Official Rulebook

Polé™ — Official Gameplay Rules

A precision-throwing game inspired by the excitement of “Olé!” and the balance of a matador’s horns.

Quick Start Overview

Standard distance is 10–15 feet from the pole (6–8 feet for tight venues). Each player throws three rings per turn, trying to hit, hook, or drop the horn.

You score for clean hits and hooks, and earn big points when the horn actually falls. Most groups play to 21 points, win by 2.

Open printable quick start

Game Objective

Polé is a competitive outdoor game where players try to score points by tossing silicone rings at a balanced set of “horns” resting on a center pole. The primary objective: Dislodge the horns by ringing them with your throwing rings. Skilled throws cause the horns to tip off the pole, scoring points depending on how the horns fall.

Polé icon

Components

Standard Polé Set

The Pole (The Polé Post)

  • 1" diameter powder-coated steel stake
  • 24"–30" tall
  • Inserted 6–8" into the ground

The Horns

  • A bent, curved brass rod
  • Symmetrical (like bull horns) but with a center pivot point that sits on the pole
  • Balanced but sensitive to directional pressure

Throwing Rings (Polé Rings™)

  • Silicone
  • Wrist-band sized
  • Approx. the diameter of a beer can
  • Branded or plain
  • Typically each player gets 3 rings per turn

Game Setup

  • Insert the pole into firm ground until stable.
  • Place the horns center-balanced atop the pole.
  • Mark a throwing line: Standard: 10–15 feet from the pole. “Bar Mode” (tight spaces): 6–8 feet. Family Mode: any distance agreed upon.

Number of Players

  • 1v1 (most common)
  • 2v2 (teams alternate throws)
  • Solo practice mode

Turn Order

  • Flip a ring — call “horns” or “tails.”
  • Each player throws three rings per turn.
  • Throws must be made behind the throwing line.
  • Rings may be thrown: Traditional toss; Underhand; Frisbee-style; “Matador arc” (overhand lob)

Scoring System

Any action that causes the horns to fall off the pole ends the turn and scores points based on how they fall.

Ring Contact (minor points)

  • Ring hits horns but does NOT stay1 point
  • Ring stays hanging on ONE horn ("Single Hook")3 points
  • Ring stays hanging across BOTH horns (“Double Hook”)5 points

Dislodging the Horns (major points)

  • Horns tip but land within 1 foot of the pole7 points
  • Horns fall and land beyond 1 foot from the pole10 points
  • Horns flip completely upside-down before hitting the ground (“Matador Flip”)Automatic Win (or +15 points in longplay mode)

Winning the Game

  • Classic Mode: First player/team to 21 points wins. Must win by 2.
  • Longplay Mode (for bars / families): Play to 35 points. Matador Flip = +15.
  • Sudden Death Polé (fast play): First to knock off the horns wins. No point system.

Fouls & Validity

  • Player steps over the throwing line
  • Player intentionally touches or manipulates the pole or horns
  • Player distracts opponents with physical interference (trash talk encouraged)
  • Rings bounce wildly due to intentionally unsafe throwing
  • Rings that bounce off the ground before hitting the horns do not count.

Re-balancing the Horns

  • Reset the horns by placing the center point squarely on the top of the pole
  • Ensure both sides are level for fairness
  • Rings that remain hooked after the horns fall are removed before the next turn

Game Variations

Bar Mode (official venue version)

  • Throwing distance: 6–8ft
  • Each drink purchase earns a free ring
  • Branded rings double as beer-coozies or bracelets
  • Bars can host: Horn Drop Tournaments; Happy-Hour Matador Challenges; “Buy a round, get a ring” promos

Family Mode

  • No line stepping penalties
  • Children throw from a closer line
  • Play to 15 points

Matador Showdown (party mode)

  • Fast 90-second rounds
  • As many throws as possible
  • Every horn drop = 10 points
  • Passing the turn allowed only after a horn drop

Design Principles for Game Balance

  • Horns must be stable enough to not fall from light taps
  • But sensitive enough that a clean ring landing can knock them off
  • Silicone rings should have: Enough weight to carry momentum; Enough friction to “grab” the brass horns
  • Polé is not about brute force — it rewards precision, aim, and angle control

The Theme (“OLÉ”)

Polé feels fun, bold, and a little theatrical—“bullfighting without the bull.” Expect Spanish arena energy, rich red and brass accents, and loud calls of “OLÉ!” every time the horns finally drop.