Cornhole, also called corn toss, is a popular American lawn game. It is entertaining, inexpensive to set up, and is easily picked up by beginners. It is a popular game for parties and cookouts. This article explains how to lay the groundwork, the rules, how to keep the score, and finally, some tips that might even improve your technique.
The Equipment
For cornhole you basically need:-
- A cornhole board: it is a two-by-four-foot board with a sloped surface so that the back is 7 inches higher than the front of the board. Each board has a 6-inch hole in the center.
- Corn hole bags: you’ll need 2 sets of bags each should have a different color to differentiate your bag from your opponents. Each set has 4 bags hence 8 bags in total. The bags should be 6 by 6 inches and should weigh about 15 to 16 ounces.
All the equipment can be easily made with a few supplies and tools or can also be bought pre-made.
Laying the groundwork
For fair play try to set up boards on even leveled ground. Place the boards at a distance of 27 feet or 8.2 m which makes the holes 33 inches apart. The hole of each board should be positioned away from the opposing board.
The front of the board must be a few inches above the ground while the back is at least 12 inches hence the board has a sloped surface.
The players and their positions
Cornhole can be played with either two players which is considered individual play or with 4 players which is considered team play.
One player from each team stands on each side of one board and the other two on the opposite board. After each round, the players switch over to the other side of the board.
If you are short of players, you can easily get beginners to play as the rules are relatively simple and anyone can pick it up in no time.
The Gameplay Rules
To decide which team goes first a coin is flipped. The players then take their respective positions.
The players at each goal board alternate between throws until all four bags are thrown at the opposite goal board. Then the players at the opposite goal board do the same. All the throws are made from a 3 feet imaginary box at the side of the goal board called the pitcher’s box. While making the throws keep the following points in mind to avoid fouls.
- During the throws make sure to stay within the pitcher’s box to avoid fouls.
- The front of the box is the foul line. You can not step beyond this line during throwing as the throw will then be considered a foul.
- You can’t stand behind the board to throw as it is outside the pitcher’s box.
- According to the ACO all players must throw the bags with an underhand release.
- Release the bag within 20 seconds, after which the throw will be considered a foul.
- The foul bag is removed from the board and the rest of the bags are returned to their pre-foul position.
Keeping the score
The objective here is to get an exact score of 21 points to win. If the team exceeds this mark the score is again reset to usually 11 or 17 which is predetermined.
- A bag that goes into the hole accounts for 3 points.
- A bag that ends up on the table or is hanging partially but still not touching the ground or if has not completely fallen into the hole has 1 point.
- If at any point during the throw the bag touches the ground, it carries no points.
- The winner of each round is determined by cancellation scoring or net scoring.
This means that if Team A has 11 points and team B has 6 points then team A wins by 5 points. The rounds continue until one team reaches a total of exactly 21 points. Until then the team that wins the previous round begins throwing in the next one. If the scores are tied, the team that won the toss begins the throwing.
These are the rules specified by ACO, still, you are free to add any stipulations unless you are competing in an official game.
Tips to improve your technique
1. Aim for the back of the board
When you aim for the back of the board it is more likely that you will overthrow and the bag will end up on the ground. Instead, aim at the front it will increase your chances of throwing the bag in the hole or just even ending up on the board.
2. Put a spin on the bag
It is an advanced tactic that improves your chance of getting the bag in the hole. Try to get a horizontal spin on the bag with a slight downward angle. You should always use your fingers for the spin instead of your wrist which will likely get the bag on the ground.
3. Clear any obstacles
Make sure the board is on even ground and is stable. Remove any obstacles in between the two boards.
4. Keep your alignment in mind
Always remember that if you are right-handed your throwing arm will be in more alignment with the goal board when you are on the left side and vice versa for people who are left-handed.
5. Perfect your grip and stance
Hold the bag firmly with four of your fingers under it and the thumb on its top. Keep your knees slightly bent and lean your body slightly towards the throwing arm which allows you to swing freely. For a strong stance remember to keep your feet together. For better balance, you can hold something in your non-throwing hand.
Conclusion
To summarize it all, cornhole is an American outdoor game which is entertaining as well as requires skill and strategy making it perfect for parties and cookouts while also making it eligible for official tournaments. Learning how to play cornhole is easy provided you follow these steps and play often!
