Set the lane
Place the boards on level ground with 125 inches between their closest edges. The front edge is also the foul line.
Field guide // three-hole format
Set the boards.Settle it.
The no-nonsense guide to playing washers, building a tournament-ready set, and splitting the crew without starting an argument.
Front / throwing edge3PT2PT1PT
48 × 12 in · Ø 4⅛ in holes
125″Board gap
3Throws per side
15Exact points to win
How to play
Four rules. One champion.
This version uses your 1–2–3 three-hole scoring system and measured 125-inch playing lane.
Pitch three
Play singles or teams of two. Each side throws all three washers underhand toward the opposite board.
Cancel & count
Matching washers in the same hole cancel one-for-one. Score only the washers left after cancellation.
Hit 15 exactly
The first player or team to reach exactly 15 wins. Going over is a bust, so the team returns to its score at the start of the round.
Front
1+2+3Back
Measured board specification
The actual dimensions.
These are field measurements from the original wooden board—not a generic internet plan. The drawing keeps the New York graphic at the throwing edge.
Weekend build
Two boards. Built the same.
Your measured 48 × 12 × 3⅛ inch specification with three 4⅛-inch scoring holes and a 125-inch playing lane.
Cut & supply list
For two boards248 × 12 in exterior plywood tops
448 in side frame pieces
4End frame pieces cut to fit the 12 in width
64⅛ in scoring openings or cups
62½–3 in steel washers, two colors
1125 in measuring rope
—Exterior screws, wood glue, finish
Measure the outside diameter of your cups before cutting. A nominal four-inch fitting is not always exactly four inches.
Mark the centers
Run a centerline down each top. Mark a 12-inch front gap, 10-inch gaps between holes, and a 3⅞-inch rear gap.
Cut the scoring holes
Cut three 4⅛-inch openings. Test-fit your cups before sanding every edge smooth.
Frame the board
Build the frame beneath the plywood to a finished board height of 3⅛ inches. Keep it square and clear beneath every cup.
Tune the landing
Seal the wood, then add thin outdoor carpet if you want less bounce. Build both boards from the same materials for a consistent game.
Random team draw
No captains. No politics.
Paste the whole crew, select a team size, and let the draw take the blame. Re-roll as often as you need.
American Washers League