How to Play Pitch-Pot — Touhu

📖 The History of Touhu

Touhu (投壶, literally "throw into the pot") originated during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) as a refined alternative to archery at noble banquets. When guests were too intoxicated to safely shoot bows, they would instead throw arrows into a bronze wine vessel (壶). Missing meant you had to drink as a penalty!

Confucius himself praised Touhu in the Book of Rites (礼记) as a gentleman's game that cultivated virtue, precision, and humility. For over two millennia, it remained a beloved pastime of Chinese scholars and nobles.

🎯 Objective

Throw 10 arrows into the bronze pot from a fixed distance. Score points based on accuracy — the closer to the center of the pot's mouth, the higher your score. The player with the highest score after 10 throws is declared the winner.

🎲 How to Play

1. Aim: Click and hold on the arrow. A trajectory line appears showing your throw direction.
2. Set power: Drag the arrow back to set your throwing force. Longer drag = more power. The power meter shows your current strength level.
3. Account for wind: Check the wind indicator at the top of the screen. Wind direction and strength change between throws.
4. Release: Let go to throw the arrow. Watch its parabolic arc toward the pot!
5. Score: Points are awarded based on where the arrow lands relative to the pot.
6. Repeat: You get 10 throws per game. Your total score determines your final rank.

🎮 Controls & Mechanics

• Mouse/Touch Drag: Click and drag away from the throwing position to set angle and power. The farther you drag, the stronger the throw.
• Power Meter: A visual gauge fills as you drag. Green (40-70%) is the sweet spot for most throws. Red (>90%) means you overpowered and will likely overshoot.
• Wind Indicator: Shows current wind direction (arrow) and strength (bar length). Updates between each throw.
• Trajectory Preview: A dotted line shows the predicted flight path accounting for your current angle and power (but NOT wind — you must compensate manually).

🏆 Scoring Zones

• 👑 Perfect Center (Mouth): 50 points — Arrow lands directly inside the narrow mouth of the pot. The hardest shot in the game.
• 🏆 Inner Ring: 30 points — Arrow hits the rim area near the opening. A solid, accurate throw.
• 🎯 Pot Body: 15 points — Any contact with the bronze pot body. A decent hit.
• 🌲 Near Miss: 5 points — Arrow lands within a short distance of the pot. Almost had it!
• ❌ Complete Miss: 0 points — Arrow flies past or falls well short. Better luck next throw.

Maximum possible score: 500 points (10 × 50-point perfect center shots)

🌬️ Wind System

Wind is the variable that makes Touhu endlessly replayable. Each throw faces a randomized wind pattern:

• Direction: Wind can blow left, right, or be calm. The wind indicator arrow shows the exact angle.
• Strength: Ranges from gentle breeze (slight deviation) to strong gust (major course correction needed).
• Compensation: If wind blows right, aim slightly left of the pot. The stronger the wind, the more you compensate.
• Estimation: Wind strength is not displayed as a number — you must estimate from the bar length. This is the skill element!

🌟 Pro Tips & Strategies

❓ FAQ