There are many games available for those who love to step outdoors, get competitive, and show their skills. For example, badminton is a great game to get out with friends and family. However, those with a more competitive edge might prefer something else. Cornhole is a classic backyard game that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. With its mix of friendly competition and accessibility for players of all skill levels, it’s no wonder that more people are eager to join in on the fun. If you’re new to cornhole and seeking ways to improve, look no further. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from the basic rules to new techniques you need to succeed.
A Quick Overview of Cornhole: Rules and Equipment
Before diving into gameplay strategies, brushing up on some basic cornhole knowledge is essential. The objective is simple: teams take turns tossing bean bags at a slanted board 27 feet apart, aiming for the hole in the center. Scoring depends on where the bean bag lands—players earn one point for landing the bean bag on the board and three points for making it into the hole.
The game only requires a set of cornhole boards and eight bean bags. Official boards measure 2 feet by 4 feet and have a hole 6 inches in diameter. If you’re concerned about meeting game standards, ensure the board’s hole is 9 inches from the top edge and 12 inches from each side.
Develop Your Cornhole Techniques: Finding the Perfect Toss
Getting better at cornhole isn’t easy; finding a toss style that feels comfortable and works best for you is crucial. Some players prefer an underhand toss with a slight spin for better control, while others favor an overhand toss or a combination of the two. Experiment with different methods to determine which feels most natural for your playstyle and helps improve consistency.
One of the essential elements of a successful toss is selecting the right grip on the bean bag—ideally, you want to hold the bag loosely to generate a spin. Many professional cornhole players stress the importance of a consistent, relaxed grip and release.
Tactics for Achieving High Scores and Avoid Common Mistakes
Aside from mastering the toss itself, developing strategies to maximize your scoring potential and avoid falling into traps that hinder many new players is vital. One common mistake is aiming only for the hole rather than using the entire board to your advantage. Attempting a holeshot every time can increase the risk of missing the board altogether, resulting in zero points. Instead, focus on consistent board shots and let the hole shots come naturally.
Additionally, practicing defensive play can provide a significant advantage in games. By intentionally placing your bean bag to block your opponent’s path to the hole, you can force them into difficult shots and increase your chances of winning.
Beyond the Basics: Cornhole Championships and Tournaments
As you continue to master your skills, you may have an interest in participating in organized cornhole events. Various regional and national cornhole leagues and tournaments cater to players of all skill levels, so don’t hesitate to test your abilities against other players and potentially win prizes! However, you’ll likely want to learn some ways to take your skills to a higher level before you compete.
- RUSTIC DESIGN: Join the classic fun of cornhole with this unique set featuring printed steel framed barnwood graphics; Boards are made to look like real barnwood planks for a stylish farmhouse...
- COMPLETE CORNHOLE SET: Includes 2 premium tailgate size 3 x 2 ft boards, 8 all-weather regulation size (6 x 6 inch) and weight (1 lb each) bean bags (4 red, 4 blue), carrying case, and game rules
- GREAT VALUE: Tailgate size cornhole set that won't break the bank; Made from MDF composite wood that is perfect for casual bean bag toss games with friends & family for endless entertainment
- PORTABLE CARRY CASE: Each board weighs only 12 lbs, durable yet lightweight compared to heavy wood boards that weigh twice as much; Both boards easily fold flat into the included carrying case for...
- SOCIAL EVENT FAVORITE: Hours of fun for kids and adults; Enjoy outdoor games on the lawn, in the backyard, at the beach, tailgates, camping, cookouts, weddings, holiday weekends and more
- 100% SOLID WOOD: Premium handcrafted regulation size 4 feet x 2 feet boards made using pine wood frames and featuring mitered corner joints for authentic gameplay
- EASY CUSTOMIZATION: Easily paint on the boards for added personalization
- PREMIUM STAINED FINISH: A professional light brown stain finish gives this set a stylish look that captures the timeless fun of playing bean bag toss with friends and family
- EVENT DAY FAVORITE: Hours of fun with friends and family at tournaments, tailgates, holiday weekends, cookouts, campsites, weddings and more
- NO BEAN BAGS INCLUDED: Customize your set with your own choice of color bean bags (sold separately) to match your favorite sports team, holiday colors, alma mater and more
- [Value Pack] - The cornhole board set includes 2 premium quality 4 feet x 2 feet regulation corn hole boards, 8 all-weather bean bags, portable carrying case and instructions. When not in use, you can...
- [Upgraded Boards] - Our professional 4x2 cornhole boards are made of high quality Solid Wood, and thicken the legs and frame, more stable for play. What's more, We put stickers on the front and back...
- [Easy Carrying] - The foldable legs of the corn hole game toss board are very easy to set up and helpful for saving space when storage. The reinforced lifting handles on the side of the boards can...
- [All Weather Bean Bags] - Each plain wood cornhole set comes with 8 regulation size cornhole bags (4 of each color). Made with heavy duty duck canvas and double stitched for extra durability, keeps...
- [Enjoy Outdoor Games] - This corn holes outdoor game is a great partner for your BBQ gathering, beach party, holiday party, and so on. And it's also a pretty good gift for your friends, get your...
- Play a cornhole game any time of the day or night with the EastPoint Sports Light-Up Bean Bag Toss. Team up or go head-to-head in friendly nighttime outdoor competition.
- This light-up cornhole set features a built-in bean bag return for convenient fast-paced play. The durable cornhole game board is made from smooth plastic for an effortless slide after tossing.
- This bean bag toss game includes 2 compact targets that measure 23.5” (L) x 18” (W) and 8 light-up bean bags in 2 team colors (Blue and Green). Throw, score and win.
- Lightweight folding corn hole game is great for the lawn, park or tailgating party. Portable carry handles and inner storage compartments make it easy to travel with. Store inside.
- Enjoy backyard matches, driveway games and outdoor fun with this adults and kids cornhole game. Great for all ages and skill levels.
- REGULATION SIZE: Full cornhole set includes 2 regulation size (4 feet x 2 feet) cornhole boards for authentic gameplay, 8 all-weather bean bags, and rules
- EVENT DAY FAVORITE: Hours of fun with friends and family at tournaments, tailgates, holiday weekends, cookouts, campsites, and more!
- STURDY CONSTRUCTION: Features composite MDF surface with high-strength aluminum frame that is durable for play yet lightweight for portability
- COMPACT FOLD-UP DESIGN: Folds out for play and folds up for storage in seconds and is easily carried by one person using built-in carrying handles
- ALL-WEATHER BEAN BAGS: Includes complete set of 8 regulation size (6 inch x 6 inch) bean bags (4 red + 4 blue)
- TRAVEL SIZE: Boards measure 2 ft x 1 ft x 8 in tall
- UNPLUG AND GET ACTIVE: Includes 2 boards, 6 bean bags, and rules - fun for BBQS, office breaks, parties, tailgating and encouraging outdoor play
- FINISHED WOOD DESIGN: Cornhole boards designed with decals that look like finished solid wood for a classic style
- COMPACT SET: Add some fun to smaller indoor spaces like offices, dorms, and living room and a perfect set for taking on the go!
- STURDY AND PORTABLE DESIGN: Boards hook-and-loop together to store bags inside and are easy to transport with attached carrying handles
- [INNOVATION DESIGN] Exclusive innovative design, this Bean Bag Game can be assembled very quickly by flicking and sticking and stored very easy by tearing and stacking with a small footprint and...
- [LIGHT WEIGHT AND PORTABLE] With a weight of 2 kg and a length of 11inch*11inch*4inch after folding, this Corn Hole Boards are more lightweight and portable than other Cornhole Game in the market. A...
- [STRONG AND DURABLE] Made by the high elastic flat wire, which can be folded for more than 1000 times.Fabrics with anti-skid treatment handle the issue of bags skid on surface effectively.By 300D poly...
- [MOST COST-EFFECTIVE] Two 3' x 2' Cornhole Boards(Non-match size), 8 CornHole Bags and carrying case.All Cornhole Game pieces included
- [EXTENSIBLE ] Join Himal Care to extend your Bean Toss Game for FREE
- Regulation Cornhole Set :The Cornhole board is constructed of solid pine wood with durable foldable legs support. 100% solid wooded cornhole game set comes with 2 boards, 8 regulation tossing bean...
- Portable Cornhole : This regulation size 4ft x 2ft/3ft x 2ft corn hole boards with foldable leg that make the outdoor game set easy to storage and transport. It can be stored into a handy tote bag...
- Customizable Cornhole Boards: Fully Assembly, smooth varnished surface (can easily be painted or personalized),well sanded surface not worrying about burring. Customize your cornhole boards with your...
- Popular Lawn Games: The tournament size cornhole set is perfect for all occasions and great fun for all ages and family time. It is perfect for parks, backyard, campgrounds, beaches, tailgating,...
- Great for outdoor Fun: Toss a hand-sized bag filled with corn to win everyone's applause.This popular bags yard game game has caught on as a favorite distraction at bars, barbecues, picnics, beach...
- CLASSIC CORNHOLE: Upgrade any event with the classic fun of cornhole; Featuring printed graphics (not real wood), the boards feature a stylish farmhouse inspired design for a unique look
- COMPLETE CORNHOLE SET: Includes 2 premium tailgate size 3 x 2 ft boards, 8 all-weather regulation size (6 x 6 inch) and weight (1 lb each) bean bags (4 red, 4 blue), & rules
- GREAT VALUE: Hours of fun without breaking the bank; Made from MDF composite wood that is perfect for casual bean bag toss games with friends & family for endless entertainment; Not waterproof or...
- PORTABLE DESIGN: The boards attach together for portability, allowing the bags to be stored in-between; Each board weighs only 8.5 lbs, durable yet lightweight compared to heavy wood boards that weigh...
- SOCIAL EVENT FAVORITE: Enjoy outdoor games on the lawn, in the backyard, at the beach, tailgates, camping, cookouts, weddings, holiday weekends & more
- TAILGATE APPROVED: Two 2' x 3' cornhole boards play just as competitively as their full-size cousins, but are smaller, lighter, and more portable - perfect for tailgating
- OUTDOOR FUN: Perfect to pack-up for the beach, set-up in the backyard, or carry along to the tailgate
- INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAY: (8) premium cloth 12 oz. 6" x 6" bean bags in two different team colors
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Smooth laminated sliding surface and rugged reinforced corners and sides to withstand seasons of playtime (this item is MDF, not weather resistant)
- GREAT FOR ON THE GO: Easily attach the boards together, store the bags between, and carry away effortlessly with built-in carry handle.
- REGULATION SIZE: Full cornhole set includes 2 regulation 4 x 2 ft cornhole boards for authentic gameplay, 8 all-weather bean bags, portable carry case, and game rules; Everything needed to start...
- REAL GRAIN TECHNOLOGY: Features REAL GRAIN boards with sharp detail and vibrant colors printed directly onto real wood surfaces; Compare to vinyl stickers that can peel over time
- DARK DESIGN: Dark blue and red rustic inspired design for hours of fun cornhole lawn games for adults & family; Great for camping, beach days, tailgate events, outdoor backyard games, & wedding...
- 100% WOOD BOARDS: Premium handcrafted cornhole boards set with oak wood veneer surfaces, each board is varnished with premium printed graphics that allow the wood grain to show through
- ALL-WEATHER BEAN BAGS: Includes a complete set of 8 regulation size (6 inch x 6 inch) cornhole bags (4 red + 4 blue); Built to withstand hours of bean bag toss games
Above all, remember that becoming a talented cornhole player takes time, practice, and a positive attitude. Keep refining your skills, learn from your mistakes, and consistently apply these beginner tips to elevate your game to new heights. With determination and persistence, you’ll soon be a formidable cornhole competitor.
