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how to play

Washer Toss Rules: 1-Hole vs 3-Hole Scoring

Washer toss is the underdog of backyard games: cheap, portable, and every bit as competitive as cornhole. There are two main flavors, 1-hole and 3-hole, and once you know the scoring you will be hooked. Let's get into it.

2 or 4 (1v1 or 2v2) PLAYERS AGES 8+ 2 min SETUP approx 25 ft long x 6 ft wide
Gear check

What you need

  • 1 or 2 washer boxes or boards (with a center cup)
  • 8 washers total (4 per side, two colors or marked)
  • A flat lawn or driveway
  • Optional: a tape measure to set distance
The playbook

How to play washer toss

  1. Set up your boxesFor 3-hole, line up the two long boxes facing each other. For 1-hole, place the two boxes (or cups) the agreed distance apart.
  2. Decide who throws firstFlip a coin or rally. The winner throws first; after that the last scorer leads off the next round.
  3. Toss the washersEach player throws their washers underhand at the far box, alternating with the opponent. Stay behind your box or the toss line.
  4. Score the roundOnce all washers are thrown, tally up using cancellation, then play back from the other end.
  5. Play to 21Keep playing rounds until a side reaches 21 points. Most casual play wins on 21 or more, agree up front if you want exact-21.
Keeping score

Scoring

  • Washer in the center cup (or hole) = 3 points.
  • Washer that lands and stays in the box or on the board = 1 point.
  • In 3-hole, the three cups are often scored 1, 3, and 5 points front to back, with closer cups worth less.
  • Washer toss uses cancellation scoring: opposing points cancel each round and only the higher side banks the difference.
  • First side to 21 wins (some players require landing on exactly 21, agree beforehand).
Set it up right

Distance & setup

set it up rightFor the common 1-hole / single-cup game, the boxes are usually set about 21 feet apart (measured cup to cup, or 20 to 25 ft casually). For 3-hole washer toss, the two long boxes are typically placed about 10 feet apart (inside edges), though 8 to 10 feet is common. Washers are standard 2.5-inch metal washers. Move boxes closer for kids.
House rules

Fun variations

  • 1-hole vs 3-hole: 1-hole uses a single center cup (3 points); 3-hole adds two more cups scored 1/3/5 by distance.
  • Exact 21 / bust: some house rules void a round that pushes you over 21, so you must land on 21 exactly.
  • Play to 11 or 15 for a faster party game.
  • Cup-only scoring: ignore in-the-box points and only score washers that land in a cup.
The rulebook desk

Washer Toss rules FAQ

How far apart are washer toss boxes?

For the 1-hole / single-cup game the boxes sit about 21 feet apart. For 3-hole washer toss the two long boxes are usually about 10 feet apart. Bring them closer for kids.

How do you score washer toss?

A washer in the center cup is 3 points and a washer that stays in the box is 1 point. In 3-hole, the cups score 1, 3, and 5 by distance. Cancellation scoring applies.

What is the difference between 1-hole and 3-hole washer toss?

1-hole uses one box with a single center cup. 3-hole uses a longer box with three cups worth 1, 3, and 5 points, adding more scoring options and strategy.

What is cancellation scoring in washer toss?

Only one side scores each round. You subtract the lower total from the higher one and the leader banks the difference, so both sides cannot score in the same round.

What score do you play washer toss to?

Games go to 21 points. Casual play wins at 21 or more, while some house rules require landing on exactly 21 with a bust if you go over.

How big are washer toss washers?

Standard washers are about 2.5 inches in diameter with a roughly 1-inch center hole. Most sets come with 8 washers, 4 per side.

grab a set

Ready to play?

Grab a set and start your league this weekend. We ranked the best washer toss sets for every budget.

See our top washer toss picks → Printable rules card