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So, you want to know more about Rocks.

Rocks is a 2 to 4 player game invented in April of 1994 by two Canadian lads on the shores of Lake Huron outside of the small town of Bayfield, Ontario. It was one of many games invented on that fateful weekend. Originally, it was part of a 'cottage decathalon' that involved other sports like cross-country golf, crab-apple tennis, the beach sprint, beach shotput and others. Rocks proved to be the popular favourite.

Out of this weekend was born a popular past time for a group of friends that enjoy the company of each other, 'friendly' competition, the fresh air, the beach and the consumption of beerse. The basics of the game are as follows:

• Some beer (or other alcoholic beverage) is usually consumed and a group of about 4-8 people make their way down to a beach or other clear area. While a beach is not absolutely neccessary, it has so far proven to be preferred by the game's players. A winter version has included a snow covered icy lake. (See 2000 AllStar Rockin'vitational)
• Two circles (about 5ft. in diameter)are scribed in the sand, usually with the feet, about 15 to 18 paces from each other.

• In the centre of each circle a stick is stuck vertically in the sand. These sticks are found on the beach and are usually about 2-3 feet in length and around 1-2 inches in diameter. The sticks are approved by each of the players and remain as the main 'target' of the competition.

• Each player chooses four rocks from the beach or surroundings to be used as their throwing rocks for the game. One rock is set aside as a replacement rock should one of the others get lost in the sand, broken or prove to be the wrong size or shape for a player.

• The players then position themselves so that they are behind one of the circles (called a pit) facing the other pit.
• In alternating turns, the players, in either teams of 2 or as single players, throw their rocks toward the stick in the centre of the pit opposite them.
• After each player has thrown their three rocks, the 'end' is over and the points are tallied. The player with the rock that is closest to the stick, in the ring of the pit, scores one point. If the same player also has the second closest rock he scores another point. If all of his rocks are closest to the stick he scores three points. If the player with the closest rock does not have the second closest rock then he scores only one point. The other player, with the second closest rock, scores zero but has limited his opponent to only one point for closeness in that end. Other points are awarded for hitting the stick with the rock in the air and hitting the stick with the rock in the air and knocking over the stick. See the rules for a more in depth description of the scoring of the game.
• The players then repeat the process in the opposite direction scoring and continuing until one player has scored a previously agreed number of points (Usually 15 in Winter 21 in Summer). The Winner must win by 2 (two) points. Again, see the rules for more details.

The game is fairly simple and is based upon other sports like curling, horseshoes and bocce. The main goal of the game is to have a good time, have a few laughs, be able to play it anywhere and, of course, to win. There are, however, other nuiances of the game which have been developed by the players that belong to CARTA to make it more fun and give it some more structure.

If you are interested in playing then go ahead and have fun. This page should give you enough information on the basics of play. For those needing more information, an official rulebook has been developed and can be viewed by clicking here.
Now go out and have fun and remember: Keep It In The Rings! :)


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