How to Play Wa-shoes!

   
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Wa-shoes is a variation of Washer Pitching, which is also based on Horseshoes. It is played inside a garage or basement, or outside in the yard or on a deck. Wa-shoes is a game of skill, played by 2 or 4 people. The game uses 6 round metallic washers (3 for each team). Three of the washers should be painted or marked different from the other 3 washers. They should also be the same size and weight. The game is played with 2 boards, each with one circular hole in the center as a target. The boards should be placed on the ground 15 feet apart. Points are scored by whomever throws into the hole on the board, or closest to the hole.

Although there are many techniques for throwing a washer, the most common way is to throw with an underhanded motion, with the washer resting on the middle finger and with the index finger curled around the edge of the washer and the thumb resting on top. The washer should roll or spin off the index finger (similar to a Frisbee). It should maintain a pitch that should be parallel to the ground. Washers that flip end-over-end will usually roll away from the hole. Stance can be just as important as the throwing of the washers. You should always throw from the same spot each time for consistent throws. Some players will take one step forward when throwing the washers, while others will stand in the same place to throw theirs. Whatever is the most comfortable for you is what you should use each time.

This game can be played with the very young, as well as the very old. If teaching a young child, move the holes closer and/or use smaller washers.

 
For 2-4 Players
* 2 players = toss from the same end
* 4 players = teammates toss from opposite ends (2 teams of 2)
   
  How to Determine Who Throws First
* Previous winner goes first, or flip a coin if it's the first game of the day.
   
  Basic Rules
* 3 tosses per player, per turn. First player throws all three washers, then next player throws all three.The one who scores points, gets to throw first in the next round.
* The player throwing may stand anywhere behind the front edge of the board on the opposite side of the board the player is throwing toward. Points are awarded to the team that gets their washer(s) in the hole, or closest to it. The first team that reaches the score of exactly 21 without going over wins the game.
* If you go over 21 points, you must subtract points from your last turn (score). For example, if you have 17 points and score 6 points, you'll have 11 points (17-6=11).
* You do not always have to throw all your "wa-shoes." For example, if you have 18 points and your first washer goes into the hole, you may pass on your remaining tosses. However, if your opponent has not thrown yet, they still have the chance to cancel your score and add to theirs!
   
  Scoring
  A team scores 1 point for every washer that is closer to the hole than their opponent's washer(s). 3 points are given if the washer goes into the hole, but only if the opponent fails to get a washer in the hole to cancel it. Only one team can score per turn.
>> Click here << to view illustrations of various scroing possibilities.
 
* 1 or 2 points = 1 or 2 washers on top of board, no cancellations.
* 3 points = 3 washers on top of board, no cancellations --OR-- 1 washer in hole, no cancellations.
* 4 points = 1 washer in hole and 1 on board, no cancellations.
* 5 points = 1 washer in hole and 2 washers on board, no cancellations.
* 6 points = 2 wahsers in hole not cancelled.
* 7 points = 2 washers in hole and 1 on board, no cancellations.
* 8 points = not possible
* 9 points = 3 washers in hole, no cancellations ("hat-trick" or "Hogans Goat")
   
  Cancelling
* No washer can be counted as a point if the opposing team has a washer closer to the hole. The opponent's washer "cancels" all washers beyond that position.
* Washers in the hole cancel eachother out on a 1-by-1 basis. Whoever has the most washers in the hole scores 3 points for each washer that is not cancelled. If all washers in the hole cancel eachother out, only the washer(s) on the board score, and only if the washer(s) on the board are not cancelled.