The Game of Washers

It’s a simple and age-old game that can be learned quickly and played successfully by people a variety of ages. It is also very inexpensive to make.  It’s played much like horseshoes and scored exactly like horseshoes.  The only items needed are three, 2 inch diameter metal washers for each player.  You can buy these large washers at Home Depot, or other hardware stores.  Spray paint them a different color for each player.

 To start the game, find a spot of bare dirt.  Dig a hole approximately 2 inches deep and 3 ½ inches wide.  A buried coffee can or piece of PVC pipe works well also.  Pace off approximately 12 ½ feet, and indicate the pitching line with a mark in the dirt. 

 Rules

 The game begins with Player #1 standing with both feet behind the pitching line, and pitching one washer toward the hole.  Each of the other players, one at a time, then pitches their first washer.  This system is repeated until all the washers have been pitched.  The goal is to sink each washer into the hole. 

 Scoring

 Every time a player’s washer goes into the hole, he scores five points, for a maximum of 15 points per round.  If there are no “ringers” then the person who has a “leaner”, (a washer that has any part hanging over the hole), scores three points.  If no one has a “ringer” or a “leaner”, then the player with his washers closest to  the hole scores one or  more points, depending on how many of his three washers are closer to the hole than anyone else’s.  Prior to beginning the game, players agree to play to 11 or 21 points.  Any washer knocked into the hole by another player is scored.  Points are calculated after the last player in each round pitches his last washer.

 Covering A Player

 If a player puts one washer in the hole and a subsequent player puts one of his in the same hole during the same round, the points are nullified and the next closest washer scores.  If one player puts two washers in the hole, and another player puts in one, only one of the player’s two washers is nullified and five points are scored.  The same would hold true for three and two, respectively.

 The player, who scores points in the round, is given the option of pitching first or last in the next round.  With three persons playing, the persons with the lowest point total should pitch in order unless they scored points the last round.

 Measuring

 If two washers of opposing players appear to be equal distance from the hole, a measurement can be taken using a stick to determine which is closer.  If it is still too close to call, then the round is re-played with no points awarded to either player.

 Tips For Pitching Washers

Players are encouraged to toss their washers so they go above the player’s head and come down on the hole vertically.  They should also be thrown so they land flat, diminishing the tendency of the washer to roll when it hits on its edge.  A reverse spin also helps the washer “dig in” and not roll when they do land on their edges.  The “course” can be wetted down periodically to control dust and keep the washers from bouncing.