Shuffleboard is a classic game, which can be played one-on-one or in teams. While there are some versions played on the ground, the indoor variation involves a table of polished wood and eight heavy metal pucks, called weights. As in darts, you score more points the closer you land to a certain target, but there are some significant differences in play and scoring.

Setup

For a two-player game, both players should stand at the same end of the table. Each player gets four weights of the same color. Flip a coin, or use another method to decide who should go first. Going last gives you an advantage.

Gameplay

On each players turn, they should slide one weight down the table. The objective is to get as close to the opposite end of the table as possible without sliding off. Hitting the other player’s weights are allowed, and a major part of the strategy of the game involves knocking opposing weights off the table.

Players alternate turns until all eight weights are shuffled; this is a single round. To start the next round, players move to the other end of the table, and the person who won the previous round shuffles first.

Scoring

At the end of each round, only the player whose weight has landed closest to the end of the board, without falling off receives a score. This score is based on which zone their furthest weight has landed. The zones are marked one, two, and three, with three being the closest to the end of the table.

If more than one of the winning player’s weights are closer than the opponent’s closest weight, all of those weights score. For example, if the red player has two weights in the three zone and one in the one zone, and the blue player has one weight in the two zone, red scores six points (three each for the pucks which are in the three zone and further forward than any of blue’s).

If a winning puck is hanging over the end of the table but has not fallen off, that puck wins an extra point. Only the end of the table counts for this purpose; if a puck is hanging off the side, it does not get a bonus point. The game ends when one player reaches the agreed-upon score, which is usually 15.

Shuffleboard is a game of skill and has been played for centuries, providing hours of entertainment for players of all ages. If you haven’t played, give it a try. The Office Lounge in Foley, AL, offers the area’s best bar entertainment. In addition to their pool leagues, trivia, and darts, they have the area’s only indoor cornhole and shuffleboard court. Visit them for live music, quality drinks, and competitive games. For questions, call (251) 943-2210 or send a message online.