Cornhole, also known as beanbag toss, is a popular outdoor game that has gained immense popularity in recent years.
It is a simple yet entertaining game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the rules of cornhole is essential to fully enjoy the game and compete with others.
Below we look at the rules of cornhole in detail, providing you with valuable insights and tips to enhance your gameplay.
Objective of the Game
The objective of cornhole is to score points by tossing beanbags onto a raised platform with a hole at the far end.
Players take turns throwing their beanbags towards the platform, aiming to land them on the platform or, ideally, through the hole.
The game is typically played in teams of two, with each team standing at opposite ends of the playing area.
Equipment Required
To play cornhole, you will need the following equipment:
- A cornhole board: This is a rectangular wooden platform with a hole at one end. The standard dimensions of a cornhole board are 4 feet by 2 feet.
- Beanbags: Each team requires four beanbags of the same color. The standard size for beanbags is 6 inches by 6 inches.
- Measuring tape: This is used to measure the distance between the cornhole boards during setup.
Setting Up the Game
Before you start playing cornhole, you need to set up the game properly.
Follow these steps to set up the game:
- Place the cornhole boards approximately 27 feet apart from each other. This is the regulation distance for cornhole.
- Ensure that the front edges of the boards are aligned with each other.
- Place the beanbags near one of the boards, allowing each team to have easy access to their bags.
Playing the Game
Now that you have set up the game, it’s time to start playing.
Here are the rules and guidelines for playing cornhole:
1. Determining Who Goes First
Before the game begins, each team can throw one beanbag towards the opposite board.
The team whose beanbag lands closer to the hole gets to choose whether they want to go first or second.
If both teams’ beanbags land in the hole or cancel each other out, they repeat the process until a winner is determined.
2. Throwing the Beanbags
Each team takes turns throwing their beanbags towards the opposite board.
The player must throw the beanbag from behind the front edge of their board.
The player can toss the beanbag in any manner they prefer, as long as it is done with one hand and without stepping over the front edge of the board.
3. Scoring Points
Points are awarded based on where the beanbags land on the board:
- If a beanbag lands on the board and remains on it at the end of the round, it is worth 1 point.
- If a beanbag goes through the hole, it is worth 3 points.
- If a beanbag touches the ground before landing on the board, it is considered a foul and does not score any points.
At the end of each round, the team with the highest score adds the difference between the two scores to their overall score.
For example, if Team A scores 5 points and Team B scores 3 points in a round, Team A would add 2 points to their overall score.
4. Cancelling Out Points
If both teams have beanbags on the board or in the hole at the end of a round, the points cancel each other out.
For example, if Team A has one beanbag on the board and Team B has one beanbag in the hole, both teams would score zero points for that round.
5. Winning the Game
The game continues until one team reaches or exceeds 21 points.
The team that reaches this score first is declared the winner.
However, if both teams reach 21 points in the same round, the game goes into overtime until one team has a higher score at the end of a round.
How to play Cornhole
FAQs – Cornhole Rules
1. Can I step over the front edge of the board while throwing the beanbag?
No, you must throw the beanbag from behind the front edge of the board.
Stepping over the front edge is considered a foul.
2. What happens if a beanbag hits another beanbag on the board?
If a beanbag hits another beanbag on the board, it can cause the hit beanbag to move or fall off.
In such cases, only the final position of the beanbag is considered for scoring.
3. Can I knock my opponent’s beanbag off the board?
No, intentionally knocking your opponent’s beanbag off the board is not allowed.
It is considered a foul, and the opponent’s beanbag is placed back on the board.
4. Can I throw the beanbag with both hands?
No, you must throw the beanbag with one hand.
Using both hands to throw the beanbag is considered a foul.
5. What happens if a beanbag bounces off the ground and lands on the board?
If a beanbag bounces off the ground and lands on the board, it is considered a valid throw and scores points based on its final position.
6. Can I request a measurement to determine which beanbag is closer to the hole?
Yes, if there is uncertainty about which beanbag is closer to the hole, you can request a measurement using a measuring tape.
The measurement determines which team scores points.
7. Can I throw the beanbag underhand?
Yes, you can throw the beanbag underhand if you prefer.
The throwing style is up to the player’s discretion as long as it is done with one hand.
8. Can I use different colored beanbags for each team?
Yes, it is common to use different colored beanbags for each team to differentiate between them.
9. Can I play cornhole indoors?
While cornhole is primarily an outdoor game, it can also be played indoors as long as there is enough space and a suitable playing surface.
10. Can I modify the dimensions of the cornhole board?
The standard dimensions of a cornhole board are 4 feet by 2 feet.
However, you can modify the dimensions as long as the board maintains the same proportions and the hole is 6 inches in diameter.
11. Can I play cornhole with more than two teams?
Yes, cornhole can be played with more than two teams.
In such cases, the teams take turns throwing their beanbags, and the scoring is adjusted accordingly.
12. Can I play cornhole without teams?
Yes, cornhole can be played individually without teams.
In this case, each player takes turns throwing their beanbags and keeps track of their individual score.
13. Can I play cornhole with different scoring systems?
While the standard scoring system for cornhole is based on points, you can modify the scoring system to suit your preferences.
For example, you can assign different point values to beanbags based on their position on the board.
14. Can I play cornhole with younger children?
Yes, cornhole is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
You can modify the rules or the distance between the boards to make it easier for younger children to play.
15. Can I play cornhole competitively?
Yes, cornhole has gained popularity as a competitive sport.
There are organized tournaments and leagues where players compete at various skill levels.
Summary
Cornhole, also known as beanbag toss, is a fun and engaging outdoor game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
By understanding the rules and guidelines of cornhole, you can enhance your gameplay and fully enjoy the experience.
Remember to set up the game properly, follow the throwing rules, and keep track of the scoring.
Whether you play casually with friends or competitively in tournaments, cornhole is a game that brings people together and provides hours of entertainment.
Related
