Dutch Shuffleboard Rules

Beginning The Game

• The game begins with each player having 30 discs. Each player should count to make sure that they actually have all 30 discs before a turn is taken. As soon as a disc has been hit the game has begun. The discs are considered in play once they have gone past the control line. The control line is underneath the back side of the start bar. Once the discs are in play, they cannot be touched by anyone during the sub-turn.

Discs in Play

• Discs that are in play do have exceptions to the rule of not touching the disc: when the disc leaves the sjoelbak or when a disc goes over the gate bar and enters a slot. Also, if a disc leaves the slot but does not go through the gate bar, it does do one of three things: It returns to the same slot, goes into another slot or stays on a partition wall; the jury can then touch the disc and remove it from play. The only time a player can touch a disc is when the disc passed the control line and has returned to the player. The jury must give permission first; once they have, the player then can remove the disc from the board and will remain separate from the discs that are left.

Discs in Slots

• A disc is considered in a slot when it has gone under the start bar and completely passed the gate bar as well. If there is any doubt by the other player or by the jury, then the jury must put a straight gate bar along the front side of the gate bar. If the disc moves while this is being done, then it is not considered in the slot. Also, the jury will pile the discs in stacks of four with the first four discs that are in slots. The next discs are put in a pile of three, and the bottom disc from the first pile that went into a slot is kept loose and away from the back wall. This disc works as a buffer for the other discs that come in.