Washers - The New Game for Summer

The game of "Washers" is quickly becoming one of the most popular outdoor games. The game can be played in an area that has limited space. It is a game that can be played by anyone.

Equipment: The game consists of two pits. The pits are made from 2x4's and particle board or plywood. Pits can vary in size. I recommend these dimensions. (16"x24"). Cut your 2x4's to these lengths and then use drywall screws to connect them together. The screws should be at least three inches. Next you cut your particle board or plywood to cover the bottom of the pit. You can use small finishing nails or smaller drywall screws to secure this board to the 2x4's. Once you have your pit made, find three small pieces of PVC pipe. (Plastic pipe). You will need 3,4, and 6 inch wide pieces. Cut them about 1 and a half inches thick. Now place glue them with PVC cement inside the pit. The three pieces should be centered in the bottom of the pit with the smallest first then middle size, then largest in a straight line. Put the glue on the pipe and set them on the particle board or plywood. Let them dry overnight. After they have had time to dry, check them to see if they are secure.

Now you need to find the washers you are going to use. All washers must be the same size. I recommend 2 .5 inches. The hole in the middle of the washer about an inch. Paint two of them bright red and two of them bright blue. You can also do four more if you would like. They should be yellow and white. Don't paint any green as they get lost in the grass easily. Paint both sides of the washer and let them dry overnight.

Now you have to put sand in the bottom of the pits. Usually you put a half inch or less. The sand can easily be stored in a plastic bucket or a plastic milk jug. If you are transporting your game to a picnic site, this will help keep them from making a mess in your vehicle.

Game: The distance between the pits is 25 feet. This can be altered to what a convenient fit for your space is. The distance can be longer or shorter. The game can played by couples or in groups of 4,6, or 8. The tossers stand to the right or left of the pit at their end. They can not go past the front end of that pit on their toss. There is no set way to toss a washer. Some place it between the thumb and index finger. Others let it set in the palm of their hand. It is best to try to get the washer to not spin or have limited spin on its' toss towards the pit. A predetermined amount to reach is decided on. Usually it is either 21, 15, or 11 points.

Scoring: Five points for the smaller pipe, 3 points for the middle, and 2 points for the larger pipe. You get 1 point if the washer lands inside the pit. Similar to horseshoes. if you have a washer in a certain area, it can be canceled out if your opponent lands in the same area. However, if agreed before hand this rule can be tossed out of use. Play goes back and forth until a player or team reaches the point total agreed on for a win. A whitewash is where a team gets to 11 before their opposition even scores. If that happens, game over. It is usually the last tosser of a round who is responsible for reciting the score.

Washers is a simple game to play, yet it takes practice to get better at it. It is also safer than a game like horseshoes. It is the type of game that can be adjusted to the needs of the area and players involved. It is a game that can be played by players that are handicapped or in wheel chairs. It is an inexpensive game, too. It is a great way to pass time at a family gathering.