How to Play Kan Jam: Scoring, Instant Win & Overtime
Kan Jam is the fast, addictive team game where you and a partner sling a flying disc at a slotted can while your teammate tries to deflect it home. Part frisbee, part teamwork, part pure luck when someone sinks the legendary slot shot for an instant win. Grab a buddy, set the cans 50 ft apart, and let's get into how it actually works.
- 4 (2v2) PLAYERS
- AGES 12+
- Under 2 min SETUP
- About 60 ft long by 15 ft wide
What you need
- Two Kan Jam cans (the slotted plastic containers)
- One official flying disc (a standard frisbee works in a pinch)
- Four players split into two teams of two
- A roughly 60 ft stretch of flat yard, beach, or park
- A tape measure to set the cans 50 ft apart
Need the gear? See our kan jam picks before game day.
How to play kan jam
- Set up the cansPlace the cans 50 ft apart with the slots facing each other. Each team has one partner at each end. Choose which team throws first; the other has the last turn, often called the Hammer.
- Throw the discOn your team's turn, one player throws the disc the full 50 ft toward the far can while their partner waits there as the deflector. You must throw from your own can's end and cannot step past the can line when you release.
- Deflect toward the canYour partner may redirect the disc toward the can with one or both hands. Do not catch, carry or hit it twice. A clean deflection can score a hit or a bucket.
- Both partners throw, then change teamsOne partner throws and the other deflects, then they reverse roles. After both partners have thrown, the other team takes its two throws. Record the score after each throw.
- Race to exactly 21Reach exactly 21. If a throw would take your total above 21, subtract that throw's points instead: 20 plus a 3-point bucket becomes 17. Teams get equal turns; tied scores at 21 go to overtime.
- Watch for the instant winAn unassisted throw entering the can through either the top or the side slot wins immediately. No deflection is allowed, and the opponents do not get another turn after an instant win.
Scoring
- Dinger / deflector hit: partner deflects the disc and it hits the can, worth 1 point
- Deuce / direct hit: the thrower's disc hits the can with no deflection, worth 2 points
- Bucket / slam dunk: the deflector redirects the disc into the can, worth 3 points
- Instant win: an unassisted throw enters through the top or side slot; the game ends immediately.
- Reach exactly 21. On an overshoot, subtract the offending throw: 20 + a 3-point bucket becomes 17.
- Teams receive equal turns unless there is an instant win. At tied 21, play equal overtime rounds; the higher round score wins.
Keeping score on paper? Print the free kan jam score sheet. No signup needed.
Kan Jam court size & dimensions
Kan Jam sets the two goal cans 50 feet apart, front to front. Here is the layout drawn to scale, with the can size and the slot that turns a good pass into an instant win.
| Regulation distance | 50 ft between the two cans (front edge to front edge) |
|---|---|
| Can size | About 20 in tall plastic goal with an open top and a front slot |
| Disc | One flying disc; partners alternate throwing and deflecting |
| Scoring | 1, 2, or 3 points by deflection or direct hit; a disc through the slot wins instantly |
| Players | 4 (2 vs 2); teammates split between the two cans |
Fifty feet is the official gap and the right challenge for adults. For kids or windy days, bring the cans in to 30 to 40 feet so deflections stay catchable.
Fun variations
- Two-player house version: play one-on-one without deflections; direct hits score 2, and unassisted entry through the top or slot wins instantly.
- Shorter court: agree a shorter throwing distance for younger players or a smaller yard.
Kan Jam rules FAQ
How far apart are Kan Jam cans?
Official Kan Jam cans are placed 50 ft apart. You throw from your own can toward your partner at the far can, and you cannot step past the can line when you release the disc.
What is the instant win in Kan Jam?
An unassisted throw that enters the can through the top or side slot wins instantly, whatever the score. The opponents receive no final turn after an instant win.
Do you have to hit exactly 21 in Kan Jam?
Yes. If a throw would take you above 21, subtract that throw's points from your current score. For example, a 3-point bucket at 20 takes you back to 17.
How does scoring work in Kan Jam?
A deflected hit scores 1, a direct hit scores 2, and a deflected entry scores 3. Unassisted entry through the top or slot wins instantly. Both partners throw before the other team takes its turn.
Can you play Kan Jam with 2 players?
The standard game is two teams of two. For a two-player house version, omit deflections and use direct hits for 2 points and unassisted top or slot entries for an instant win.
What is the rebuttal or redemption rule in Kan Jam?
Standard rules give both teams equal turns, except after an instant win. If the first team reaches 21, the team with the last turn can still tie. A tie at 21 goes to equal-turn overtime; repeat tied overtime rounds until one team scores more.
Ready to play?
Grab a set and start your league this weekend. See the kan jam sets we picked and what comes in each box.