Summer Games: Washers

Now that summer is here (almost), it's time to get that itchy shirt off and get outside. This is doubly true in times of Cub woe that we're currently experiencing - we need something to pass the time and dull the pain. Summer Games will examine some classic outside games, carefully choosing ones that lend themselves to shirtless participation and the coexistence of your favorite summer beverage.

Who said all you get in Wisconsin is cheese, beer, sausages, and herpes? Not true. While I can't verify the origin of this game (some signs point to Texas), I learned it from some Wisconsin gentry, so that's what we're sticking with. Washers is another back yard beauty in the realm of Summer Games. It's especially nice for those of y'all in the big cities, where yards and greenspace in general are hard to come by.

Perhaps washers' greatest assest is it's ease of play. You have two wooden, square boxes that measure 16" x 16" and have a 4" PVC pipe in the center. The washers should be 2-1/2" and have a 1" hole in the center. There are plenty of plans online to build your own set that clasp together, making transportation of the game easy as well. The bottom of the box should be lined with a small nap carpeting, or preferably, AstroTurf. This allows some cushioning and will prevent the washers from constantly bouncing out of the box.

Gameplay is easy. The boxes should be set 25' apart from center of cup to center of cup. Each team throws four washers. Starting at or behind the box, you toss the washer. If a washer lands in the box, you get a point, if a washer goes into the cup (in colloquial parlance, "Glory Hole"), you get three points. Rally scoring makes for a quicker game, though "best point" scoring is more apropos for master washer players. Example, if Team A throws two in the box and one in the Glory Hole, and Team B throws one in the box and one in the Glory Hole, Team A is awarded one point.

Quick Hits:

• As shown in the picture, shirtless play is easy and should be encouraged in favorable conditions (over 55 degrees Farenheit).
• 2-1/2" washers don't weigh much at all, so it's a game tailor-made to be played while holding a beverage.
• Easy to play and easy to get the materials to play. Even the smallest towns in Real America have hardware stores.
• Outside of alcohol, wind is really the only factor that can affect gameplay.
• Chad Cordero could not be reached for comment on washers. He was allegedly too busy burning ants with a magnifying glass.

As you can see, washers brings out the competitor and dance machine in people. Still interested? Build your own, dude.

*Please note: man pictured wearing the headband and shirt may or may not be Saloon bartender Dave Thomas.