Washers: An All-American Backyard Game for 4th of July

Some of the best times had with friends and family members are when everyone is participating in a fun and engaging game! At your Fourth of July picnic why not play something a little different with your guests? You might just start a new tradition. Washers is a fairly new game that's reminiscent of horseshoes. It's a tossing game that's played in the backyard using a game board that's a bit similar to a beanbag board. The game of Washers is usually played with 2-4 people.

Basic Gameplay:
The game is played by tossing six washers (not actual washing machines, rather the flat metal rings with holes through the middle that you'll find in most toolboxes) towards the game board with the intention of them landing inside of the holes. You can earn varying point values depending on which hole your washer lands in. The game is won when a team reaches a perfect predetermined score - usually of 21. Also, like in the game cribbage, you can "skunk" your opponent by reaching a predetermined score (usually 11) while the other team has a score o 0. There are many variations to the game, so when you decide to play make sure that you have a clear understanding of the rules for your chosen variation.

Types of Boards:
Since washer game boards started by being made in home woodshops, a few different types of setups are in use. Directions for these boards can be found online. Some are portable sets and others are sets that are constructed for long-term or permanent use. If you aren't interested in building a board on your own. You can buy pre-made sets from a few different online vendors.

Tournament Play:
Washers has been growing in popularity over the past few years and as a result, tournament play is on the rise. Check around in your town for information on Washer tournaments or consider organizing one yourself!

Helpful Websites

To learn the rules of washers:
http://www.washers.org/rules.html
http://www.washerplayers.com/WWW_Rules.htm

To get directions on how to build a game board:
http://gameofwashers.com/square-washers-box
http://www.washers.org/pit.html
http://gameofwashers.com/how-to-play-washers

Places to purchase Washer sets:
http://www.originalwashers.com
http://www.missouriwasherworks.com