How To Play Cornhole

The game of cornhole consists of two boards with holes on their upper halves. Players stand at one board and attempt to throw bean bags onto the other board to score points. Cornhole is cheap to play and great for parties. It can be played nearly anywhere and is an excellent family activity. Read on to learn how to play.

1. Learn the Basics

Regulation cornhole boards are spaced 27 feet apart. These boards have six-inch diameter holes that are nine inches from the top of the board and 12 inches from its sides. To start a game, each player or team needs four six square-inch bean bags weighing 14-16.25 ounces.

Once the boards are aligned parallel and spaced apart, you can begin playing the game. In a two-player game, opponents stand at one cornhole board and take turns throwing their bean bags on the other board. In a four-player game, teams of two go against each other. Teammates stand at different boards and throw bean bags on the other board, playing against a player on the other team. The player or team that reaches 21 points first wins the game.

2. Understand the Rules

Cornhole is very simple to play. The game begins by deciding who will get the first throw. Then, two opponents head to one board and attempt to throw bean bags onto the other board, taking turns as they throw. The player gets three points if the bag goes into the hole on the board. If the bag lands on the board, the thrower gets one point.

Cornhole using cancellation scoring, meaning that you must subtract the opponent’s score from your score to calculate the final score for that round. Therefore, only one team can score points in each round. A player's maximum possible score in a round is 12, which can only happen if they make all four of their bags in the hole and their opponent does not get any bags on the board.

Once all eight bags have been thrown (four for each player), the round is over. The players on the opposite board then take turns throwing their bags for the next round. This pattern continues until a team gets 21 points and wins the game.

3. Get Equipment

You can buy equipment for cornhole by searching cornhole equipment, cornhole boards, or cornhole bean bags on online retailers such as Amazon. Additionally, you could head to a physical store such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or Walmart and buy equipment. The necessary equipment for cornhole is:

• 2x Cornhole boards
• 8x Bean bags
• Measuring tape (for measuring the distance between boards)

4. Find a Place to Play

You can play cornhole anywhere if you have boards and bean bags. Unfortunately, most public parks do not have cornhole boards or bags. However, many resorts, universities, clubhouses, restaurants, and other places have areas to play cornhole. Look up places to play cornhole near me to get a good idea of where to play.

On the other hand, if you have the equipment, you do not have to go through the hassle of finding a place. You can play anywhere as long as you have a flat surface and a little more than 27 feet of space (to fit the extra board space).

5. Throwing Technique

Each cornhole player has their own throwing style, but we will cover a basic process below.

1. Hold the bag flat, parallel to the ground. Place your thumb on top and your fingers underneath.
2. Then, move your hand so that your fingers point across your body, parallel to your chest. Keep this wrist position as you bring the bag back behind you.
3. Throw the bag underhanded, like you are scooping the air.
4. As you release the bag, flick your wrist so that your fingers point in the direction you want the bag to go (like you are throwing a frisbee).

The process above causes the bag to remain flat and spin in the air, which will allow it to slide on the cornhole board. Try to aim at the board’s bottom and let the bag slide into the hole.

6. Stance

Stance is just as important as the process you take to throw the ball. If your stance is off, it can ruin the process we detailed above and derail an otherwise excellent throw.

1. Place your legs together and stand straight up.
2. Step forward with the foot opposite to the hand you are using to throw.
3. As you step forward, bring the bean bag back.
4. Once your foot hits the ground, bring the bag forward using the process we detailed in the Throwing Technique section above.

Make sure to arch your back and bend your knees a little as you step forward and release the ball so you do not lose your balance. As you throw, stay on the balls of your toes.

7. Accuracy

There is no other way to improve accuracy but to practice. Players need accuracy because they attain the most points by throwing the bean bag into the board’s hole, which is only six inches in diameter. Furthermore, many players find themselves in situations where they have to get three points to save the game. Without accuracy, they cannot clutch up and win.

Improve your accuracy by practicing the throwing technique and stance we explained above. Stick to the basics, keep your eye on where you want the bean bag to go, and perfect your hand and wrist technique.

8. Blocking

As you get better at cornhole and play with others who are equally, or especially more skilled, you must learn how to apply the blocking technique. Many players get so good at cornhole that they can make it into the hole most of the time. Throwing a bean bag so that it sticks at the center of the board can make it much more difficult for the opposing player to slide their bag into the hole.

Most of the time, players accomplish a block by adding height to their throw. Changing the trajectory of the throw in this way gives it less momentum for the slide, which causes it to stick at the center of the board.

9. Practice With Others

Anybody can play cornhole. Get your friends started by having them over on weekends or holidays. Then, take them outside and have them try their hand at your cornhole boards. If they are uninterested in playing, join a cornhole league or club.

Should you wish to play for fun and not be as competitive, you can always join social media groups to get in contact with other cornhole players in your community. Cornholefinder is a great resource to check out.

10. Play a Game

Before playing an actual game, make some practice throws and do some stretches. Warming up can help you not get stiff when making those first few throws. Also, remember to strategize. For example, if the player you are up against is better than you, try to make a block to stop them from going on a run.

If you are playing on a team, talk to your teammate about a throw you will make. They could help you make the best decision. Do not stress out, and most importantly, have fun!

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