Cornhole is one of the hottest trends in
tailgating and outdoor games. You probably already know the game, but by a
different name. People call it Corn Toss, Bean Bag Toss, or Hillbilly
Horseshoes, among others. Nobody really knows the origins of the game even
though it is based on a similar game from Germany. However, those of us from
Ohio claim it as our own since we have perfected the game boards, bags, and
rules. In fact, the best manufactured Cornhole sets are made right here in
Ohio!
Cornhole is a game played on two wooden
platforms built on an angle to the ground with a hole at the top end. Players
take turns tossing bags filled with corn kernels at the platform attempting to
get the bag to stay on the board or, ideally, fall into the hole. Games can be
played between two people or with teams.
Why
is cornhole so popular? Most simply it is because it is easy to setup, play,
and score. Cornhole is a game that can be played by anyone, anywhere, anytime. While
you can perfect your game with practice, Cornhole doesn’t take any particular
skill or ability to play. Cornhole has been played by people at family
reunions, tailgates, and in their own backyards. If you do want more of a
challenge, however, Cornhole has grown to the point to where local and national
tournaments are now held and champions crowned.
Rules of
Cornhole
Here
is a simplified version for backyard Cornhole game play:
1.The court should be
set up with the two cornhole boards facing each other (tournament rules state
the boards should be 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge, but about 30
works for tailgating!)
2.Cornhole can be played
as doubles or singles. In singles, the first player tosses all of his/her corn
bags and then the second player does likewise. Both players will toss from the
same platform and then switch to the other.
3.In doubles, both
players of one team will toss from one platform and the other team tosses from
the other platform. Team members alternate tosses until all eight bags have
been tossed and then the other team does the same. An inning consists of both
teams tossing.
4.Whichever player or
team scored higher in the preceding inning takes the first turn in the next
inning. (See Scoring below.)
5.Scoring
a.Corn
Bag In-The-Hole – 3 points
·A corn bag in-the-hole can occur on the toss
itself or if it is knocked in by another player or act of God (strong wind,
squirrel, whatever!)
b.Corn
Bag On the Platform – 1 point
·A
corn bag that lands with any part of the bag resting on the cornhole platform
is worth one point. The bag cannot touch the ground either before hitting the
board or once it comes to rest.
c.Corn
Bag Anywhere Else – 0 points
d.Winning
the Game
·The
game consists of innings – each player or team must have an equal number of
turns before the game is finished. The match is played until someone has 21 or
more points at the end of an inning. Some organizations have the rule that a
game must be won by 2; others do not so take your pick!
Now that you know what the game of Cornhole
is and how to play, it’s time to put your skills to the test. All you need to
find is a set of Cornhole Boards, 8 corn toss bags and some friends! Join the
hottest tailgating trend and challenge your friends and family. Enjoy the game
of Cornhole!
