Cornhole Rules, Origins of Cornhole and More: The Ultimate Guide to Cornhole
Introduction
Cornhole is a popular outdoor game that is enjoyed by people of all ages, particularly in the United States. It is also known by other names, such as bean bag toss, bags, baggo, and tailgate toss. The game consists of two wooden boards that are set up at a certain distance from each other, and players take turns throwing bean bags at the boards in an attempt to get them to land on the board or go through a hole in the board. The game is typically played in teams of two, and the objective is to score points by landing the beanbags on the board or getting them to go through the hole in the board. Cornhole can be played competitively or casually, and is a popular game to play at tailgates, barbecues, and other social gatherings.
Ancient Origins
The game of cornhole has its roots in ancient games from different parts of the world. In China, the game of Cuju was popular during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). Cuju was a ball game played with a stuffed ball and goalposts. The game was widely popular, and it was played by soldiers to improve their agility and coordination. In Greece and Rome, games involving throwing stones or other objects into a hole or target were common. These games were often played as a pastime and sometimes served a religious or military purpose.
Emergence of Modern Cornhole:
As it is known today, Cornhole emerged in the United States in the late 19th century. The game was first documented in Kentucky, where it was played with corn kernels instead of bean bags. It was a popular game at family picnics and social gatherings. In the 20th century, cornhole became particularly popular in Cincinnati, Ohio. The game was played by students at Xavier University, and eventually, it spread throughout the Midwest and southern United States. The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) was established in 2005 and played a significant role in the rise of cornhole's popularity. The organization created a standardized set of rules and regulations for the game, which helped to solidify its legitimacy as a sport. In addition, the ACO helped to establish professional leagues and organized tournaments across the United States. The game gained significant exposure when it was featured on ESPN, and major tournaments began to offer substantial prize money.
The popularity of cornhole has spread far beyond the United States, with the emergence of leagues and tournaments in Europe and Australia. The game has also gained attention in other parts of the world, with players from Canada, Puerto Rico, and even as far as Afghanistan and the Middle East participating in international competitions.
Rules of Cornhole
The basic rules of cornhole are quite simple. The game is played with two teams of two players each, who stand at opposite ends of a raised platform that has a hole in the center. The objective is to toss bags filled with corn or beans, which are usually 6 inches by 6 inches in size, at the platform. The team that tosses the bag into the hole scores three points, while a bag that lands on the platform scores one point. The first team to reach 21 points wins. However, cancelation scoring is typically employed. This means that if one team scores two points and the other scores one, the team with two points only receives 1 point for the round.
Here are some of the other basic rules of cornhole:
The players must toss the bags from behind the front edge of the platform.
The players must alternate turns tossing bags until all eight bags have been thrown.
The team that scored the most points in the previous round tosses first in the next round.
If a bag hits the ground before landing on the platform or in the hole, it does not count.
If a bag touches the ground and then bounces up onto the platform, it does not count.
If a player steps over the front edge of the platform while tossing a bag, the bag does not count.
If a player tosses a bag out of turn, the bag is removed from play.
If a bag hits another bag that is on the platform or in the hole, both bags are removed from play.
Lastly, if you are wondering how many feet between cornhole boards, the answer is 27 feet.
Equipment Needed
First, you will need two cornhole boards. These boards are typically made of wood or plastic and have a hole in the center. They are readily available to purchase with a variety of designs on them or your can make them yourself with a build kit if you are just a little bit handy.
In addition to the boards, you will need eight bean bags, which are typically made of duck cloth and filled with corn or synthetic pellets. Each team will use four bags of the same color with a different color used for each team.
When playing cornhole, it's important to use high-quality equipment to ensure a fair and enjoyable game. By using the right equipment and taking care of it properly, you can enjoy playing cornhole for many years to come.
Strategy and Tips for Winning
One of the most important things to keep in mind is to aim for the center of the board. This increases the likelihood of landing the bag on the board, as the board is wider in the center.
Another strategy is to adjust your throwing technique depending on the weather conditions. For example, on a windy day, it is advisable to throw the bag with a higher arc to allow for the wind to carry it towards the board. Similarly, on a humid day, the bags tend to be stickier, so it is important to adjust your throwing technique accordingly.
To improve your accuracy and consistency, it is essential to practice regularly. This includes mastering the flat bag throwing technique, foot positioning, and grips. Additionally, consider using a consistent approach when taking your turn, such as taking the same number of steps or using the same breathing pattern.
Another important tip is to pay attention to your opponent's moves. By observing their throwing techniques, you can identify weaknesses in their game and adjust your strategy accordingly. For instance, if your opponent is consistently landing their bags on one side of the board, you can aim for the other side to increase your chances of scoring points.
In conclusion, winning at cornhole requires a combination of skill, strategy, and practice. By employing these tips and tricks, you can improve your game and increase your chances of coming out on top.
Etiquette and Sportsmanship
Here are some key tips for being a respectful cornhole player:
Follow the rules: Make sure you understand and follow the rules of the game. This includes not stepping over the foul line, only throwing one bag at a time, and not interfering with your opponent's turn.
Be gracious: Whether you win or lose, it is important to be gracious and respectful towards your opponent. Congratulate them on their good shots, and avoid making negative comments or gestures.
Keep it friendly: Cornhole is a social game, so it is important to keep the atmosphere friendly and light-hearted. Avoid trash-talking or getting too competitive, as this can take away from the fun of the game.
Respect the equipment: Cornhole boards and bags can be expensive, so it is important to handle them with care. Avoid throwing the bags too hard or stepping on the boards, and always clean up after yourself.
8. Variations
Double-Down Cornhole: In this variation, each team has four bags of one color and four bags of another color. Players throw all eight bags at the same time and try to get them all in the hole. If they do, they get 24 points (three points for each bag in the hole). If they get at least one bag in the hole, they continue throwing until they miss. The game continues until one team reaches 200 points.
Round Robin Cornhole: In this variation, all teams play each other in a round-robin format. The team with the best record at the end of the round-robin is declared the winner.
Skins Cornhole: In this variation, each round is worth a certain number of points. The player or team with the highest score in each round wins that round and earns the points for that round. If there is a tie, the points are carried over to the next round. The winner is the player or team with the most points at the end of the game.
Cancel Scoring Cornhole: This variation is similar to regular cornhole, but with a twist. Instead of each player or team earning points for bags that land on the board or in the hole, they earn points for the difference in their scores. For example, if Player A scores 10 points and Player B scores 8 points in a round, Player A would earn 2 points. If Player A scores 8 points and Player B scores 10 points, Player B would earn 2 points. If both players score the same number of points, no points are awarded. The game continues until one player or team reaches 21 points.
Ghost Cornhole: In this variation, a player or team plays against a "ghost" opponent who does not throw any bags. The ghost's score is predetermined and the player or team must try to beat it. This variation is great for practicing or for playing by yourself.