To play washer toss game, players take turns throwing washers towards a box with designated scoring zones, aiming to land inside the center cup for maximum points.
Ever wanted a fun outdoor game for your next gathering? Well, how to play washer toss game is quite simple and it’s a perfect blend of skill and chance. This game is easy to learn and guarantees hours of entertainment for all ages.
The concept is basic: toss metal washers into a target box. Score depends on which zone your washer lands. Let’s delve into the specifics of playing this engaging game.
How to Play Washer Toss Game: A Complete Guide
Washer toss, sometimes called washers, is a super fun outdoor game that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or just hanging out in the backyard. It’s easy to learn, doesn’t need a lot of fancy equipment, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to play washer toss, from setting up the game to becoming a washer-tossing pro.
Understanding the Basics
Before you start tossing washers around, let’s understand the basic setup. You’ll need two things: the game boards (or targets) and, of course, the washers. The goal of washer toss is to throw your washers into the center cup or box on the board or, sometimes, into the surrounding area for points. It sounds simple, right? It is! But there are a few rules to keep in mind.
The Game Boards
The game boards are typically square or rectangular and usually made of wood, though you might find some made of plastic. They have a hole (usually a cup or box) in the center or a marked space. These can be commercially bought boards or you can make your own (which is a fun project). Standard boards are about 12 inches square, but you can find other sizes. When setting up the boards, place them facing each other about 15 to 20 feet apart. For younger players, you might want to reduce this distance.
The Washers
Washers are typically metal discs. Each player will have a set of washers and the washers used by the players will be different in color. Typically, each player uses three or four washers, and each set must be distinguishable (for example, one set of washers may be painted red, and the other set painted blue). The standard washer is around 2.5 inches in diameter, but it can vary a little, depending on what type of set you have. Be sure you have all your washers before beginning.
Setting Up Your Washer Toss Game
Setting up the game correctly is important for fair play and for good times. Let’s break down the set-up process into simple steps:
- Choose your playing area: Pick a flat, level area to avoid unexpected rolls. A backyard, park, or even a driveway works great.
- Place the game boards: Set the boards facing each other. The distance between them should be about 15 to 20 feet apart. This is the standard distance, but again, adjust this for younger players, perhaps reducing this to 10 to 12 feet. Make sure that you’re placing the game boards far enough away so that you aren’t so close that hitting the board is not a challenge, and also not so far that it becomes impossibly hard.
- Gather your washers: Make sure each player or team has their set of colored washers ready to go.
- Decide who goes first: Pick a way to determine who starts, such as flipping a coin or having a “practice throw.”
Understanding the Game Play
Once the game is set up, it is time to learn the game play. Let’s look at how to take turns, and how to score and finally win:
Taking Turns
Washer toss is a turn-based game. Here’s how the play progresses:
- First Player Throws: The player (or team) that goes first tosses all their washers, one at a time, toward the opposite board.
- Second Player Throws: After all of the first player’s washers are thrown, the second player tosses all their washers at the opposite board.
- Scoring: After both players have thrown all their washers, the players will calculate points, and then take the washers from the opposite board to use for throwing for the next turn.
- Alternating Turns: Continue taking turns, switching which board you throw to, until one player or team reaches the winning score.
Scoring Points
Scoring is simple, but it can vary slightly depending on the game set or house rules. Here’s a typical scoring system:
- Washer in the center cup/hole: Usually worth 3 points. This is the main goal of the game.
- Washer on the board: Usually worth 1 point. If the washer is not in the cup, but is on top of the board (not touching the ground) it counts.
- Washers that fall off the board or land on the ground: Are worth 0 points. They do not count in the score.
Sometimes people include extra rules for more fun:
- Cancellation Scoring: If each player has a washer in the cup, those cancel each other out (cancelling one point each). The points are subtracted from the point value. So, if one player has two washers in the cup and one washer on the board, and another player has one washer in the cup, the first player will only get 4 points total (3 + 1 = 4) while the second player will get 0 points, because the washer in the cup cancels out one of the first player’s washers in the cup.
- Bonus Points: Some variations award bonus points if you manage to get all your washers in the cup.
Winning the Game
The first player or team to reach a certain number of points wins the game. Typically, you play to 21 points, but this can also be determined by house rules. You can also decide to play to 11 or even 15. You can decide to play as long as you like. Some people play with the rule that you need to win by at least 2 points, which can make it more interesting.
Strategies and Tips for Better Play
While washer toss is pretty easy to learn, there are a few tricks you can use to improve your game. Here are a few of the key ones.
The Grip and Throw
How you hold and throw the washer is really important for accuracy.
- The Grip: Hold the washer between your thumb and index finger, like you’re about to flick a coin. Don’t grip too hard; a relaxed hold helps with a smoother throw.
- The Throw: Aim for a gentle, underhand throw. Don’t try to throw it too hard. A smooth, arcing throw is more accurate than a forceful one.
- Practice makes perfect: The more you practice your throwing technique, the better you’ll become at getting those washers in the hole. Try setting up a game by yourself and practice your throwing style.
Aiming and Adjusting
Aiming is key to getting your washers where you want them.
- Targeting: Always aim slightly higher than the hole. Because the washer arcs through the air, it will naturally fall into the hole if you aim a bit higher than directly at the hole.
- Adjust for the Wind: If it’s windy, you might need to adjust your aim slightly. For example, if the wind is blowing left, aim a little bit to the right.
- Watch and Learn: Pay attention to where your washers land. If you are consistently throwing a little long or short, adjust your aim for the next toss.
Defensive Moves
While getting your washers in the cup is the main point, sometimes you need to play a bit of defense!
- Blocking: If your opponent has a washer close to the cup, you might want to try to land a washer in a way that blocks their washer. The more you play, the better you’ll get at these sorts of defensive moves.
Variations of Washer Toss
Washer toss is a flexible game, and there are many fun ways you can switch up how you play. You can even make up your own rules. These are a few common variations of how to play the game.
The “Around the World” Game
Instead of aiming for the central hole, create different scoring areas on the board, assigning a different point value to each area. This adds a little more strategy to the game. For example, the center hole might be worth 5 points, a corner spot 3 points, and a side area just 1 point.
Team Play
For bigger groups, play in teams. Teammates alternate throwing, and you can tally points as a team. It’s a fun way for everyone to participate. This can be a great option for family gatherings.
“Horseshoes” Style
Instead of scoring for points in a cup, score based on how close your washers are to the center of the board. Similar to horseshoes, you can play this version if you don’t have the cup game. Players get points for how close they get their washers to a marked center point on the board. The closest washer is worth more than the second closest, etc.
Making Your Own Washer Toss Set
Making your own washer toss set is a fun and rewarding project. Plus, it makes your game unique! Here’s a simple overview of how to make a DIY washer toss set:
Gathering Materials
- Wood: You’ll need pieces of wood for the game boards. Two 12-inch squares of plywood or sturdy boards are usually enough, or 2 pieces that are 12 x 16 inches.
- Hole Cutter: A circular hole cutter and drill (or a jigsaw).
- Cups or PVC: You’ll need PVC pieces to use as the center cups.
- Paint: Choose paint for decorating the boards and washers.
- Washers: Choose metal washers.
- Adhesive: Something to affix the cups to the board.
Building the Boards
- Cut the wood: Cut the wood to size, if needed.
- Cut the holes: Use the hole cutter or jigsaw to cut a hole in the center of each board. The diameter will depend on the cups you are using.
- Secure the Cups: Secure the cups to the board with the adhesive.
- Paint and Decorate: Paint the boards any colors you like. Let your creativity flow!
Painting and Distinguishing the Washers
Make sure to paint each set of washers a different color so it is clear which washer belongs to which player. Be sure the paint is safe to use. Also, make sure to let the boards and washers dry completely before playing.
With a little effort, you’ll have a customized washer toss set that you can be proud of.
Now you are ready to play washer toss! It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family. Remember, have fun and don’t be afraid to try new strategies.
How To Play Washer Toss
Final Thoughts
To summarize, the game involves players tossing washers towards a target box. Scoring happens when washers land inside the box or the designated scoring area within it. Points are awarded based on the specific area where the washer lands.
The goal is to reach a predetermined point total before your opponent. How to play washer toss game is simple, making it suitable for all ages. This game offers fun for everyone involved.
