Mike Murphy

 Just by looking at the set up of the game what more familiar games can you compare it to?  Does anyone have experience either playing or watching someone play a game of washers?  Start KWL chart to be completed at end of lesson.

 There are different washer games that follow the same basic principle.  The most widely known and played is one cup square box. With each team using three washers.  There is also a more modern washers game that has a smaller cup inside the larger cup to earn more points.  Three hole and one hole carpeted use no cups they are simply holes cut into a piece of carpet and points are only scored if the washer goes through the hole.

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 There are three key aspects to washers. The pit is the entire box, the cup is the circle in the middle players aim for, and the washers are what is being thrown.  A “cupper” is the term for when a player makes a shot into the cup. It can either happen in the air or on a bounce.  A “leaner” is when a player makes a shot that ends up with the washer leaning against the cup.

 The washer pits are normally positioned about 15 feet but can be modified if less room is available.  There are many different variations to the exact rules of the game and the point values fixed to each shot depending on where you play and who you play with. All variations still follow the same concepts.  Each player throws three washers towards the opposing cup with the order being determined by who scored last.

 The starting contestant throws their washers, one at a time, alternating with the opposing player's throws. A washer inside the cup scores 5 points. A washer in the pit but not inside the cup, scores 1 point. A washer leaning against the cup scores 3 points. Washers completely outside the pit are ineligible for scoring.  Games normally are played until a team reaches either 11, 15 or 21.

 Players like to experiment with different ways of tossing the washers. There is the underhand lob, the frisbee toss, or the end over end lob. Washers are usually thrown underhand with a good amount of loft.  Pair up with a partner standing about 10 feet from each other and have a catch to get used to the feel of the washers.

 The person you had a catch with is now your partner. Teams of two will play each other. The people that are not involved with the game will keep score of the game.  You will be graded on your level of play in the game as well as how accurate your score sheets are for the games you are not involved in.

 How does this game compare to other traditional party/tailgate games you have played in the past?  If you could make any adjustments or improvements to the game what would you do?  Complete KWL chart

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