Who Invented "Throw in a Row"? Likely No Single Inventor
There is no documented inventor for a game called "Throw in a Row." It's almost certainly a folk/traditional game that evolved organically.
Why It's Untraceable
Conceptual Simplicity: "Throw objects at a target in a line" is a primordial play pattern. Independent invention is inevitable
Many Names, Many Forms:Cornhole / Bean Bag Toss (US Midwest), Skittles / Ninepins (UK/Europe), Bocce / Pétanque (balls), Quoits (rings), Ring Toss (carnival), Darts (pub). All are "throw in a row" variants
No Patent / Publication: Folk games rarely get patented. Rules spread orally
Commercial Versions: Companies like Wham-O, Franklin, GoSports sell branded sets (Cornhole, Ladder Toss, Washer Toss) but didn't invent the concept
🎯 If You Mean a Specific Commercial Game
Ladder Toss / Ladder Golf / Hillbilly Golf: Bolas on ladder rungs. Patented 2001 by Robert G. Reid (Ladder Golf LLC)
KanJam: Flying disc + can. Invented 1990s by Charles Sciandra & Paul Swisher (NY)
Spikeball: Roundnet. Modernized 2008 by Chris Ruder (Spikeball Inc.)
Crossnet: 4-square volleyball. 2017 by Greg Meade, Chris Meade, Mike Delpapa
🔍 To Identify *Your* "Throw in a Row"
Describe:
What is thrown? (Bean bags, balls, rings, discs, bolts, knives?)
What is the target? (Hole in board, ladder rungs, can, stake, grid?)
How many players/teams?
Scoring: Cancellation? Points per position? First to 21?
Where/when did you play it? (Backyard, bar, gym, beach, 1980s, 2020s?)
With those details, I can name the specific game and its known origin (if any).
