How To Play Corn In The Hole (step-by-step Guide)
Ever found yourself at a backyard barbecue, or maybe a chill outdoor gathering, and seen a bunch of people clustered around some wooden boards with holes in them, tossing beanbags? And you're probably thinking, "What in the world is going on there?" Well, my friends, you've likely stumbled upon the wonderful world of Cornhole, also known as Corn in the Hole. And guess what? It's way easier and more fun than you might think to get in on the action!
So, what's the big deal about this game? It’s super laid-back, requires zero athletic prowess (though a little coordination never hurt anyone!), and is just plain fun. Think of it like a super chill, low-stakes version of horseshoes, but with beanbags and targets that actually look like something you'd want to aim for. It’s the perfect game for when you want to socialize, laugh, and maybe get a little competitive without breaking a sweat.
Ready to ditch the confusion and become a Cornhole pro (or at least, a competent participant)? Let's break it down, step by step. It's really not rocket science, more like beanbag science!
Getting Started: The Gear You'll Need
First things first, you can't play Cornhole without the essentials. Thankfully, it's not a huge investment or complicated setup. You'll need:
- Two Cornhole Boards: These are typically made of wood and have a slanted surface with a hole cut out near the top. They look pretty simple, right?
- Eight Cornhole Bags (or "Corn Bags"): You get four of one color and four of another. These are usually filled with corn kernels (hence the name, but nowadays, you'll find synthetic fillings too, which are more weather-resistant). They're about the size of a deck of cards.
That's it! Seriously. No complicated rules, no fancy equipment. Just you, your friends, and some trusty beanbags.
Setting Up Your Battlefield
Now for the setup. This is where the "battle" part (in the most relaxed way possible) comes in. You'll place the two boards at opposite ends of a playing area.
How far apart, you ask? This is important! The standard distance for official play is 27 feet from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other. Now, if you're just chilling in your backyard and 27 feet feels like a marathon, don't stress! You can adjust this distance to fit your space and your comfort level. A little shorter is totally fine for casual play. The goal is to have a good tossing distance, but not so far that it feels impossible.
Imagine you're setting up for a friendly game of frisbee, but with a more defined target. It’s about creating that sweet spot for a good toss.
Deciding Who Goes First
So, you've got your boards set up, your beanbags are ready to fly. Who starts? A simple coin flip usually settles this, or a rock-paper-scissors showdown. The winner gets to decide which side they want to play from. Often, players on the same team stand on the same side of the board, but you can also have partners on opposite sides. It really depends on how you and your friends want to play!
The Throwing Technique: It's All About the Toss
This is where the magic happens! Standing at the front edge of your board (or the designated throwing line), you're going to toss the beanbags towards the opposite board.
Here's the deal: Each player gets to throw their four bags before the other team gets their turn. So, if you’re on Team A, you throw all four of your bags. Then, Team B steps up and throws their four bags. It's a nice, alternating rhythm.
Now, about the throw itself. There's no strict "right" way, but most people find a comfortable underhand toss works best. Think of it like tossing a letter into a mailbox, but with a bit more arc and control. You want the bag to land on the board and hopefully, stay there!
Some people like a high, arcing toss that drops down onto the board like a gentle rain. Others prefer a lower, faster toss that skims across the grass. Experiment! See what feels natural and what gets you the best results. It's like finding your signature move in a dance.
Scoring: The Heart of the Game
Alright, the bags have been thrown. Now, how do you rack up points? This is where it gets interesting and where the strategy (if you want to call it that) comes into play.
Here's the breakdown:
- The "Doughnut" (or "Air Mail"): If your beanbag goes straight into the hole without touching the board first, that's a glorious 3 points! This is the ultimate goal, the hole-in-one of Cornhole. It feels amazing when you nail one of these.
- The "Cornhole" (or "In the Hole"): If your beanbag lands on the board and stays there, without falling off, that's 1 point. It might not be as flashy as the 3-pointer, but these points add up!
- The "Dirt Nap" (or "Off the Board"): If your beanbag hits the ground before landing on the board, or bounces off the board and lands on the ground, it gets 0 points. Bummer, but it happens to the best of us!
This is where the "cancellation scoring" comes in, and it's what makes Cornhole so engaging. After both players have thrown all their bags, you count up the points for each team.
Here’s the key: You only score the difference in points. So, if Team A scores 5 points and Team B scores 2 points, Team A gets 3 points for that round (5 - 2 = 3). If both teams score the same number of points, no one gets any points for that round. It’s like a little point negotiation happening on the board.
Winning the Game: Reaching the Target Score
So, how do you win? Simple! The first team to reach 21 points wins the game. However, there's a little catch:
You must win by at least 2 points. So, if the score is tied at 20-20, you have to keep playing until one team is ahead by two points (e.g., 22-20, 23-21, etc.). This adds a nice bit of drama and prevents those frustrating "instant win" scenarios where someone squeaks by with a lucky shot at the very end.
Think of it like a race to the finish line, but with a little bit of extra jockeying at the end. You want to cross that line decisively!
Tips for Becoming a Cornhole Legend (or at least a good sport!)
While it's a relaxed game, there are a few things that can help you up your Cornhole game:
- Practice Your Toss: The more you play, the better you'll get at controlling your throws.
- Learn to Block: Sometimes, instead of trying to score, you can strategically place your bag to block your opponent's path to the hole. It's like setting up a defensive play.
- Watch Your Opponent: Pay attention to how your opponents are throwing. Are they going for high arcing shots? Are they trying to slide their bags? Knowing their tendencies can help you.
- Embrace the Fun: Most importantly, remember it’s about having a good time! Don't get too hung up on winning. Laugh off the bad throws and celebrate the good ones.
Cornhole is more than just a game; it's an experience. It's about gathering with friends, enjoying the outdoors, and engaging in some friendly competition. So next time you see those boards and bags, don't be a bystander. Grab a beanbag, step up to the line, and give it a toss. You might just find your new favorite pastime!