Backyard Games For The Family

A family gathering or picnic is a great occasion to come up with the strangest and most innovative backyard games ever created.  Some of these can be really corny while others are downright daredevilish.  The best backyard games, however, are the ones where everyone can be a part of.  These include:
-     washer toss games, which can be played individually or as a team sport
-    lawn dart games
-    team games, like baseball and the bean bag toss game
Washer toss games started many decades ago – they can be traced back to the Elizabethan era when playing outdoor games in a decorous manner was the only way for ladies to get involved in “manly” games.  Back then, the game was a very quiet, civilized affair, with female players in parasols and hats while the men wore long jackets, boots and smoked cigars while chatting about the latest town happenings.
Today, the washer toss game has evolved into a solid family affair, with players ranging from the ages of 5 to even 70.  The game itself is one of the easiest backyard games ever invented – not much is needed and unless you want more elaborate game equipment, all you need is pretty much a board on the ground and some washers to toss.  These tossed washers are simply rubber or plastic rings of varying sizes and colors (and even weight!) to be pitched towards various targets.
Targets could be:
1.    Wooden sticks that are stuck upright in the ground or a board placed on the ground.
2.    Pits with PVC tubes buried in the ground
3.    Circular plastic or steel containers – these are larger than the washers as the goal of the game is to get them to land inside the containers
Very similar to this is the bean bag toss game.  In this case, the objects used to aim for the targets are bean bags.  Like the washers, they vary in colors, sizes and weights, but unlike them, they can be in strange shapes and the targets they are aimed at are normally holes on a board, wall or ground.  Sometimes, instead of holes, targets are colored dots or spots that have to be hit.  More elaborate bean bag toss games will have these areas connected to triggers behind the wall.  These will either let off a buzz or siren, or a lever to drop a prize or another object – much like the Dunk Machine.
Both washer and bean bag toss games can either be bought or made.  The easier method is, of course, to drop by the game store and pick the game of your choice.  Making the game, however, is half the fun for a lot of families, although you should be warned that it is not as easy as it sounds.  How simple or complicated the game will depend on you.
Making washer toss games requires some budget and a commitment of your time.  You would need some wood, plywood preferably, to be the board, paint and something to use as the target.  As mentioned earlier, these could be sticks or plastic containers to mount onto the board.  If your board will be mounted, make sure you use really strong glue for the targets – you do not want your targets dropping off halfway through the game!  You may want to substitute self-tapping screws in this case.
As for washers, get plastic rings. Just for fun, get them in an assortment of colors.  For fairness of the game, though, they would all have to be of the same weight.  For something a little unique, substitute them with metal washers – they are much heavier and will increase the challenge of the game quite a bit.  They will be a lot trickier to get up on the mounted boards so be sure your targets are not easily dented if metal washers are the pitched items.
The bean bag toss game, on the other hand, is much easier to make.  Like the washer game, you would need targets but these can be on boards, canvas or even cloth that can be placed on the ground or hung.  The bean bags themselves can be made easily – all you need are the beans and cloth, and a tailor.   Make sure you weigh the beans for each bag for fair play.
Backyard games are real, wholesome fun for family and friends and unlike other games, are not restricted to too many confusing rules.  The number of players, too, is pretty flexible although you might want to confine it to 4 per team to avoid absolute mayhem.

Bean Bag Toss Games – The NASCAR Series

It is always good to have some kind of game at any social event, particularly family gatherings where children and adults can enjoy each other’s company.  The best games to play at such outings are those which do not discriminate against age, gender or fitness level, as these fun activities can involve everyone without leaving anyone out.
Games that are good to play at family gatherings include:
-    Mini team sports like baseball, soccer or rugby
-    Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Millionaire, Pictionary
-    Outdoor games like Twister
-    Tailgating games like bean bag toss games.  These games are normally found out in the parking lots before big sports events and races.
Of these, tailgating games are highly popular as they allow everybody, regardless of age, gender and dress code, to participate.  Today, they have evolved into themed game boards, like football theme games, NASCAR tailgating games and personality-themed ones.  It is not uncommon to see tailgating games emblazoned with images of famous personalities like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, or Tiger Woods.
Sometimes these games can even be customized – you can get manufacturers to put personal touches on your tailgating boards.  Décor art with special meanings and words can be featured on the target boards to make them more significant.  These work really well as birthday presents, anniversary gifts or personal keepsakes.  Personal touches can be wedding pictures, baby photos or meaningful pictures of scenery, pets, homes and places.
Sports events make very good bean bag toss game board backdrops.  One good example is NASCAR.  Fans will find it highly motivating to play NASCAR tailgating games with pictures of Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson or Tony Stewart on them.  Usually, the ones with such prominent personalities are licensed by NASCAR itself and are highly in demand for their visual appeal and iconic value.
The NASCAR tailgating games come in a set complete with:
-    8 bean bags (divided into 2 sets of 4 bags each)
-    2 boards which can be latched together and have handles for easy carriage
-    Matching bag or box for storage
This particular theme of bean bag toss games is very popular amongst both young and old.  As a fully licensed product of NASCAR, however, it may be a little more expensive than any conventional bean bag toss game in the market.  Given its beautiful exterior and polished finish, it is a good buy for any occasion as it will be something to treasure forever.
A close alternative to the bean bag toss game is the washers game.  As far as game rules are concerned, the washers game is just as simple and straightforward.  Players aim for a specified target that is on a board either placed on the ground or mounted on the wall.  For this game, however, it is usually recommended that targets be placed on the ground as it is safer for players and provides more challenges as more variation for scoring can be done.
Unlike bean bag toss games where targets are holes on boards, a washers game uses circular metal or plastic containers as targets when pitching or tossing washers.  These containers are put into a custom made wooden box which players have to aim for.  Different points will be earned for washers that land in the container, outside the container but in the box, and outside the box altogether.  The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game.
The game can be made more challenging by increasing the distance between the players and their targets.
The washers game is actually a modern version of the original horseshoe pitch that was played in the countryside.  Where once upon a time, players threw horseshoes at sticks that protruded from the ground, now players throw rubber, plastic or light metal washers at sophisticated circular targets.
A washers game can be pretty challenging as it is not as simple as it seems.  Experienced players will tell you that aiming for good shots and outdoing the other team can lend quite a competitive edge.

Both Washer Toss Games And Bean Bag Toss Games Are Recreational As Well As Beneficial.

They say yard games are fun. They definitely are. Many other games are fun too. Then why do people talk about yard games such as the washer toss game so much?

This is because few games are as universal as these games are. Anybody can play it. Men and women, children and seniors – everybody is welcome to take part in a game of washers. Though primarily played outdoors, a washer toss game can help you beat the blues of bad weather by playing it indoors. It is a good way to pass the time.

However, its virtues are not limited to its recreational qualities only, though the importance of fun cannot be overlooked in these days of anxiety and tension. A wholehearted fun game does help people to unwind and thereby helps to avoid many health complications. It is also a very good form of exercise and especially suitable for older folks for whom a workout at the gym is out of question.

Washer games are especially good for the children. Other than it being a good form of exercise, these yard games help to improve the motor reactions in children. You need quite a good hand-eye coordination to be able throw the pitching washers inside the cup of a washer box from a distance of 21 feet. Body balance is also required, as the player is not allowed to move out of the small pitcher’s area while tossing the washers.

The psychological impact of the game is of no less importance. Earlier it was said that a family that eats together stays together. Today we say that a family that spends quality time together stays together and what better way of spending some quality time together than playing a game of washer toss or playing a bean bag toss game? True, other games such as chess or snake and ladder can be played together. However, with due respect to all the games that are played, we must say that none match the tossing games, be it washer toss or a bean bag game.

Both the bean bag toss game and washer toss game are of humble origin. According to an unverified source, a fixture called a corn bag toss game was first played on the farms of Germany in the 14th century and later was rediscovered in Kentucky. Non-availability of corn and a flood of beans might have given rise to bean bag toss games. In fact, the corn bag toss game and bean bag toss game are the same except for the bag filling, either corn or beans.

Today a beanbag is usually made of cotton fabric or duck cloth and not filled with beans, but rather contains either poly beads or plastic pellets. The bag, measuring 6” x 6” and weighing 14 to 16 oz, has to be tossed into a hole in the upper end of a raised platform 30 feet away.

In the case of the washer toss game, pitching washers have to be thrown into a cup mounted inside a washer box or inside holes located on a washer board. Pitching washers are preferably made of rustproof steel. You can buy plain washers, colored washers, and powder coated washers, though the powder coated ones are the best because of their durability. The most common pitching washers have an outside diameter of 2.5” and an inside diameter of 1”.

In fact, these games are different only in name and equipment. Basic rules of the games are the same, probably because both of them are variations of the horseshoes game. Different groups of people have modified the games to suit themselves. In fact, they are being constantly modified to suit the tastes and needs of individuals.

The similarities and differences between the washer toss game and beanbag toss game are as follows:
    Both have two target game platforms set apart by a finite distance.
    In the case of washer toss, it is 20 feet and in the case of beanbag toss, it is 27 feet.
    Both have a pitcher’s area or box from where the contestants toss washers or beanbags.
    Both have an imaginary foul line parallel to the front of the game platform.
    Both of the games can be played as singles as well as doubles.
    In singles play, the players toss from the same platform.
    In doubles play, the teams toss from the opposite game boards.
    Both the games are comprised of many rounds or innings.
    There is only a minute difference in scoring, the principles being the same.
     The scores are subtracted, lowest from the highest, to get the real score of the contestants.
    The first player or team to reach 21 points is the winner.

Games For The Family – The Bean Bag And Washer Toss Game

Playing games at a casual social gathering always helps to liven up the mood a little.  When the food has been consumed, the drinks enjoyed and the chit chat dried up, nothing fills up extra time perfectly than a good, wholesome outdoor game everyone (or almost everyone) can really get into.
There are options for you to introduce at your next family gathering.  You could choose a boisterous round of rough housing sport like baseball, football or soccer.  As these games need a certain level of fitness – an inability to run well or bad hand/foot-eye coordination, for instance – you may find quite a few people who will not be a part of the fun.  Introducing an alternative as a complement to the football, baseball or soccer game may be necessary.
This is where simple, yet highly competitive games like the bean bag toss game come in.  This is a good game to play at family functions as it can be played both indoors and outdoors.  It is also great to have it played as its relative simplicity and lack of real physical fitness means everybody can be a player.  Unfortunately, one round only needs two to four people but since a round can end pretty quickly, there will not be too long of a wait before your turn.
Basically, the bean bag toss game revolves around aiming for a specific target and hitting it straight on.  The target is usually a hole in a board that is placed on the ground or floor.  Alternatively, the target board can be mounted on a wall or hung up.  For those that are mounted or hung, targets can even be placed on plastic sheets or canvas.  For target bases like these, marking out targets by painting them clearly is a must.  In such instances, targets can be colorful or creatively designed, like having a smiley face painted in each circle or square that constitutes the target.
Bean bag games allow for quite a bit of creativity as you can have more than one target on a mounted base.  This can mean different points for a different spot that is hit – the more difficult it is to reach the target, the higher the score, for instance.
Playing the game itself is pretty easy.  Each team takes turns to toss their bean bags at the targets – each team has one player toss in an alternating fashion.  This works better than having one team finish their round before the other as alternate turns allow both teams to keep track of each other’s scores and keeps the competitive edge in the game.  At the end of the round, the lowest score is subtracted from the highest score to obtain the net scores for both teams. If there is a tie, then both teams score zero points.  This continues until the first player or team reaches 21 points.
The washer toss game is a good alternative to the bean bag toss game.  Similar in many ways, the main differences for this particular game are:
-    Instead of holes in a target base, the targets are circular metal or plastic containers placed within a box
-    Scoring is tallied a little differently.  As washers can fall anywhere within the box, within the container or outside of the box altogether, different points are scored for different landing spots.
But just like the bean bag toss game, team members take alternate turns to throw their washers until the last person has played his or her turn.  A scorekeeper keeps track of all the different points obtained and the player or team that first reaches 21 points wins.
The focal point of the washer toss game is the pitching washers.  On their own, washers are an integral part of the game.  There is a variety of washers that can be used; washers can be made of plastic or metal, or any other durable material.  As they are tossed frequently, it is important that pitching washers are not easily damaged.  If they become chipped or worn, another set can be purchased online or plain ones can be picked up at the local hardware store.
Just like bean bags, pitching washers usually come in two sets of colors – one for each team.  Colors are uniform for a team for easy scorekeeping, although this is not a steadfast rule.  For fair play, both bean bags and washers must be of consistent weight so all players are on even ground.

Games For The Family – Washer Toss Games And Bean Bag Toss Games

Family gatherings are a great time to catch up with each other, see long-lost cousins and get updated on family additions (and prospective ones).  Playing games together is a great way to bond as well and this can be done with board games like Scrabble, Monopoly or Pictionary.  For those who want to be outdoors and active, there is always Twister.

To accommodate bigger crowds, team games like bean bag toss games will need to be played.  As many as 4 teams with 4 in each team can play the game and getting the necessary equipment is really easy.  All you need is a board, canvas or cloth to put out on the ground or hang up with your targets marked out clearly and small bean bags.  The bags do not even have to be uniform in color – in fact, you can have any assortment of colors to hype up the game for the children.

Bean bag toss games are also good for big social gatherings as they can include players as young as 5 years old and is not too strenuous for the grandparents to get into as well.  Bean bag toss games basically require the player to toss the bag at the target and get it smack dab in the center.  If the targets are on the ground, the normal rule is that the bag must remain in the center of the dot, square or colored spot that forms the target area.  If the target is mounted, then the bag must hit the center of the spot.  This can be verified much easily by:

1. Having an impartial “judge” to stand by the target (but is well protected from flying bean bags).  He or she should be able to confirm if the bags have actually landed in the center of the target.
2. Sticking Velcro or sticky tape onto the bags so they stick to the targets once they hit.  Since the Velcro will only work if stuck on firmly, bean bags will have to be flung quite hard before they can stick.  This increases the challenge of the game for players to be stronger in their pitches and straighter in their aims.
3. Attaching a lever behind each dot or colored spot that triggers off a buzzer, light or even a dunking machine will be a nice touch.  The challenge would be elevated to hitting the targets right in the center before the levers will be set off.

An alternative to bean bag toss games is washer toss games.  Somewhat similar with slight modifications to the targets, washer toss games use washers instead of bean bags as the pitching items.  These ring-like objects are to be thrown at the targets and if thrown well, are supposed to hook themselves around them.  Targets for washer toss games are often sticks or small metal hooks that are either stuck up from the ground or from the wall.

Targets can also be circular metal or plastic containers that are larger than the pitching washers themselves.  This allows them to land inside the containers and stay in place, which will help tally the team scores at the end of the round.

Pitching washers can be made of plastic or light metal.  Weight means a lot when it comes to washers – the heavier the washer, the more difficult it will be to aim for the targets.  This increases the difficulty level of the game, making it more challenging.  Unfortunately, this also means restricting the kind of players for the game as younger children and older folks may find these heavier pitching washers too difficult to maneuver.  This could be a determining factor in whether or not there would be any takers for the game.

Likewise for bean bags, their weight determines the reach and height of the bags.  This can help to modify the game a little – heavier bean bags can be reserved for the more “experienced” players, for instance, or older people while the younger ones can be given smaller, lighter bean bags to toss.

Generally speaking, it is pretty difficult to say which is the more difficult task – tossing bean bags or washers.  While washers are easier to grasp and pitch, bean bags are more stable to “land” on the targets themselves, and thus, may make it easier to score points.  Children may prefer the bean bags as they are more fun to touch and feel, and easier to throw.

Simple Outdoor Games – Washers Game And Bean Bag Toss Games

Gatherings and events with children are best celebrated with outdoor games.  These range from the boisterous sports of baseball, football, soccer and basketball to more mild-mannered games like bean bag toss games, darts, washer toss games and the ever-popular Twister. Most outdoor games are generic enough to be played by people of various ages, although some are for adults-only as they may be a little too dangerous for really young children to be involved in.
The washers game is one of the most popular games for a social gathering in a homey setting.  Inexpensive and accessible, this is one game everyone in the family, including older children, can get into.  The washers game involves tossing washers, which are round, flat rings, at targets that are either on a board on the ground or mounted on the wall.  These can be made of plastic or metal and come in an assortment of colors, shapes and designs.
Washers are pitched at their targets which are usually metal or plastic circular containers.  These are meant to fall into the targets comfortably so if you are making your own washers and targets, accurate measurements are vital.  Having washers that are too large for your targets will make the game too easy while having them too small will be a fruitless effort.  Targets themselves have to be securely fastened to the boards or boxes they are on so they are immovable.
Pitching washers have these specific characteristics:
1.    Rustproof – they are usually made of non-rusting material like plastic or rubber, and if made of metal, come with a galvanized finish that combats rust.
2.    Consistent weight – washers in the same set should have the same weight, size and shape to maintain fair play in the game.
3.    Durable – while anti-rust itself solves a lot of problems, durability is a separate characteristic altogether.  The washers have to be able to withstand the innumerable tosses and pitches, and landing on both hard and soft ground.  Worn washers are NOT an option for any washers game.
Today, pitching washers come in various creative designs.  In fact, many washer manufacturers today are offering customized washers for an ever growing market of selective customers who want a more personal touch to their events.  Just like a surfboard or laptop, some creative designs that end up on washers are:
-    Flowers and plant-inspired art
-    Company logos
-    Family emblems and insignias
-    First names and surnames
-    Abstract art
Bean bag toss games are just as easy to play as any washers game.  With a similar concept as the washer toss game, the main difference would be the item used to toss at targets and the targets themselves.  Bean bags are used to aim for the targets which are holes or clearly-marked spots on a wall, canvas or ground.  Like washers, bean bags have to be consistent in their weights to maintain fair play.  This can be easily done by weighing each bean bag (or bag of corn or beans, if you are making your own bean bags).
If there is anything to be said of the bean bag games, it is that they are a lot easier to make than washer games.  Aside from the bean bags which only require corn or beans and fabric (and some pretty good sewing), any piece of cloth, canvas, plastic sheet or hardwood board can be made as the target base.  Targets can be holes cut out in the cloth, canvas, plastic sheet or board and if that is too much work, then just clearly mark out the spots with colorful circles or spots.  Bean bag toss game targets can also be laid out on the ground, mounted or hung up, depending on what their bases are made of.  This gives the game more flexibility and challenge.
The difficulty level of both bean bag and washer games can be tweaked by having the players further away from their targets (or moving the targets), or having heavier washers or bean bags.
Given their total absence of confusing rules and scorekeeping system, it is no wonder that bean bag and washer toss games are such common outdoor games.  These are also the reasons why they fit just about any social gathering and can involve almost everyone at the party, regardless of age and fitness level.

Tailgating Games – Fun For The Family

Want a game that is easy to set up and cart around?  Or one that can be played in a small playing area?  Maybe also one that is easy on the budget?  Then you may want to consider bean bag toss games.  One of the most played games around, tossing bean bags as a game is simple and straightforward enough for even a five-year-old.
This game has got to be one of the easiest to play and construct.  All you need for a round of the bean bag toss game is:
-    Bean bags – they must all be of the same weight, otherwise you would have a riot on your hands at the injustice of it all
-    Target base – this can be a hardwood board, cloth, plastic sheet or canvas.
-    Targets – these must be clear indications on the target bases.  These can be drawn or painted on and the beauty of the target bases is that they can actually accommodate more than just one target.  Another way of creating targets is to dig a hole wherein the bean bags are to be tossed into.
Another variation of the bean bag game is the washers games.  This involves pitching washers instead of bean bags.  Washers are round plastic, rubber or metal objects that are flung at targets.  As they are round in shape, the objective is to either land the washer inside its target or outside of it.  Targets for washer games are often circular metal or plastic containers which can be either hollow or have a hook or stick inside of them that protrude upwards or outwards.
While pitching washers may be as easy to toss as bean bags, they are not as easy to make yourself.  So if you are planning to construct a whole washer game by yourself, you may want to rethink your plan.
In olden days, tossing washers and bean bags were practically unheard of.  The game originally used horseshoes as tossing items – decidedly much heavier items than the ones used in the game today.  Naturally, this made the game more challenging as horseshoes do not necessarily land near their targets as easily as washers do.  Horseshoes were also not as easy to find or make as today’s washers and bean bags, limiting the number of players per game.
Both games are part of what is loosely termed as tailgating games.  These are team games which are played as an activity before a big sports event or a race.  While there are many variations of tailgating games, all basically follow the same concept as the bean bag and washer toss game.
Smaller versions of the bean bag tailgate games can have up to 4 players per round, and using tournament brackets can accommodate up to 64 teams in either single or double elimination.  These are packaged in attractive packages with multi-colored bean bags, boards and targets.  Today, many of these tailgating games are themed and decorated to suit seasons and iconic sport events, teams or personalities like:
-    The NBA – designed and decorated to replicate a basketball court, the target is the basket netting set against the almost real-life auditorium floor.
-    Chicago Bears – this tailgating set bears the logo and name of the champion team.  More expensive sets may even paste pictures of star players in mid-action
-    Michael Jordan – just one of many sports personalities who have been inspirations for many a bean bag thrower, this tailgate game features the star player’s face as the backdrop for the board.  If you are lucky enough, you may just be able to find an authentic tailgate toss game set that even carries the star’s embossed signature.
The games are also versatile enough to be modified creatively.  To make the games more challenging, the distance between the players and target can be increased.  Tailgating games are ideal for the backyard and does not restrict players to specific age limits or gender.  They are easy to assemble, set up, take down and carry around to the next outdoor venue.

Washer Toss Games Are One of the Most Popular Traditional Games of America

Washers, washoes, Texas horseshoes, and holey board are some of the names that the washers toss games are known by. This great American game has been passed down from generation to generation over a long period and that is why so many names for the same game exist today. The rules differ slightly from place to place depending on the variations of the game.

Where did washers originate in the first place? Nobody knows that. However, its close resemblance to the horseshoes game gives rise to the speculation that the washer toss game has indeed originated from it. Maybe somebody used washers instead of horseshoes because washers were easily available, while horseshoes were not. Whatever is the origin of the game, it is evident that humble roots fathered the game as the participants used things that were readily available to amuse themselves.

Since washers are lighter than horseshoes, women and children can easily play washer toss games while the horseshoes game is primarily a men’s game. In fact, washers are games for all ages – people from 8 to 80 can take part in the game. These can be played outdoors as well as indoors. You can play them while tailgating, camping or just having friends over for a barbeque or you can play washers simply to pass the time in your own backyard. It is definitely a very good form of entertainment. Unlike video games that can turn someone into a couch potato, washers are a very good form of exercise. Besides, these yard games act as a good instrument to promote family bonding as well as a healthy competitive mentality.

Washers are primarily outdoor games. However, unlike other sports like football or baseball, they are friendly, yet very competitive. These games have the capability to persuade even the most die-hard couch potato to leave their seat and favorite TV show and come out in the open. It is a good form of exercise and the player undergoes a rigorous regime while having some fun. Now washers can be played indoors as well. Not many city folks have backyards these days. The weather does not permit playing outdoors at certain times.

Traditionally played in the backyards of houses by members of the family, these have evolved into good party games too. Innovations have made the playing equipment more durable, attractive and portable. You can now take them along to a friend’s backyard or to the campground if you so wish.  A high quality, durable washer toss game set will cost you $50 to $70. Such sets make lovely gifts too.

A complete washer game set consists of two washer boxes or washer boards and a set of pitching washers. If you use a washer box, you will need eight pitching washers in two colors to throw into the cup inside the box and if you use a washer board, you will need six washers in two colors to throw into the three holes located on the board. Powder coated pitching washers are best because they are more durable. They are more attractive and do not chip easily and are great at parties and barbeques. However, you can buy painted ones as well. Such pitching washers wear out more easily and will have to be repainted over time.

Both games (washer boxes and washer boards) can be played in singles or in doubles. These games have a peculiar way of counting scores. For example, suppose Player A scores 8 points in the first round and Player B gets five. Five will be subtracted from eight and A will ultimately score three and B zero. The first player to reach exactly 21 will be the winner. If player A has 18 points and gets five points in an inning, their score will exceed 21 by two. In that case, five points will be deducted from their original score of eighteen and will go back to thirteen.

Generally, the washer toss game can be played on any surface. However, it is better to avoid concrete, asphalt and gravel; as such rough surfaces will wear out the pitching washers more quickly and may cause rough edges, which in turn may damage the playing equipment. Replacement pitching washers in an assortment of sizes and colors are also available. When buying these pitching washers make sure:
    Each set includes six or eight washers in two different colors.
    They preferably have a powder coated finish.
    They have an outer diameter of 2.5” and an inner diameter of 1”.
    The washers within the set have a consistent weight.
    They are made from rustproof steel.

Washers Game, The Traditional American Back Yard Sport Is A Fun Game For All.

Like many other games, the washers game has its origin shrouded in the mystery of time. Somebody somewhere might have wagered a bet saying that they can toss so many washers into a can and somebody else declared that they can do better. Its humble roots are evident from the very terms used to describe the equipment required to play the game: washers, cups and boxes or boards. The original players had used whatever they could lay their hands on and this is the hallmark of a game that survives even in these days of technology.

The washers game is somewhat similar to the horseshoes game, which has its origin in quoits, which in turn has originated from the Grecian game of discus throwing. That is why it is also known as Texas Horseshoes. It is often called ‘washoes’, which is actually the amalgamation of the two words washer and horseshoes. Other names for the washers game are just ‘washers’, washer pitching, and washer toss. These games require not only physical skill, but also good hand-eye coordination. It is now very popular in North America.

The object of the game is to score points by tossing metal washers into boxes, boards or pits. The metal washers, known as pitching washers, are generally made with rustproof steel and coated with zinc. They can be:
    Plain washers, marked with identifying marks or colors so that it is easier to differentiate between washers thrown by opposing teams.
    Painted washers are more attractive to look at. However, the paint will peel or flake over time. This naturally makes the washers look unattractive.
    Washers with a powder coated finish are the best. Powder coated pitching washers are as durable as they are beautiful.

Different variations of washer games are available in the market. The most common size of pitching washers has a 2.5” outside diameter and a 1” inside diameter.  The variations include both the size and the shape of the game targets. In the case of washer boxes, one of the most commonly found sizes is a 14” x 14” x 4” square wooden box with a 4” PVC cup set in the middle. There are octagonal and rectangular shaped washer games as well, with some having two cups instead of one.

The boxes are placed 20 feet apart and the tossing area is on the left or right or even behind the washer box. Each player throws a set of three or four washers, aiming to toss them into the cup. If they are able to toss the washer inside the cup, 3 points are scored. If the washer lands inside the box, but outside the cup, the player gets one point. Zero points are scored if the washer lands outside the box altogether.

The washers game can be played in doubles as well as singles. In the case of singles, the players toss washers from the same side. In the case of doubles, the teams pitch washers from opposing sides. The unique part of the game is the way of counting scores. At the end of each round, the scores of the two players (or the two teams) are subtracted, lowest from highest, to get the real score. Example: if player A scores 7 and player B gets 4, the real score of A will be 3 and that of B will be 0. The first player or team to reach 21 points is declared the winner.

Of course, in some places the winning score can be as high as 25 or as low as 15. Again, instead of a wooden or plastic box you can also have two boards with three holes in each to toss the washers. Washer boards are played with six washers, instead of eight. Each player tosses a set of three washers. The washers have to completely fall into the holes to score points. Putting a washer in the nearest hole will entitle the player to get one point, the middle hole three, and the furthest hole, five points.

The rules of the bean bag toss game are the same as that of the washers game as both of them have evolved from the horseshoes game. The bean bags are actually sealed cotton duck cloth bags filled with beans, whole kernel corn, plastic pellets or expanded polystyrene. Each player or team takes turn pitching the bags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. These platforms are made of plywood or plastic and are often decorated. If the bean bag lands in the hole, the player scores 3 points and if it falls on the platform, he or she gets 1 point. The rest of the rules are basically the same.

These games are actually fun games, enjoyable yet competitive. These excellent family games can be played at practically any outing, such as cookouts, reunions, BBQs, tailgating, parties, and camping… the possibilities are endless!

Yard Games Create Family Bonding And Promote Healthy Competition

The backyard or the front lawn has always been the place where we have spent most of our time on a clear day. Do you remember playing hide and seek in the garden? How about the blind hen? Do you remember dragging your mom to the back yard for a game of badminton? Oh! There were so many games to play and what fun did we all have! However, having such fun is by no means a thing of past. With new and refined yard games being introduced, the fun in the yard has increased tenfold.

Yard games are great outdoor games for the whole family and can be played on most surfaces; grass, dirt, concrete, sand, asphalt and even on carpets. However, the greatest benefits of these games are:
They create family bonding in these days of individualism. Everybody, irrespective of their age and sex can play these games and a family that plays together definitely stays together.
Such games promote a healthy competitiveness among children in the family. Unlike contact sports, these are friendly, yet competitive.
Yard games are an enjoyable form of exercise.
Even the couch potato will be tempted to leave their couch for a change and come out in the open.

These games do have funny names.  However, they may seem funny because of unfamiliarity. A ‘silly point’ may seem silly to an American or a Canadian, not to the English or an Australian. In the same way bean bag games or the bean bag toss game as it is also known seem funny to the uninitiated, not to those who swear by it. There are corn toss games or cornhole games too. All of these games are similar in nature, except that the bags are made of duck cloth or cotton fabric and are filled with whole corn kernels in the case of corn toss games and with beans in the case of bean bag games.

If you think you need to buy a lot of beans to make beanbags, you are wrong. The beans are actually polystyrene beads or plastic pellets. You will need:
Eight beanbags in two different colors, filled with beans, 4 for each team.
Each beanbag should measure 6” x 6” and weigh 14 to 16 ounces.
Two raised wooden or plastic platforms, either 24” x 36” or 24” x 48”. Please note that the width should always be 24”. However, the length can vary.
The platforms should have a 6” hole in the upper end.
These platforms should be placed facing each other 27 feet apart.
The pitcher’s box is either on the left or right side of the game platform, which is also called the board.

This game can be played in singles as well as in doubles. In the case of singles, the players toss four beanbags (of their chosen color) per inning from the same game platform. In the case of doubles, the teams toss from opposing game platforms.  The beanbag that goes through the hole on the platform scores 3 points. If the beanbag lands on the board and does not touch the ground in any way, the player scores 1 point. Zero points are scored if it falls in any other place.

Now comes the tricky part. At the end of each inning, the scores of the two players are subtracted, lowest from the highest. For example, suppose player A scores five and player B scores three points. After subtracting, the score of player A is two and that of player B is zero. The first player to reach 21 points wins.

Washer toss games are, more or less, the same as the beanbag games. Different types of washer games are available in the market.

Washer boxes consist of eight washers of two different colors, and two wooden boxes with a cup in the middle. Each washer box measures 14” x 14” x 4” with a 4” PVC cup in the middle. The boxes are placed on a flat surface twenty feet apart. The object is to toss the washers in the cup from the opposite pitching area. Each player has to toss four washers per inning and scores 3 points if the washer lands in the cup and 1 point if it lands in the box, but not in the cup.

A washer board game consists of six washers of two different colors and two wooden boards with three holes in them. The boards are placed 10 feet apart and the washers must completely fall in the holes to score points. The farthest hole is worth 5 points, the middle one 3, and the closest hole is worth 1 point.

Since there is no governing body for the washer toss game, many variations of the game exist. However, that is not important to us. After all, we play to have fun.