Ultimate Guide to Playing Cornhole: Rules and Regulations

The history of cornhole is often debated, with some legends tracing it back to a 14th-century cabinetmaker who, concerned about children throwing rocks into groundhog holes, created a safer alternative using corn-filled bags and wooden boards.

Though this tale lacks solid proof, there is no denying that cornhole has surged in popularity in recent decades.

Tournaments, classes, and instructional videos have made the game accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. In 2019, Cornhole Canada was established to provide a structured environment for players. With official rules and leagues across the country, their goal is to make cornhole an Olympic sport while also offering fun opportunities for Canadians coast-to-coast.

Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss or corn toss, is played by having players alternate tossing bean bags (corns) toward a board with a hole, aiming to score points by landing the bag on the board or sinking it into the hole.

The game can be played in singles (where two players compete against each other) or doubles (where two teams of two face-off).

Players start by setting up boards on a flat surface, 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge. Each player must stand behind the foul line of their respective board when tossing their "corn in the hole." The official corn toss rules state that each player or team is given four cornhole bags of contrasting colours, which they alternately throw until all the bags have been tossed.

The objective is simple: score points by landing the bags on the board or, even better, through the hole. The first player or team to score 21 points wins!

As for deciding who throws first, the choice is yours! You can choose a pre-game coin toss, go by age, or use any fair method.

Like any sport, good sportsmanship is crucial when playing cornhole. Each player should play fairly, respect their opponents, and avoid interfering with other players during a game. Interrupting another player's throw or engaging in poor sportsmanship may result in disqualification or forfeiture of the game.

If disputes arise, they should be settled amicably. If necessary, a neutral judge can be appointed to make final rulings, ensuring the game remains enjoyable for everyone involved.

To ensure fairness and consistency, cornhole is played with specific equipment. The official cornhole board measures 48 inches long and 24 inches wide, with a 6-inch-diameter hole positioned 9 inches from the top of the board.

The board itself should be made from a smooth texture like plywood and be at least 0.5 inches thick to allow the bags to slide without bouncing too much.

Cornhole bags are equally standardized. Each bag weighs between 15.5 and 16.25 ounces and measures 6 square inches. They are filled with plastic resin, typically placed and sewn in durable fabrics like synthetic suede or canvas to withstand frequent use.

Once you've mastered the basic rules, you can begin incorporating advanced strategies into your gameplay to gain a competitive edge. Here are a few techniques to try:

Slide shot: The slide shot involves you tossing the bag and having it slide into the hole. It requires extreme precision and little room for error as you try to control your bag's trajectory as it approaches the hole.

Your goal is to aim for the edge of the board to maximize your chances of smoothly sliding the bag into the hole. Proper rotation during the throw is key to a successful slide shot, so you need to practice, practice, and practice!

Block shot: In this strategy, you aim to land your bag in front of the hole, blocking your opponent's attempts to score. This forces them to either risk an airmail shot (throwing directly into the hole) or inadvertently push your bag into the hole, scoring points for you.

Adapting to wind conditions: If you enjoy a fun round of outdoor cornhole games, you know that weather, especially wind, can influence the final landing of your toss. Get familiar with adjusting your power and angle throws based on wind speed. For example, a low throw on a windy day will reduce its impact on your bag's trajectory.