Bean Bags and Victory Brags: Understanding the Rules of Cornhole

In this blog, we’ll discuss the rules of cornhole, including player positions, equipment required, how to play the game, how to win the game. You will soon see what makes this game so enjoyable.

Cornhole is a popular backyard game that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. It’s a game that can be played by people of all ages and requires minimal equipment. However, to play the game correctly, players must know the rules. .

Brief Overview of Corn Hole

Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, involves throwing bags of corn or bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in it. The objective is to score points by landing the bean bags in the hole or on the board. The game is typically played with two teams of two players. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

History of this Backyard Favourite

Cornhole’s origins are not entirely clear, however there are records similar games been played since 1883. Throughout the years the shape and number of holes has changed. The game in its current format originated and gained popularity in Cincinnati’s west side in the 1980s. The game gained popularity in the 1990s and has since become a staple of backyard parties and tailgating events.


Players and Positions

Cornhole is typically played with two teams of two players. Players on the same team stand at opposite ends of the playing area and take turns throwing the bean bags.


Equipment Required to play Cornhole!

To play cornhole, you’ll need a cornhole board. The Cornhole board is a plywood rectangle platform, 48’ x 24’  raised  4 inches at the front and 12 inches at the back. The circular hole is 6 inches in diameter and the centre is 9inches form the top of the platform. This a relatively easy home DIY project, but if you’re like me and prefer to play, you may want to purchase the set! We recommend GoSports Portable PVC Framed Cornhole Toss Game Set with 8 Bean Bags and Travel Carrying Case

You’ll also need eight bean bags, four of one colour and four of another. Each bag should be 6×6 inches and weigh 14 to 16 ounces (included in the recommended set).

How to Play the Game

To play the game, teams take turns throwing their bean bags at the opposing team’s board. The front of each board should be 27 feet apart for adults and 12-15 feet for junior play.

The goal is to land the bean bag in the hole or on the board. Points are awarded based on where the bean bag lands. A bean bag that lands on the board is worth one point, while a bean bag that lands in the hole is worth three points.

The game typically lasts until one team reaches 21 points.


What are the rules of Cornhole?

Cornhole doesn’t have a lot of rules but there are specific rules that players must follow to ensure fair play. The following are some of the most important rules of cornhole:

Pitching order: The team that scored in the previous round pitches first in the next round.

Throwing the bean bags: Players must throw the bean bags from behind the front of the board, and they cannot step over the front of the board until the bean bag has landed.

Scoring: Points are awarded based on where the bean bag lands. A bean bag that lands on the board is worth one point, while a bean bag that lands in the hole is worth three points.

Game Fouls

Fouls in cornhole can result in penalties for the offending team. The following are some of the most common fouls in cornhole:

Foot fault: If a player steps over the front of the board before the bean bag has landed, the throw is considered a foul.

Short bag: If a player throws the bean bag and it doesn’t make it to the board, the throw is considered a foul.

Interference: If a player interferes with the opposing team’s throw or with the bean bag, the throw may be considered a foul.

In conclusion, cornhole is a fun and easy-to-learn game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple game that does not require a high level of fitness. Despite its simplicity, there are rules of cornhole to ensure fair play that players should follow to have the most fun. So whether you’re going to knock up your own boards we hope this blog has provided all you need to enjoy the game of CornHole.

If you liked this check out another party favourite, Table Tennis. Or follow us on twitter for more @allsportrules!

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