Lawn Games Every Gay Should Know

Photo: Matthew Scivens; Jacket, $3,695; pants, $1,400; shirt, $695; and scarf, $400, by Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

With summer in full swing and football around the corner, it's time to start prepping for the inevitable tailgate or backyard soiree invites. Like every good party, there is always a game of cornhole or lawn bowling. These group activities improve any session of day-drinking. All you need is sunshine, some gear, and a few folks who are looking to score. Game on!

CROQUET

It's a nuisance to set up and there are a lot of rules, but there are so many opportunities for Heathers reenactments it's all worth it. Strategy: Two bonus shots are better than one -- aim to knock your opponents out.

Eight Player Croquet Set, $419; FifthRoom.com

HORSESHOES

"If there is one lawn sport that blossomed most naturally in the soils of American life and culture, it is horseshoes," writes Brooks Butler Hays in Balls on the Lawn, illustrated by Jeremy Stein (Chronicle Books, $12.95). Strategy: When throwing the horseshoe, aim for a smooth swing, keep your shoulders square, and take the horseshoe straight back.

Horseshoe Game Set, $99.95; CB2.com

LAWN CHESS

Giant lawn chess feels very Alice in Wonderland. Strategy: Don't waste a lot of time on moving your pawns. Get those bishops and knights in position to strike.

Giant Chess Set, price available on request; MyGiantGames.com

PETANQUE

This sport can be played almost anywhere there's a stretch of flat space -- the beach, a lawn, etc. Teams take turns tossing a boule closest to the jack. Strategy: It's not bocce; keep both feet on the ground.

Skagerak Akiko Teak and Steel Petanque Game Set, $199; AllModern.com

BADMINTON

Perhaps the only lawn game that's also an Olympic sport. Strategy: For speed, hit the shuttle at the top of its arc.

Jaques Of London 4-Player Badminton Set, $74.99; JaquesAmerica.com

CORNHOLE

It's easy to learn, easy to play, and it's called cornhole, for crying out loud. Strategy: Too much arc in your toss and the bag of corn won't slide far enough on the board toward the hole.

Victory Palm Tree Sunset Cornhole Set, $185; ATGStores.com

LAWN BOWLING

Lose the ugly shoes, questionable nachos, and pitchers of Coors, because hitting pins barefoot beats anything in a bowling alley. (Maybe keep the beer.)

Lawn Bowling Game, $50; Williams-Sonoma.com

Images: croquet: photo by Matthew Scrivens; cornhole illustration by Jeremy Stein; game images courtesy of stores.