If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to set up, fun to play, and perfect for outdoor gatherings, look no further than cornhole. Also known as beanbag toss, this classic tailgate game is a favorite of party-goers everywhere. But, if you’re not familiar with the official rules of cornhole, you might find yourself lost in a sea of beanbags and lost points. So, grab a cold beverage and let’s break it down!
Setup
To set up a game of cornhole, you’ll need two boards and eight beanbags. The boards should be placed 27 feet apart (or 21 feet for a more beginner-friendly game) with their surfaces facing each other. Each board should have a hole that’s six inches in diameter and centered nine inches from the top of the board.
Players typically stand behind their board and toss their beanbags at their opponent’s board. And, speaking of tossing…
Play
The objective of the game is to toss your beanbag into the hole or onto the board and score as many points as possible. The player or team with the most points wins.
Each turn, players take turns pitching their beanbags at the opposing board. A player must toss all four of their beanbags before their opponent can take their turn.
If a beanbag lands in the hole, the player scores three points. If a beanbag lands on the board and doesn’t fall off, the player scores one point. However, if a beanbag hits the ground first and bounces onto the board, it doesn’t count.
If a player’s beanbag lands on the board and knocks an opponent’s beanbag off, the opponent’s beanbag is removed from the board and doesn’t count for any points.
Now, let’s talk about some alternative ways to play.
Variations
Cornhole is a game that’s open to interpretation, and players across the country have developed their own variations. Some players choose to play with smaller boards or different distances between boards. Others allow for the use of house rules, such as tossing two beanbags at once or allowing a do-over for a bad toss.
If you’re playing with a competitive group, it’s best to stick to the official rules. But, if you’re just looking to have some fun with friends, feel free to mix it up and try out some variations.
Scoring
Scoring in cornhole is pretty straightforward. Players keep track of their points on a scoreboard or by using a score slider. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins.
If both players or teams have the same number of points at the end of a round, the game goes into overtime. In overtime, each player gets one beanbag toss, and the first player to score wins.
So, there you have it! The official rules of cornhole. Whether you’re playing in your backyard or at a tailgate party, cornhole is always a fun and competitive game. So, grab your beanbags, set up your boards, and get ready to show off your tossing skills!
