Sandra Brenner, age 12, Watertown, N.Y., for her question:    

WHEN WAS THE GAME OF QUOITS FIRST PLAYED?

In the game of quoits, players toss a metal ring, called a quoit, over a peg. It was first played in England during the 1300s. Historians say that quoits probably developed from the game of horseshoes.

Any number can play quoits at one time. Championship rules call for two pegs that stand 1 inch above the ground and are placed 18 yards apart. The quoits have a rim 2 inches wide and a quarter inch hole in the center.

Rubber, rope or wooden quoits are often used for indoor games.

Each player stands beside one peg and throws two quoits at the other peg. A ringer is a quoit that encircles the peg, and it counts three points. A leaner, or hobber, is a quoit that leans against the peg, and it counts two. If there are no ringers or leaners, the quoit that comes closest to the peg counts one point.

The game usually ends when one player has 21 points.