How to play Cornhole - the basics.

Cornhole is the classic bean-bag toss game that's played all over the Midwest in the summer; the game is a staple at grad parties, grill outs, and get-togethers. Cornhole gets its name from the "bean" bags that are actually filled with feed corn. These Corn hole bags are tossed back and forth between two teams competing to land their bags in or on a Cornhole board. 

Most of the time Cornhole is played for fun, but it can get pretty competitive. If you'd like to see the official Cornhole tournament rules, read the American Cornhole Association rules or the American Cornhole Organization rules. In this article, you'll find the basics to get you started on a good time anyone can play.

To begin your game, start by finding a large, level, open area. Avoid spots with overhanging tree branches and areas where people frequently walk. Next, place the two Cornhole boards 27 feet away from each other. Measure from the front edges. Partner up in two teams of two. Members of a team stand at opposite boards and stand across from each other. These locations next to the Coarnhole boards become the throwing locations. A person throwing may not step past the front edge of the board and they need to stay on their own side.

Starting at one board, and with all eight Cornhole bags (four per team), decide which team will toss first. That player will start by tossing one of their Cornhole bags toward the opposite board. Next, the second team will toss one of their Cornhole bags toward that same board. Alternate like this until all eight bags are tossed. Add up the points for each team. (See scoring below.) Now that the Cornhole bags are at the opposite board, these teammates get the chance to toss. Repeat the same alternating toss pattern, but start with the team who received the most points on the last toss.

In a traditional game, the first team to reach or exceed 21 points after a round is over is the winner. Some house rules state that a team needs to reach 21 exactly, and that going over 21 becomes a penalty that drops the score to 13. Before starting a game, make sure both teams are on the same page about that rule.

Scoring:
A bag resting on the board counts as 1 point.
A bag going through the hole is 3 points.
A bag that lands on the ground (bounces off or is touching the ground) is zero points.
A bag that hits the ground first and then bounces onto the board is zero points.
Final scoring is tallied with a canceling or divide-out system. In this way, only one team will receive points per round. See examples below.

Happy Cornhole playing! Visit the 218 Clothing and Gift brick-and-mortar location to see the selection of Cornholeboards we sell. The store is located at 223 3rd St. NW, Bemidji, MN 56601.