMOVIN SPORTS Hook and Ring Swing DIY Kit

hook and ring swing

You should also check out the uber-attractive and sturdy hook and ring swing DIY kit by Getmovin Sports, which offers hours of entertainment for indoor and outdoor play. This one is not only attractive and sturdy but easy to set-up too.

The stainless steel ring is corrosive resistant, while the hook is made from nickel-plated steel, and the string is all-weather nylon that is over 8ft. long so you can customize the game to your preferences.

It also comes with the necessary hardware for assemblies, such as an eye hook screw and two mounting screws, along with easy-to-read instructions. All in all, a great choice for a string and hook game.

  • Steel and nickel construction
  • Customizable length string
  • Great customer support

GSE Tiki Face Bamboo Hook and Ring Toss

tiki face bamboo hook and ring

Another suitable choice is the Tiki Face bamboo hook and ring toss by GSE, a fun and relaxing game that can be set-up in minutes and played for hours. Because of this, it’s well-loved by adults and kids alike.

The game board is made of bamboo and comes in two engraving styles- a tiki face or a football. It also comes with all the other essential hardware. You can set this up anywhere in and out of the house.

To set-up, mount the game board on the wall with a 48 to 60” clearance, screw the eye on the ceiling 5’ away from the wall, tie the string to the ring and set the ring on the hook, thread the opposite end of the string through the eye and pull gently until it slightly lifts up, then tie it.

  • Bamboo construction
  • 12 by 7 inches
  • Available in 2 styles

Tiki Toss Desktop

tiki toss desktop

Finally, check out this Tiki Toss desktop, which is a more transportable version of your beloved ring on a string game. It’s perfect for any occasion and lets you challenge anyone so the entire family can have fun wherever, whenever.

This is great for playing indoors and outdoors. You just need a flat and even surface to place the thing down, such as a coffee table or beach table, and go crazy playing for hours. You can even bring it to beach trips!

It comes with a standard metal ring that makes a nice clanking sound, but if hitting surrounding objects with the metal is a problem, you can always switch it out with a rubber version from your local hardware store.

  • Available in 2 colors
  • Giftable product
  • Great value for money

What To Look For When Buying A Hook And Ring Toss Game

As you have seen above, there are many different choices of washer hook games, some with a wooden backboard, some without, and some made for tabletop playing.

Your choice really comes down to where and how you want to play the game, along with how easy it is to assemble and install. Just make sure that you have a drill if screwing is necessary, and the materials are weather-resistant if the game will be played outdoors.

DIY Hook and Ring Toss Game

Want to make your own hook and ring game DIY instead? Here’s how to make an outdoor hook and ring game, which only costs a couple of bucks at the hardware store:

You’ll need a string, a 1-inch welded O-ring, an eye screw, and a hook screw. Just follow this guide on how to do it, and you’re good to go!

Conclusion

Found the best hook and ring toss game yet? Let us know in the comments!

Want to play something different? How about an Air Hockey Pool Ping Pong Combo Table?