The game of cornhole, also called “bag toss,” is a classic American outdoor game that’s simple to learn and easy to play. While no one knows the exact origin of this entertaining game, it’s a staple activity when it comes to backyard barbecues, tailgating parties, afternoons at the beach and much more.
It’s easy to learn how to play cornhole. All you need are two cornhole boards and eight cornhole bags to play a round. You can buy a board or make one from scratch—it’s basically a raised platform measuring 2 feet by 4 feet, with a 6-inch hole that serves as the target. The boards are placed at least 27 feet apart from each other, and they’re angled so that the top of the board is about 7”higher than ground level. As for the bags, they should be 6” x 6” and weigh about one pound each.
Once you’ve set up your boards and gathered your bags, you’re ready to get playing.
The rules of cornhole
Players take turns throwing bags with your opponent. One player throws first, then the opponent, until 4 bags from each side have been tossed. During your throws, your feet can’t go past the front edge of the board on your side of the game. The first team to score 21 points or more wins.
How many players?
Your score depends on where your bags land on the Cornhole board. Points are awarded as follows:
- Bag goes through the hole: 3 points
- Bag lands on the box: 1 point
- Bag hangs off the hole or off the box, without touching the ground: 1 point
As long as you can get your bags on the box, without touching the ground, you’ll earn points. The tricky thing here is that your scores for individual rounds are made by determining the difference between what you’ve thrown and what your opponent has thrown. For example, if you throw a total of 3 points and your opponent throws 8, your opponent would receive 5 points and you’d receive none.
Once you’ve learned how to play Cornhole, you’ll find that it’s an addicting outdoor game of skill and coordination. Give this simple game a try at your next backyard barbecue or tailgate party and enjoy some friendly competition!