Table Games
How to play Shuffleboard
Slide pucks toward the far end and outdistance the opposing color. Only one side scores in a frame, using its pucks beyond the opponent’s deepest puck.
What you need
Shuffleboard table, four pucks per color, suitable table powder and score markers
Set up the game
- Prepare the surface according to its manufacturer. Identify the foul line and numbered scoring lines. Choose a game to at least 15; no exact-score or win-by-two rule is added here.
- Toss for the opening choice of hammer, the final shot, or color. In singles both stand at the same end; in doubles one partner from each team stands at each end.
Playing Shuffleboard
- Alternate sliding one puck each until all eight are played. Leave pucks where they stop unless a puck leaves play or is removed under the foul-line rule.
- A puck must pass the applicable foul line to remain playable. You may knock opponents off or protect your own puck with another. Do not return a fallen puck to the board.
- After all shots, identify the color farthest down the table. Only its pucks farther than every opposing puck score. All others score zero.
- The scoring areas are one, two and three. A puck must be completely past a scoring line for the higher value. A hanger over the far end, still on the table, scores four.
- Record points, then play from the other end. The scoring team shoots first next frame; a blank changes the hammer. After a complete frame, reaching at least 15 wins.
Only the leading color scores
Red has a hanger and a three-point puck, both beyond Black’s deepest puck in the two-point area. Red also has a one-point puck behind that Black puck. Red scores seven: four plus three. Red’s trailing puck scores nothing and Black scores zero, even though Black has a puck in a numbered zone.
Declare the line convention
Tables and tournament sheets can specify foul-line details differently. Identify the applicable line before the first frame instead of choosing it after a short shot. For a friendly game without a referee, inspect disputed positions from directly above before moving anything. Do not slide a measuring object into a puck and alter the position you are trying to judge.
Beginner decisions
- Watch how your first shot slows on this particular surface. Adjust the next release rather than assuming every table and powder has the same speed.
- Consider a safe scoring puck when a hard removal attempt could knock your own deepest puck off too. The correct target depends on whose final shot remains.
Common rule mix-ups
- Adding every puck’s zone value for both sides.
- Awarding the higher zone to a puck still touching its dividing line.
Questions about this game
Do I need exactly 15?
No in this chosen Knock Off format. Overshooting does not reset the score.
Can I score with several pucks?
Yes, but each must outdistance the opponent’s deepest puck. A single opposing puck can exclude several of yours.
Sources and edition notes
Indoor table shuffleboard, basic Knock Off to 15. This is not outdoor deck shuffleboard with cues and a 10-off zone.
Sources and stated format checked October 14, 2026. This records a document check, not a claim of hands-on testing.
- Shuffleboard Federation: basic table play
- McClure Tables: Knock Off rules
- Shuffleboard Federation: tournament rules