How to Play Washer Toss: One-Hole Rules, Distance & Scoring

Washer toss is easy to learn, but the details matter when a game gets close. The rules below are the official Throw Washers one-hole rules we use for setup, throwing order, scoring, busting, and the 21-point finish.

Washer Size

Throw Washers steel washers measure 2.5 inches outside diameter (OD) with a 1-inch inside diameter (ID).

Washer Toss Setup

• Place the front edges of the two boards exactly 14 feet apart. That is roughly 13 to 14 normal paces.
• Play with 2 or 4 players. In a 4-player game, teammates stand at opposite boards, facing each other.
• Every throw must be made from behind the front edge of the board.

Throwing Order

• The team that scored last throws first.
• Player A throws one washer, then Player B throws one washer.
• After those first throws, the player whose washer is furthest from the hole continues throwing until they land a washer closer than their opponent's best washer.
• If the two best washers are equally close, or both players missed the board entirely, players alternate throws.
• If you throw out of turn, you lose that toss.

A full round is scored after all 6 washers have been thrown.

Washer Toss Scoring: 3-2-1

Only one team can score in a round.

• 3 points: A washer goes in the hole.
• 2 points: A washer is a leaner, meaning it hangs over the edge of the hole.
• 1 point: A washer is on the board.

Cancellation Rules

Opposing washers in the hole cancel each other out. Opposing leaners also cancel each other out, regardless of which washer appears to be leaning more.

How to Tally a Round

The team with the highest-value washer wins the round. If the highest-value washers are both on the board, the washer closest to the hole is better. The scoring team receives points for every one of its washers that beats the opponent's best washer.

Example 1: If you have two board washers closer to the hole than your opponent's closest washer, you score 2 points.

Example 2: If your opponent has a washer very close to the hole but you put a washer in the hole, the hole beats the board washer. You score 3 points and your opponent scores 0.

How to Win

The first team to reach exactly 21 points wins, subject to the hand-off rule below.

Busting

If a team scores over 21, its score immediately drops back to 11. If that team still has washers left to throw in the round, it can continue scoring from 11.

The Hand-Off / Redemption Throw

If you reach exactly 21 while you still have unthrown washers, you must hand those remaining washers to your opponent. Your opponent throws them as redemption throws and has a chance to cancel your points, keep the game going, or potentially win using those extra washers.

Quick Rules FAQ

How far apart are washer toss boards?

Measure exactly 14 feet from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other.

How big are the washers?

Throw Washers steel washers are 2.5 inches OD with a 1-inch ID.

How many points is a washer in the hole?

3 points. A leaner is 2 points, and a washer on the board is 1 point before cancellation and tallying.

Can both teams score in the same round?

No. Only one team scores after all 6 washers are thrown.

What happens if you throw out of turn?

You lose that toss.

What happens if you go over 21?

You bust back to 11 and can continue scoring from 11 if you still have washers left in that round.

For a focused setup guide, read washer toss distance and setup. For scoring examples, see our washer toss scoring guide. You can also browse Throw Washers steel washer sets or learn about custom washer toss games and personalized steel washers.