Gear

Lawn and Order

Lawn Gaming This Summer

You'll be happy to know that the World Cup isn't the only international game this summer—herewith, a roundup of the best lawn games from around the globe (including, okay, one from right here in the US of A). Best of all, all of them leave one hand free for what's truly important: cocktailing.

QUOITS INTERRUPTUS

Quoits

Game On: Perhaps all you need to know about the British quoits comes from that ancient source of wisdom, Wikipedia: "The history of Quoits is disputed." But here's the skinny: it's basically horseshoes but with metal discs instead of shoes, and four stakes instead of one. Oh, and "color" is spelled with a u.
Play this if you like: Horseshoes, referring to your lawn as "the pitch"

SWEDE AND LOW

Kubb

Game On: When you picture Sweden, you likely imagine frolicking blondes, the occasional Viking and, of course, miles of immaculately manicured lawns. Okay, maybe not, but roughly one millennium ago, the Swedes invented one impressive lawn game. Basically, you try to knock out your opponent's "shields" (wooden blocks) with your "battle axes" (sadly, sticks) on a roughly 15-by-25 patch of lawn. Swedish bikini team of cheerleaders encouraged.
Play this if you like: Croquet, Vikings, Swedes

GET THE LED OUT

LED Bocce

Game On: No doubt, you've found yourself enjoying a round of the fine Italian sport of bocce, and thinking one thing: how cool would it be if these things lit up? Finally, someone has heard your soul's innermost cry. Consider it perfect for that bocce tournament/rave you've got planned for the Fourth.
Play this if you like: Bocce, gratuitous lighting, Christmas trees

FIN AND DANDY

Mölkky

Game On: This Finnish sport dates all the way back to that epic era of titans and kings known as... 1996. Still, the game's become hugely popular in its homeland—you presumably played a couple rounds during your last layover in Helsinki—because it's a ridiculously simple mix of darts and lawn bowling. And nothing gets Finns going like lawn bowling.
Play this if you like: Lawn bowling, saying "Mölkky," the natural glory of wood

SKITTISH

Skittles

Game On: This game is a bit like bowling meets horseshoes, but with a far more complicated set of rules. Basically, there's something called a "leg," something called "cheeses" and (of course) the "sticker." All we can say is, watch out for the sticker.
Play this if you like: Bowling, rules

BEAR ESSENTIAL

Bear Pong

Game On: This great nation was built on innovation, and someday this might rank among the finest: bear pong, essentially an oversize version of that sport of kings, beer pong. Do not attempt this at The Standard.
Play this if you like: Sand, beer, oversize novelty items