Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Order of Play
Before play begins, players agree on a shooting order — commonly chosen by coin flip, foul-shot tiebreaker, or alphabetical rotation. The chosen order is maintained throughout the game.
5.2 The Leader's Shot
The first player in the shooting order becomes the Leader and may attempt a shot from any location on the court, in any style they choose (e.g., bank shot, left-handed jump shot, granny shot, hook shot, three-pointer, free-throw). Before shooting, the Leader must verbally declare the shot — for example, "bank shot from the elbow" or "left-handed three." This declaration prevents post-hoc disputes about whether a successful shot was intentional.
5.3 If the Leader Makes the Shot
Every subsequent player, in shooting order, must attempt the exact same shot from the same spot, using the same style as called. Each follower has one attempt to replicate the shot; no re-dos are permitted.
- If a follower makes the shot: no letter is awarded; play moves to the next follower.
- If a follower misses the shot: they receive one letter, in order: first H, then O, then R, then S, then E.
After all followers have attempted, the Leader retains their role and calls the next shot (see 5.5).
5.4 If the Leader Misses the Shot
No letters are awarded. Leadership passes to the next player in the shooting order, who then chooses a new shot of their own.
5.5 Turn Continuity
Under standard rules, a Leader who makes a shot keeps the Leader role for the next round and calls the next shot. Leadership only rotates on a missed Leader's shot. Some house rules rotate the Leader every round regardless — agree on which variant before play begins.
5.6 Game Variations
- P.I.G.: identical mechanics with a 3-letter word — faster game, common for time-limited or younger play.
- O.U.T.: 3-letter variant equivalent to P.I.G. with different spelling.
- D.O.N.K.E.Y.: 6-letter variant for extended play with many players.
- Around the World hybrid: combines H.O.R.S.E. with sequential-spot shooting requirements.