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Washer Toss Game Rules | How to Play Washers Game

Ahsan Rasheed Updated on

You want to learn washer toss. Good choice. This backyard game brings people together at cookouts, tailgates, and family gatherings. You throw metal washers at boxes with holes. Simple concept. Loads of fun.

Let me show you everything you need to know.

What You Need to Play Washer Toss

You need two wooden boxes and eight metal washers. That’s it.

Each box has a hole cut into the top. You place the boxes at opposite ends of your playing area. Teams take turns throwing washers at the opposite box. The goal is to land your washers in the hole or at least get them inside the box.

The game works for two players or four players in teams of two.

You can start tossing right away with this washer toss set. It includes targets and washers for instant play

A Franklin Sports Washer Toss game is shown, with the black wooden carrying case open to reveal the two halves of the game. Each half is lined with a light gray fabric and has a white plastic cup in the center. Six Franklin Sports branded blue and gray washers are shown in the upper left corner of the image.

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Washer Toss Dimensions and Setup

Getting the measurements right matters. Here’s what regulation washer toss looks like.

Box Dimensions

Standard washer toss boxes measure 16 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 4 inches tall. The hole in the center of each box is typically 4 inches in diameter. You can build boxes from wood or buy premade sets.

Some players use different sizes. Three hole and five hole boards exist too, but we’ll cover those later.

Washer Size

Regulation washers are 2.5 inches in diameter. The hole in the middle is usually 1.25 inches. Each washer weighs about 2 to 3 ounces.

You can find these washers at hardware stores or order washer toss sets online.

Distance Between Boxes

Place your boxes 21 feet apart. Measure from the front of one box to the front of the other box.

This is the official tournament distance. You can adjust it shorter for kids or beginners. Many casual players use 15 to 18 feet when starting out.

How to Play Washer Toss: Basic Rules

Playing washer toss is straightforward. Here’s how a game flows.

Starting the Game

Decide who goes first with a coin flip or by throwing practice rounds. The winner of the coin toss throws first in the first round.

Stand next to your box. You throw at the box on the opposite end.

Throwing Washers

Each player gets four washers per round. You and your opponent take turns throwing one washer at a time. Some people throw all four washers before the opponent throws, but alternating creates more interaction.

Stand behind or beside your box when throwing. Don’t step over the front edge.

Toss your washer underhand or overhand. Most players prefer underhand for better accuracy. The washer needs to travel through the air. If it bounces on the ground and gets inside the box, it still counts, unlike in cornhole. You cannot roll it or slide it along the ground.

Scoring Points

You score points based on where your washers land:

  • In the hole: 3 points
  • Inside the box but not in the hole: 1 point
  • Outside the box: 0 points

A washer must fall completely into the hole to score 3 points. If it’s resting on the edge, it only counts as 1 point.

Cancellation Scoring

Washer toss uses cancellation scoring. This means you subtract your opponent’s score from your score each round.

Let’s say you score 5 points and your opponent scores 2 points. You earn 3 points for that round. Your opponent earns nothing.

Only the player with the higher score in a round adds points to their total.

Winning the Game

Most games go to 21 points. You must win by at least 2 points.

If you reach 21 but your opponent has 20, you keep playing. First player to get a 2 point lead after someone hits 21 wins.

Some players prefer games to 11 or 15 points for quicker matches.

Three Hole Washer Toss Game

The three hole version adds variety to standard washer toss.

Model A vibrant, rectangular washer toss board rests on bright green grass. The board features a colorful geometric pattern with shades of red, blue, yellow, green, and orange. Three circular holes are cut into the board in a straight line.

Three Hole Board Dimensions

Three hole boards typically measure 24 inches by 48 inches. The three holes run in a line down the center of the board. Each hole is 4 to 6 inches in diameter.

The holes are usually spaced about 12 inches apart from center to center.

How to Play Three Hole Washer Toss

You still throw four washers per round. The difference is in the scoring.

  • Closest hole: 1 point
  • Middle hole: 3 points
  • Farthest hole: 5 points
  • On the board but not in a hole: 0 points

Some versions give 1 point for landing on the board. Check with your group before starting.

You still use cancellation scoring. Place boards 10 to 20 feet apart depending on player skill level.

Five Hole Washer Board

Five hole boards create even more scoring opportunities.

Five Hole Board Dimensions

Five Hole Washer toss boards measure about 24 inches by 48 inches. Five holes are arranged in a pattern across the board. Common layouts include a cross pattern or a rectangle with one center hole.

Hole diameter stays around 4 to 6 inches.

Scoring on Five Hole Boards

Point values vary by hole position:

  • Corner holes: 1 point each
  • Center hole: 3 or 5 points

The exact scoring depends on the board design. Many five hole boards print the point values next to each hole.

Tips for Better Washer Toss

Want to improve your game? Try these strategies.

  • Find your throwing style. Most players throw underhand with a slight spin. Experiment to see what works for you.
  • Aim for consistency. Landing washers in the box beats going for the hole every time. Consistent 1 point throws add up faster than wild attempts at 3 pointers.
  • Watch the competition. If your opponent gets a washer in the hole, you need to match it or beat it to avoid giving up points.
  • Practice your distance. Spend time throwing from the regulation 21 feet. Your muscle memory will develop.
  • Stay relaxed. Tension in your arm and shoulder hurts accuracy. Breathe. Make smooth throws.

Variations and House Rules

  • Washer toss adapts easily to different groups and settings.
  • Some players allow “leaners” where a washer rests against the inside edge of the hole. These might score 2 points instead of 1 or 3.
  • Others play to exactly 21. If you go over, you drop back to 15 or start that round over.
  • You can adjust distances for different age groups. Kids do fine at 10 to 15 feet.
  • Tournament play has strict rules. Casual backyard games let you make up your own. Just agree on the rules before you start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Washers Game Rules

The official distance is 21 feet from box to box. Measure from the front edge of one box to the front edge of the other. You can shorten this to 15 or 18 feet for beginners or kids.

Standard washers measure 2.5 inches in diameter with a 1.25 inch center hole. Each washer weighs 2 to 3 ounces. You can find these at hardware stores or in official washer toss game sets.

The hole should be 4 inches in diameter. This gives you enough target area to score but keeps the game challenging. Some custom boards use holes between 3 and 6 inches.

You score 3 points for a washer in the hole and 1 point for a washer in the box but not in the hole. Washers outside the box score nothing. You use cancellation scoring where only the higher scoring player adds their net points each round.

Yes. You can play with teams of two for a total of four players. Each player throws two washers per round instead of four. You can also rotate players in and out between games to include larger groups.

A regulation box measures 16 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 4 inches tall. The hole in the center is 4 inches in diameter. You can build these from 3/4 inch plywood or similar wood.

Get Playing

Washer toss gives you hours of outdoor fun. The rules are simple enough to teach anyone in five minutes. The game is challenging enough to keep you coming back.

Build your set or buy one. Set up your boxes. Grab some friends. Start throwing.

You’ll have your first game going in no time.