What You Should Know About Cornhole

If you’ve ever been to a bar in the States, then it’s likely you’ve been challenged to a game of cornhole. Baseball is the All-American sport? That may be true, but cornhole has probably been played by more Americans than any other mainstream sport there is. Whether you’re a fierce competitor or just a party animal, this game will certainly fit the personality of everyone in your social circle. 

What You Need to Play

The game of cornhole is played on a 2’ X 4’ wooden platform. Interested in making your own cornhole equipment? Make sure the board weighs no less than 25 pounds and is ½” to ¾” thick, as per regulation rules. You’ll need eight bags, four of one color, and four in another color for each team. They should measure 6 X 6 inches when laid flat and weigh around 16 ounces. Or you can just click here to find all your cornhole necessities for your next big bash. Sometimes bringing all your friends together, many of whom don’t know each other, can be a little awkward. Having a game of cornhole going is sure to get your guests socializing with one another. Bringing a set into your home is a splendid idea. 

How to Play

Cornhole can be played in singles or doubles with one member of each team on the opposite side of the perimeter facing each other. Pro tip: if there’s a person at the shindig you’ve been vying after to talk to, make sure you don’t team up with him or her. You’ll want to be opponents so that you can stand on the same side of the board to get your flirt on. 

Flip a coin to see which team gets to shoot first, and the member on the same side as the contender shooting first will go second. The shooter can toss the bag from anywhere, so long as it’s behind the board that they’re shooting from. The teams will alternate until all eight bags have been thrown. Then the next round will begin with the members on the other side. Again, the member on the team that won the coin toss at the beginning of the game will go first. Keeping score in cornhole is not as simple as the game itself and there are many rules and regulations to follow. The rules and scoring system actually make the game a lot more fun. But if you’re too inebriated to stick to the system, then basic scoring for every bag that makes it in the hole is fine. 

Techniques

There are many ways to win a game of cornhole. With a few simple techniques, you can be on your way to your next (or first) victory.

Perfect The Toss

Some bar crawlers have a natural tendency to crush competition even in a drunken stupor. Others are not so lucky. If you’re one of them, try a few of these tips to improve your bean bag toss game.

• High arc minimizes bounce off and increases accuracy. Overshooting the target is possible so be wary of that. 
• Sliding tosses are great if you have a good understanding of momentum. Sliding off the back is likely, but a slow-slider that remains on the board can earn points and set up your next shot.
• Angle your shots in a way that works for you. If you keep missing, change angles. 

Distract Your Opponents

In every sport, there’s a way to play dirty that oftentimes works if properly executed. Some of them are subtle techniques that aren’t permitted by the rules but are difficult for the referee to spot. Some of them are more explicit and are actually completely legal.

In cornhole, there aren’t many ways you can cheat to win and get away with it, but there is a way you can offset your opponents in such a way that allows you to overtake them and win. Trash talk is the age-old technique that even some of the greatest athletes in the world are guilty of. If your opponent is going to lose because you dropped some fire yo momma jokes, then that’s on them. Also, everyone loves someone who can make them laugh. People don’t play this game for a winning purse or bragging rights. They’re playing to socialize! Make it more fun to watch by distracting the other team with incessant jokes or other ridiculous antics. 

Cornhole has a tendency to bring people together and get the party started. If you’re throwing a party, then the addition of this game will help break the ice and loosen everyone up. Be aware of the super-competitive attendees—avoid engaging them if they throw a temper tantrum, and your next house party should be a smashing success.