Washer pitching
 | This article possibly contains original research. (June 2008) |
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Washers is a game, similar to horseshoes, that involves two teams of two players that take turns tossing washers towards the washer box. In order to score, one must place a washer into the box, into the can that is within the box, or within one foot (shoe size) of the box.
The object of the game is to earn points by tossing metal washers, usually around two inches in diameter, toward a hole, usually denoted by a can or pvc pipe, in a box. Washer boxes vary in size and shape, but a standard for one-hole washers is 16 X 16 X 4 inches, with a cylindrically-shaped cup (4½ inches in diameter and 5 inches in height) located in its upper surface. Boxes are placed approximately 20 feet away from each other, a distance often determined by a string attached to the front of each box. However, if a string is not attached to the box, one may take 10 paces from box-to-box, this will usually denote 20 feet.
The throwing player stands next to or behind one box and tosses washers toward the other, normally underhand. Scoring is similar to horseshoes in that the second team to throw can wash-out/rebut any points that the first team may have scored, then add to their total. Three points are awarded to a non-rebutted ringer (a washer in the cup). One point is awarded to each non-rebutted washer inside the box. Games are normally played to 21 points.
Variants
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Numerous variants are practiced that vary the size of the washers, the distance they must be thrown, the configuration of the boxes, or the size and number of holes.
In Saint Louis, MO, the boxes are placed 25 feet away from each other and games are normally played to 15 points. In a three hole version, the washer boards are placed 10 feet apart. In a Pennsylvania variant, there are no boards, with the goal being to land the washers in or nearest to a short length of two-inch PVC pipe embedded in the ground 21 feet apart. One point is awarded for each washer nearer the hole than the opponent's closest, two points for "hangers" (washers protruding over the edge so that the bottom can be seen through the center), and three for "ringers."
In another version of Washer Toss, in Texas, there are no boards. The washers are 1-inch I.D., 2 1/2 inch O.D. The PVC cups are either 3-inch, 3 1/2-inch or 4-inch (3 is the preferred size) I.D., 21 feet apart. The washer "pits" (where the cups are buried) should be approximately 48 inches square and consist of a sandy or loamy soil. The game is played to 21 points. The closest washer to the cup is awarded 1 point. A "hanger" - any washer protruding over the edge of the inside of the cup - is awarded 2 points. A "cupper" gets you 3 points. There are no "leaners" or "ringers," those are Horseshoe pitching terms. If your opponent lands on your cupper, they cancel out, and the other washers are scored normally.
In a variant played in Lake George, NY, in August 2008, the boxes are placed 10 "Garys" away (approximately 10 feet) and the participants must remain seated when pitching. Games are played to 11 points with a match made up of a best of three game series. One point is awarded for a washer "in the box", three points for a washer "in the pipe" and 2 points for a washer which remains on the box edge. Points are taken away or "cleaned" by matching previously pitched washers. This varient is not standard and should not be used by new players. It is, quite frankly, the weak way out.
See also
In Connecticut, there is yet another variation of the game. The backyard game of Washers in Connecticut is played with the Fender Washer. The game is played with two teams, consisting of two players per team, four players total. The target washer board is different from other places here. Certain towns in Connecticut (Killingly and Brooklyn) play with a board that is roughly 20 inches width and length. The hole in the middle is the same size of a washers box hole. However the board is also propped up by 6 inch back board, thus raising the 20 inch board on a bit of an angle, and giving the washers a three inch backboard to keep them in play. The boards are tied together by a thin white rope, and stretched out to16 feet apart, using the rope for a straight line, as well as the proper length of field. Games are played to 21, 1 point for on the board, 3 for in the hole. Also scoring rules vary, however the opponents have the opportunity to cancel out points by the opposing team, either by tying their shot, and also have the possibility to win over a round by outscoring the other opponents shots. Such as if the opposing team placed two on the board for 2 points, and the other team places one on the board, and one in the whole, that is a total of 4 points, and that team would receive 2 points for canceling the others out.
In the Sai Kung area of Hong Kong, a variant of the game known as Hong Kong "Holeyboard" has become popular amongst local expatriates living in the area. It is a derivative of original washers, and was brought over to Hong Kong by North Americans who moved to the area some years ago. It is usually played on the roof terrace of a participant's home and a unique set of rules (and boxes) have evolved over the years. Each player, or team must stand on a three holed "Holeyboard" placed ten feet apart. Each player is given three washers each. The closest hole is one point, the middle hole three and the furthest hole five, with three washers landing on the board scoring one (Although you cannot win the game using this method). The game is to 21. 'wash outs' (a washer landing on your opponent's) apply and the player must finish on exactly 21- if a player goes over, the amount is deducted from the players score. If a player's washer bounces back and is within the player's grasp, the player may attempt to reach the washer while standing on the board. If the player successfully picks up the washer, he gets to throw it again. A "cycle" is the highest accolade in Holeyboard, it is when a player manages to hit each of the three holes with their three washers. This results in an instant win and is rewarded by the player being able to sign his name on the back of the Holeyboard. One player, known as the "Smart Bomb" for his accuracy, is known to have so far scored 37 cycles in his two year Holeyboard career.
In Hawaiʻi there is a variant played with a 15inx15in box, 6in front, and 11in backboard called variously "Portuguese horseshoes," "Potagee horseshoes," "Podagee horseshoes," "Portagee horseshoes," etc. Games are generally played to 30, with 1 point for on the box, 2 for leaner or covering part of the hole, 3 for in the hole, automatic win if you land balancing on the backboard.