Written by: Mark Colvin
There is no thrill quite like it. That clink’ing sound when a toss ricochets off bottle after bottle, dancing around as if it were teasing you. The excitement as the crowd stirs around the booth watching on as you defy the odds, all waiting for that one lucky bounce where you are crowned champion… or until you blow every penny in your wallet. The game that separates the true men from the boys. It’s just you, a couple hundred rings and some old glass bottles. Yes, that’s right; I’m talking about Ring Toss.
When I attend the Ex every summer I come expecting to win prizes. Big prizes. And whether it’s for a little sibling, steamy date or if that plush is going straight next to me in bed, it just doesn’t matter. I will be victorious. It’s a high that can only come from a carnival game. And who can even resist that temptation?
In my mind, carnival games are the heart and soul of the CNE and one of my favourite activities when I go to Ex. I take my carnival games very seriously and so should you.
I even have a strategic plan when it comes to Ring Toss and today is your lucky day folks, because I am going to share it with you. I want you to be just as successful at Ring Toss as myself. Keep this guide to yourselves and follow it step by step to victory:
Body Preparation. The key ingredient to success at such a daunting task. Train hard and keep yourself in tip top physical condition. And remember to always have a high carb pre-game meal. Might I suggest the food building?
Stretching. Always perform a thorough static stretch before taking part in the game. You wouldn’t want to pull a hammy while tossing rings… very embarrassing.
Placement. You need to choose the perfect spot on the booth to begin your tossing. Never choose the middle spot. It’s unlucky!
Angles. Winning is simply all about the angles. Get lots of loft on those throws so the ring is coming down onto the bottles vertically, instead of horizontally.
Heart. Ring Toss is only won by the most dedicated of soldiers. It is the most respected carnival game out there and presents winners with the biggest prizes in the fair. Come ready to fight.
I hope my guide leads you to great success on the circuit this summer and that you too enjoy the fun that is CNE carnival games. Please share your 2012 CNE carnival game stories with me over the course of the fair. Good luck!