quoit
A flat ring you throw at a peg in a game.
A quoit is a flat ring, traditionally made of rope or metal, that you throw in a game similar to horseshoes. In the game of quoits, players toss these rings toward a stake or peg sticking up from the ground, trying to land them around it or as close as possible. The closer your quoit lands to the target, the more points you score.
The game has been played for centuries, especially in England and colonial America, where people gathered at fairs and taverns to compete. Some versions use heavy metal rings that make a satisfying clang when they hit the peg, while other versions use rope rings that are lighter and safer for casual play. Deck quoits, played on ships, use rope rings so they won't damage the wooden deck or roll overboard.
Today you might see quoits at summer camps, county fairs, or backyard gatherings. The game requires a good throwing arm and careful aim: you need to judge the distance and release the quoit with just the right spin so it sails smoothly through the air. While it looks simple, landing a quoit perfectly around the peg takes real skill and practice.