Cornhole

1 Game Overview

Cornhole (also called bean bag toss or bags) is an American backyard classic played at tailgates, barbecues, and family gatherings. Two teams of 1-2 players each toss bean bags at an elevated, slanted wooden board with a hole in it.

Land a bag in the hole = 3 points. Land on the board = 1 point. Teams cancel each other's points (cancellation scoring). First team to exactly 21 wins.

2 What's in the Box

• 2 cornhole boards (2'x4' boards with a 6" hole, set at an angle)
• 8 bean bags (4 per team, different colors)

3 Setup

1. Place boards 27 feet apart (front edge to front edge). Angled side faces up, hole end is the top.
2. Teams stand behind the front edge of their board to throw.
3. Determine who goes first by coin flip. Teams alternate throwing.
4. Partners stand at opposite boards - you throw toward the other team's board.

4 How to Play

Each player throws 4 bags per round, alternating with the opposing team (one bag at a time - Red throws, Blue throws, Red throws, etc.).

Scoring (Cancellation)

• Bag through the hole = 3 points
• Bag resting on the board = 1 point
• Bag touching the ground = 0 points

At the end of each round, subtract the lower score from the higher. Only the winning team scores. Example: Red scores 7, Blue scores 4 - Red nets 3 points. This is cancellation scoring.

5 Winning

First team to reach exactly 21 points wins. If a team goes OVER 21, they bust back to 15 points (or the game continues without busting - house rules vary). The winning round is the first to reach exactly 21.

6 Strategy Tips

• Aim for the hole on every throw. A bag in the hole is worth 3 times a board bag - always go for the big points.
• Develop a consistent release. Underhanded, flat arc throws are most consistent. Find your grip and repeat it.
• Block strategically. If your opponent bags are on the board, sometimes knocking them off is worth more than going for the hole yourself.
• Watch the wind. Bags are light - check wind direction and adjust your line accordingly.