The game itself sees participants throwing metal, rope or rubber rings to land on a spike (also known as a hub, mott or pin). The origins of the game are unclear but some date its roots to ancient Greece. The United States Quoiting Association writes on its website that quoits were an alternative to a discus for poorer citizens in ancient Greece who could not afford to buy the real thing. Instead, they made their own by bending horseshoes. It’s thought that the original aim of the game was to throw the ring as far as possible, but at some point, the spike element was added to the game.
The game’s popularity thrived in England – with King Edward III and King Richard II said to have banned the sport to instead encourage archery – although the game would later continue to thrive. During the 19th and 20th centuries, quoits was also played indoors as a parlour game, suitable for both women and children.
Many images and historical records reveal that quoits was hugely popular as an activity on deck for passengers on cruise ships as a way to pass the time during long voyages.