3 Hole Washers - Rules and Variations

OK, if you don't know already, there are numerous variations on the rules and board sizes of 3 hole washers.  As always, the house rules rule, and the host is always right.  If you are the competitive type, make sure to ask the house rules before starting, otherwise just go with the flow and enjoy the game.  Here are the most common rules, and the variations we have seen, please feel free to comment below to add input, we are always finding new and interesting new twists,

Game Set Up

The game setup is with 2 boards set 3 board lengths apart, so with 4' boards they would be 12' apart.  Variations include boards with permanent ropes attached for spacing, although the ropes introduce a tripping hazard, especially when adult beverages or children are involved, and are becoming less common.  Spacing may be as low as 10' and can be less for smaller children or beginners if desired.

The washers are generally tossed while standing on the board, but some variations and manufacturers of smaller or weaker boards suggest standing besides the board while tossing.  Either way, the front end of the board is the foul line and cannot be crossed while tossing.  If tossing from the side of the board, all tosses in a turn should be from the same side.

The boards are generally 4' long, but may be as short as 2'6", and are usually 16" wide, but may be anywhere from 12" to 24" wide.

The holes are almost always 4" diameter holes.

The washers are 2.5" outside diameter, with the hole measuring 1".  There are usually 6 washers per set, with 3 washers in 2 different colors.  Different players or teams should use different colored washers or scoring becomes difficult at best.

Scoring

5 Points are awarded if a washer is tossed into the furthest hole

3 Points are awarded if a washer is tossed into the middle hole

1 Point is awarded if a washer is tossed into the closest hole

0 Points are awarded if a washer ever hits the ground first, is on the edge of the hole but doesn't fall in, or sets on the board deck.

* Variation;  some players use 3, 2, and 1 Point for holes instead.

- Washers laying on the deck may be knocked into a hole during play from either player or team, and should be scored according to the hole.

- Any washer that hits the ground prior to the board should be removed from play prior to continuing, this washer is out of play and cannot be later knocked into a hole.

Scoring from opposing teams cancels out for each turn by the hole scored.  If team A tosses a washer into the 5 point hole, the 1 point hole and misses the other washer, and team B tosses a washer into the 5 point hole, the 3 point hole, and misses the other washer, the washers from both teams in the 5 point hole cancel out, team A is awarded 1 point, team B is awarded 3 points.

In another example Team A gets 2 washers in the 3 point hole and 1 in the 1 point hole, Team B gets 1 washer in the 3 point hole, 1 washer in the 1 point hole, and misses the final washer.  Team A is awarded 3 points, the others cancel out.

* Variation on scoring cancellation:  Some players add up all points by both players or teams.  The lower amount is subtracted, and winning team for that round is awarded the remaining points.  Example:  Team A tosses 2 washers in the 3 point hole and 1 in the 1 point hole for 7 points.  Team B tosses 1 washer in the 5 point hole, one in the 1 point hole, and misses the other for 6 points.  Team A is awarded 1 point.

Game Play

Team Play:

- One player from each team tosses from each board.

- The first toss is often determined by tossing 1 washer from each team, the highest scoring or closest to the highest scoring hole goes first.  Paper, scissors, rock works as well.

- The first player for team A tosses all 3 washers of one color.  The first player for team B then tosses all 3 washers of a different color from the same board.

- Scores are tallied,

- Players 2 from each team then continue play in the same manner,

 Individual Players:

- Both players start out from the same board.  First to toss is determined the same as teams.

- The first player tosses all 3 washers, then player two tosses all 3 washers.

- The the scores are tallied

- Play continues reversing direction until a winner is determined.

Winning the Game

The game continues until 1 player or team reaches 21 points.  A game is a "skunk" if a team or player gets 11 points before the other player or team scores (11-0).

*Variations on Winning:  The final score must be exactly 21 points.  There are several variations.  In some you go back to 0, some you go back to 11.  One variation is you subtract the amount of the hole (you have 18, score 5 hole making 23 points which is over 21, so you subtract from the original score, your score is now 13)  The only common agreement seems to be that once you go over your turn is ended.  Your washers at this point no longer effect the other team in any way, if they have already tossed or have yet to toss your washers no longer cancel theirs out and are out of play.