Washer Toss Scoring: 3-2-1 Points, Cancellation & How to Win

Throw Washers uses a 3-2-1 scoring system, but a round is not simply the total of every washer. Only one team can score per round, and the score is determined after all 6 washers are thrown.

Washer Toss Point Values

• 3 points: A washer goes in the hole.
• 2 points: A washer is a leaner, hanging 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 the Score

After cancellations, the team with the highest-value washer wins the round. When comparing board washers, the washer closest to the hole is better. The winning team receives points for every washer it has that beats the opponent's best washer.

Example 1: Your two best washers are both on the board and both are closer to the hole than your opponent's closest washer. You score 2 points.

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

Only One Team Scores

Even when both teams have washers on the board, only the team that wins the round adds points to its running total.

How Do You Win?

The goal is to reach exactly 21 points.

Busting Over 21

If your team scores over 21, your score immediately drops to 11. If you still have washers left to throw in that same round, you can continue scoring from 11.

The 21-Point Hand-Off Rule

If you hit exactly 21 while you still have unthrown washers, you do not simply stop. You must hand your remaining washers to your opponent. Your opponent uses them as redemption throws to try to cancel your points, keep the game alive, or potentially win using the extra washers.

Throwing Order Affects Scoring

The team that scored last starts the next round. Player A throws one washer, then Player B throws one. After that, the player whose washer is furthest from the hole continues throwing until they place one closer than the opponent. Equal best washers, or two complete misses, return the players to alternating throws. Throwing out of turn means losing the toss.

See the complete Throw Washers rules for setup and the exact 14-foot court distance, or read our washer toss distance guide.