Ring the bull is a pub game

Pub games

Pub games are games which are or were played in pubs, bars, inns, and taverns, particularly traditional games played in English pubs. Most are indoor games, though some are played outdoors Pub games are games which are or were played in pubs, bars, inns, and taverns, particularly traditional games...

. It involves swinging a bull's nose-ring

Nose ring (animals)

A nose ring is a ring made of metal designed to be installed through the nasal septum of domestic cattle, usually bulls. Nose rings are often required for bulls when exhibited at agricultural shows. There also is a clip-on ring design used for controlling other cattle for showing or handling...

, which is attached to a string, in an arc so as to hook it onto a bull's nose and hook. It must stay on the hook to count as a successful throw.

There is a vibrant and thriving tradition of playing this game at what is reputedly the oldest pub in England

England

England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...

, Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem in Nottingham is one of the 20 public houses which claim to be the oldest drinking establishment in England. Its painted sign states that it was established in 1189 AD...

in Nottingham

Nottingham

Nottingham is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England. It is located in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire and represents one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group...

, and in several other traditional public house

Public house

A public house, informally known as a pub, is a drinking establishment fundamental to the culture of Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. There are approximately 53,500 public houses in the United Kingdom. This number has been declining every year, so that nearly half of the smaller...

s.

The Old White Bear Public House in Cross Hills, near Keighley, also houses a "ringing the bull" game. A firm favourite amongst the locals, a tournament has been taking place for the last few months with 32 customers against one another to determine the overall champion. From 32 players only 4 remain with the final to be held soon, with the champion set to win a gallon of beer.

Caribbean variant

The hook and ring game was adopted by the earlier settlers of the Caribbean islands, where it is also referred to as the Bimini Ring Game. When the hook is attached to a post or pole, the ring can actually be swung behind the hook, catching on the hook as it swings back. If the ring is caught by the hook, the score is two points. If the ring is first swung from behind the hook and it swings back and catches on the hook, the score for the throw is three points.

External links

• Online guide to traditional pub games
• Unique & Colorful Bimini Ring Games
• Taverns featuring 'Wallhooky'
• American website selling Ring The Bull
• Only Multiplayer Bimini Ring Game, "Hookum"