Cornhole: A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic Tailgate Game

Cornhole, also known as beanbag toss or beanbag game, is a popular outdoor game enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a simple yet addictive game that combines skill, strategy, and a touch of luck. Whether you're playing at a tailgate party, family gathering, or backyard barbecue, cornhole is sure to bring laughter and excitement to the occasion.

The Game of Cornhole

Cornhole is played with two wooden platforms called "boards" that are placed 27 feet apart. Each board has a hole in the far end, and the objective of the game is to toss beanbags onto the board and into the hole. Players take turns tossing beanbags from their own board toward their opponent's board. The first player or team to reach a predetermined score (typically 21) wins the game.

Scoring System

Points are scored as follows:

• 3 points: Beanbag lands in the hole.
• 1 point: Beanbag lands on the board but not in the hole.
• 0 points: Beanbag misses the board completely.

Equipment

To play cornhole, you will need the following equipment:

• Boards: Two wooden platforms with holes in the far end.
• Beanbags: Eight beanbags, four of one color for each player or team.

Cornhole Boards

Cornhole boards can be made of various materials, such as wood, plastic, or metal. The most common type of board is made of plywood and measures 2 feet wide by 4 feet long. The hole is typically 6 inches in diameter and is placed 9 inches from the top of the board.

Board Specifications

According to the **American Cornhole Association (ACA)**, regulation cornhole boards must meet the following specifications:

Cornhole Beanbags

Cornhole beanbags are typically made of canvas or duck cloth and are filled with dried corn kernels. They are designed to be easy to throw and land on the board. The weight and size of the beanbags can vary, but they are typically around 15 ounces and 6 inches square.

Beanbag Specifications

The **ACA** also has specifications for cornhole beanbags:

How to Play Cornhole

Playing cornhole is simple. Follow these steps to get started:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set up the boards: Place the two cornhole boards 27 feet apart, facing each other.
2. Determine the first player: Toss a coin to determine which player or team will go first.
3. Take turns throwing: Players take turns tossing four beanbags from their own board toward their opponent's board.
4. Score points: Points are scored as follows:
   • 3 points for a beanbag in the hole
   • 1 point for a beanbag on the board
   • 0 points for a beanbag off the board
5. Win the game: The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game.

Tips and Tricks for Playing Cornhole

Here are some tips and tricks to help you improve your cornhole game:

• Use the correct toss technique: Hold the beanbag with your thumb and forefinger, with your wrist cocked back. Swing your arm forward and release the beanbag with a slight upward trajectory.
• Aim for the center of the board: This gives you the best chance of landing the beanbag on the board or in the hole.
• Be consistent with your toss: The more consistently you toss the beanbag, the more accurate you will be.
• Watch your opponents: Pay attention to how your opponents are tossing the beanbags and try to predict where they will land.
• Have fun: Cornhole is a game meant to be enjoyed, so don't take it too seriously and have some fun with it.

Pros and Cons of Cornhole

Like any game, cornhole has its pros and cons. Here's a comparison to help you decide if cornhole is right for you:

Stories and Lessons from Cornhole

Beyond the fun and excitement, cornhole can also teach us valuable life lessons. Here are a few stories and the lessons we can learn from them:

Story 1: The Power of Patience

In a cornhole tournament, one player was struggling to land his beanbags on the board. He became frustrated and started throwing the beanbags harder. However, the harder he threw, the worse he played. Finally, he calmed down and took his time with each toss. This resulted in a significant improvement in his performance, and he ended up winning the tournament.

Lesson: Patience is key in many aspects of life. When we take our time and focus on doing things the right way, we are more likely to succeed.

Story 2: The Importance of Teamwork

In a cornhole game between two teams, one team was dominating the other. However, the losing team refused to give up. They worked together, strategized their tosses, and supported each other. In the end, they managed to come back from behind and win the game.

Lesson: Teamwork is essential for success in many areas of life. By working together, we can achieve more than we could ever achieve on our own.

Story 3: The Value of Humility

In a cornhole game between two friends, the winning player was feeling very proud of himself. He started bragging about his victory and belittling his opponent. This upset his opponent and ruined the fun for both of them.

Lesson: Humility is important in both victory and defeat. When we are humble, we can learn from our mistakes and improve our skills. When we are gracious in victory, we show respect to our opponents.

Conclusion

Cornhole is a fun, addictive, and rewarding game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're playing for fun, competition, or to teach life lessons, cornhole is a game that will bring laughter, excitement, and memories for years to come.

So grab a set of beanbags and boards, find a partner or opponent, and get ready to experience the joy of cornhole.

Additional Information

Resources

• American Cornhole Association
• Cornhole Worldwide
• International Cornhole Federation

Tables

Table 1: Cornhole Board Specifications

Table 2: Cornhole Beanbag Specifications

Table 3: Cornhole Scoring System