Washers is a game, similar to horseshoes, that involves two teams of two players that take turns tossing washers towards the washer box (pit). In order to score, one must place a washer into the box, into the can that is within the box, or within one foot (shoe size) of the box.

The object of the game is to earn points by tossing metal washers, usually around two inches in diameter, toward a hole, usually denoted by a can or pvc pipe, in a box or sand pit. The throwing player stands next to or behind one box and tosses washers toward the other, normally underhand. Scoring is similar to horseshoes in that the second team to throw can wash-out/rebut any points that the first team may have scored, then add to their total. Three points are awarded to a non-rebutted ringer (a washer in the cup). One point is awarded to each non-rebutted washer inside the box. Games are normally played to 21 points.

Variations of the Game (Scoring/Playing Field)

Numerous variants are practiced that vary the size of the washers, the distance they must be thrown, the configuration of the boxes, or the size and number of holes. Here are the three different versions that we recommend.

First, is the original washer box. Standard for one-hole washers is 16 X 16 X 4 inches, with a cylindrically-shaped cup (4½ inches in diameter and 5 inches in height) usually a pvc pipe located in its upper surface. The boxes are places 20 ft. apart usually attached together by a string. Players take turns throwing until all of the washers have been thrown. Washers in the box score one point and washers in the hole score three points. Scores are then subtracted (cancellation method) from each other and the player with points left wins that round and moves on with that score. The game is played to 21 or whatever you like. The first one to reach 21 is the winner.

In a three hole version, each player throws there washer onto a board that is three ft. long and roughly 18 inches wide. Each board has either a wood surface or indoor/outdoor carpet glued to the top of it. The boards have three holes in the middle of them one above the other. The closest hole is worth one point, the middle hole is worth three points, and the furthest hole is worth five points. Washers must drop into the hole completely to score. A thrown washer from either player can knock washers on the board in a hole. The owner of the knocked-in washer receives the applicable score for the hole into which it was knocked.

In another version of Washer Toss, in Texas, there are no boards. The washers are 1-inch I.D., 2 1/2 inch O.D. The PVC cups are either 3-inch, 3 1/2-inch or 4-inch (3 is the preferred size) I.D., 21 feet apart. The washer "pits" (where the cups are buried) should be approximately 48 inches square and consist of a sandy or loamy soil. The game is played to 21 points. The closest washer to the cup is awarded one point. A "leaner" – any washer protruding over the edge of the inside of the cup – is awarded three points. A "ringer" gets you five points. If your opponent lands on your ringer, they cancel out, and the other washers are scored normally. The only person to score is the person with their washer(s) closest to the hole.

Equipment

Boxes (2)

• Wood – 2 x 4 sides (15" outside / 12" inside); Plywood bottom (1/2-3/4" thick – 15" x 15" square)

• Carpet – (12" x 12" – thickness optional, short/medium is preferable)

• Pipe – (4" PVC) – cut to a height that is level with top of side boards. (Recommend using industrial adhesive for securing PVC and carpet.)

Boards (2)

• Wood – 36" long and 18"wide.

• Carper – Indoor/Outdoor carpet optional, but will make the game a little easier

• Holes - 3" holes cut out of the boards in the center vertically

Washers (4):

• Steel or brass – 2 ½" outside – 1" inside (approx. 1/8" thick). Drill 2 small opposing holes in 2 of the 4 washers for team designation

Washers – Standard round metallic washers, 2.5" in diameter with a 1" center hole are recommended. Each pair of washers should be painted or otherwise marked to distinguish them from others, and should be the same weight and thickness. Bright colors are recommended.

Cups – The game of Washers is played on two pits, each with one circular recessed cup as a target. The easiest, although not necessarily the best, option for cups is a standard 32 ounce tin can (4" diameter x 4.5" depth). Remove both ends and recess the can flush with the earth in each pit. A better choice is thick-walled PVC of the same dimensions.

Pits – Although not absolutely necessary to the game, pits add an aura of legitimacy, provide for easy maintenance of the soil, and aid in scoring measurements. A pit is typically constructed from two 8' landscape timbers, each cut in 5' and 3' lengths.

How to Play

Players throw the washers in attempt to get in, on or near to the box or in the pipe. When throwing, the player may stride forward of the front of the box or remain entirely in back of the box, but at least one foot must remain behind the front of the box. (The front is the side facing the opponent.) In other words, players may stand next to the box and stride past it with one foot. Players take turns throwing their washers until the round is complete. The scoring team throws first in the next round.

The Throw – All serious players deliver their washers with an underhand movement. It is recommended that the washer rest on the middle finger with the index finger curled around the edge and the thumb rested on top. The washer should roll or spin off the index finger and maintain a trajectory that is somewhat parallel to the ground. Washers that flip end-over-end, or are perpendicular to the ground when they land, will generally deliver unsatisfactory results.

The Stance is extremely important to a uniform delivery and consistent results. It is recommended that you always throw from the same location within the pit (or the same spot in relation to the cup for non-framed pits). Some players prefer to take one step when delivering their washer; others maintain a fixed position when throwing. Both styles have merit and followers.