Washer toss is the backyard game that lives in cornhole’s shadow — and that’s a shame, because it’s genuinely great. It’s simpler, more portable, cheaper, and just as fun. If cornhole is the headliner, washer toss is the opening act that deserves its own tour.
The game is exactly what it sounds like: toss metal washers at a target box with a hole in the middle. Land in the box for 1 point, in the hole for 3. First to 21 wins. That’s it.
What makes washer toss special is how compact and portable it is. Two small wooden boxes and a handful of washers fit in a backpack. No hauling 40 pounds of boards. No trunk-filling setup. Just grab and go.
How to Play Washer Toss
Equipment: 2 target boxes with a center cup/pipe, and 6-8 washers in two team colors.
Setup: Place the two boxes 10-20 feet apart (10 feet for casual, 20 feet for competitive). Some rule sets use 25 feet for tournament play.
Gameplay: Players stand behind one box and toss their washers at the opposite box. Each player tosses all their washers (usually 3-4 per round), then scores are tallied.
Scoring:
- Washer in the center cup/hole = 3 points (called a “ringer” or “cupper”)
- Washer in the box but not the center = 1 point
- Washer outside the box = 0 points
Cancellation scoring: Like cornhole, only one player/team scores per round. The team with the higher score earns the difference. Example: if you score 5 and your opponent scores 3, you get 2 points for that round.
Winning: First to exactly 21 points. Some rule sets require you to hit 21 exactly — go over and your score resets to what it was before that round. Others play a simpler “first to 21 or more” format.
What to Look For in a Washer Toss Set
Box material. Wood is traditional and gives a satisfying feel. Look for hardwood construction (birch or similar) rather than compressed wood or MDF, which deteriorates faster. Felt-lined interiors reduce bounce and keep washers from flying out.
Washer quality. Steel washers with a plastic or powder coating are the standard. Some sets include washers with bottle openers built in — a fun touch for tailgate play. Washers should have enough weight to throw accurately and not be blown by wind.
Portability. The best sets have boxes that latch together for carrying, with handles or a carry bag. The whole set should weigh under 10 pounds — dramatically lighter than cornhole.
Number of washers. Most sets include 6 washers (3 per color). Some include 8 (4 per color). Either works, but 8 gives you more throws per round and slightly longer games.
Best Washer Toss Sets
1. GoSports Premium Birch Wood Washer Toss Set
Best Overall
GoSports brings the same quality they’re known for in cornhole to their washer toss set. Handcrafted birch wood boxes, 8 plastic-coated metal washers, and a carrying case. The boxes latch together for compact transport, and the playing surface is smooth and consistent.
The birch wood construction is a clear step above the compressed wood used in cheaper sets. These boxes will handle years of backyard and tailgate abuse without falling apart. The washers have a satisfying weight and the plastic coating provides grip without scratching the boxes.
Material: Birch wood Washers: 8 (4 per color), plastic-coated metal What’s Included: 2 boxes, 8 washers, carrying case Best For: Most players, backyard play, tailgates
2. Triumph Premium Washer Toss
Best Felt-Lined Set
Triumph’s washer boxes feature felt-lined interiors that significantly reduce washer bounce. When a washer lands in the box, it stays in the box instead of bouncing out — a common frustration with unlined sets. The exterior is sealed with durable laminate for scratch protection.
Six powder-coated steel washers (3 red, 3 blue) provide good weight and grip. The boxes lock together with carry handles for easy transport. At a competitive price point, this is an excellent mid-range option.
Material: Wood with felt lining, laminate exterior Washers: 6 (3 per color), powder-coated steel What’s Included: 2 felt-lined boxes, 6 washers Best For: Players frustrated by washers bouncing out, quality-conscious buyers
3. Franklin Sports Washer Toss Set
Best Budget Set
Franklin delivers a solid washer toss experience at the lowest price on this list. Wood composite targets, 6 steel washers (that double as bottle openers), carry handles, and a storage bag. It’s not as refined as the birch wood options, but for casual play it gets the job done.
The bottle opener washers are a fun touch that makes this set feel like it was designed for tailgating. The targets are regulation size and the whole package stores compactly.
Material: Wood composite Washers: 6 (3 per color), steel with bottle opener What’s Included: 2 targets, 6 washers, carry bag Best For: Budget buyers, tailgaters, first-time players
4. Franklin Sports Collapsible Washer Set
Most Portable
If trunk space is your biggest constraint, this collapsible set solves the problem. The hexagon-shaped fabric targets fold completely flat, and the entire set (including washers) fits inside a small carrying bag. This is the set you throw in a backpack for camping or toss in the car for a beach trip.
The trade-off is durability — fabric targets don’t feel as premium as wood and won’t last as many years. But for a lightweight, packable set that goes anywhere, nothing beats it.
Material: Collapsible fabric Washers: 6 (steel with bottle opener) What’s Included: 2 collapsible targets, 6 washers, carrying bag Best For: Camping, beach, travel, anyone who prioritizes portability above all else
5. Elakai Forester Washer Toss Game
Premium Pick
For players who want the best-looking, best-playing washer toss set available, the Elakai Forester is it. Solid acacia wood targets with premium artificial grass lining, 4 heavy-duty 2.5-inch steel washers, a premium carry bag, and a unique “game-over stake” that creates an instant-win rule.
The game-over stake is a clever addition — catch a ringer around the stake and you win instantly, like the slot shot in KanJam. It adds an extra layer of excitement to an already fun game.
This is the washer toss set you buy when you want something that impresses guests and plays like a dream.
Material: Acacia wood with artificial grass Washers: 4 (2.5-inch steel) What’s Included: 2 premium targets, 4 washers, game-over stake, carry bag Best For: Premium buyers, gift-givers, anyone who wants the best
Washer Toss vs. Cornhole
Already have a cornhole set? Here’s how washer toss compares:
| Factor | Washer Toss | Cornhole |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5-8 lbs total | 30-40+ lbs |
| Space needed | 10-20 feet | 27-35 feet |
| Setup time | 30 seconds | 1 minute |
| Portability | Fits in a backpack | Fills a trunk |
| Cost | $20-$70 | $70-$500 |
| Skill depth | Moderate | High |
| Tournament scene | Small but growing | ACL on ESPN |
| Best for | Travel, tight spaces, budget | Backyard, events, competition |
They’re complementary games, not competitors. Washer toss is the game you bring when cornhole is too heavy or too big. Many players own both and choose based on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should washer toss boxes be? 10 feet for casual play, 15-20 feet for competitive play. Some tournament rules specify 25 feet. Adjust based on your space and the age/skill of players.
What’s the difference between washer toss and cornhole? Both are tossing games with similar scoring (1 point for landing on/in the target, 3 points for the center). Washer toss uses small metal washers and wooden boxes. Cornhole uses fabric bags and angled boards. Washer toss is significantly more portable and compact. Cornhole has more strategic depth and a larger competitive scene.
Can kids play washer toss? Yes — the washers are small and easy for kids to grip and throw. Set the boxes closer together (5-8 feet) for younger players. Supervise young children since the metal washers could be a choking hazard for toddlers.
Is washer toss a drinking game? It can be — many people add drinking rules (miss the box, take a sip). But at its core it’s just a backyard tossing game that works equally well with or without beverages. The bottle opener washers on some sets definitely lean into the drinking game angle.
Building your game collection? Check out our Best Tailgate Games, Best Horseshoe Sets, and Best Cornhole Sets.
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