The game of Cornhole has two governing bodies that can’t resolve a half-inch difference in the size of a Cornhole board. But that’s nothing compared to Washers. Washers is anarchy.

There are one-hole games, three hole games, box games, board games, and pit-in-the-ground games. Is a washer in the hole is worth five points, or just three? A washer in the box is normally one point, but some say in-the-box is good for two, with one point for the closest washer out-of-the-box. Should the holes be 21 feet apart, or 25? Does each side throw three washers, or four? (Some say only two!)

La Joya Dulce has opinions about Washers. Our game is the box game. Each box is 12 inches square (on the inside), with a scrap of carpet on the bottom.

Each box has one hole, and that hole must be a metal can.

The metal can is important. Wayne was disappointed to learn that the International Association of Washer Players (IAWP) recommends PVC pipe: “Repeated hits of the tin can will distort its shape and necessitate regular restructuring while the PVC remains almost impervious to damage. White or light-colored PVC is recommended as an aid to aiming….” It is sad that IAWP members will never hear the satisfying metal-on-metal CLANK of a well-tossed washer smacking a can. Also, the IAWP fails to understand that the distorted shape of a tin can is a feature, not a bug.

The distance between the boxes should vary according to the skill and patience of the players. (If everyone is always missing, move the boxes closer.)

We like three washers per player for each round. 5/8ths inch flat seems like the right size (1” washers are sometimes recommended, but those seem huge to us).

Scoring is one point for in the box, and five points for in the can (it is really hard to toss the washer into the can). No points for out of the box, and no points for a washer balanced on the edge of the box. If the washer hits the box and bounces out -– too bad, no score. But if a washer bounces from the ground into the box or can, that counts!

Scoring is subtractive for each round, and only one player can score in each round. For instance, Player One gets one washer in the can (5 points), and Player Two gets two washers in the box (two points). Player One scores a net three points. Of course it is possible that no one scores in a round – if both players put a washer in the can, they cancel each other out. First to 21 wins, unless others are waiting to play, then its first to 11.

La Joya Dulce makes Washers and other silly games available for your Steamboat Springs ranch wedding for no extra charge.