Cornhole is a great game because it can be as utilitarian or customized as you choose to make it. While hand-painting your boards is one way to customize your game set, a much faster, easier, and cheaper option is to get custom cornhole wrap boards.

What are Wrap Boards?

As the name implies, custom cornhole wrap boards are cornhole boards with a wrap on them! A wrap is like a giant decal sticker that covers the entire surface of the board.

It is possible to order wraps and apply them yourself, or you can opt to buy boards with your customized wrap already applied. Not sure which option to choose? Consider the following pros and cons.

Pros of DIY

Perhaps the biggest advantage of buying cornhole decals and applying them yourself is the cost. Full-size, customized cornhole decals are not necessarily cheap. However, if you already have cornhole boards, you can save yourself some money by just ordering the wrap and not another set.

DIY is a good option if you are confident in your ability to apply what is essentially a single sticker over a large surface area.

Cons of DIY

While the DIY method is cheaper than buying fully wrapped boards, remember that this is only true if you already have boards on hand that are primed and ready for a wrap. A few other drawbacks to applying the wrap yourself include:

• There is no forgiveness when applying a decal. You have one chance to get it right. If you mess up and misplace the sticker, then try to peel it off, it will no longer adhere properly. If you decide to scrap the decal entirely, it is difficult to paint over the decal residue.
• It takes practice to apply cornhole decals without having too many air bubbles. The surface area of the boards is pretty significant, so you will surely want to enlist an extra pair of hands just to keep the air bubbles to a minimum.
• If you order your wrap online, it is possible that your measurements will be off so that the wrap does not fit your boards perfectly. It is a bummer when you start to apply the wrap then realize too late that the hole in the wrap and the hole in your board do not line up. Prevent this problem by laying the wrap over the board and inspecting it fully before starting to apply it.
• Most decals are not laminated, so you must also purchase and apply a water-based poly coating to protect the wrap from being damaged by water.

Pros of Buying Wrapped Board

To save yourself time and headache, it is a good idea to buy custom cornhole wrap boards with the wrap already applied. The pros include:

• If you don’t already have boards laying around, buying a wrapped cornhole set is not much more expensive than buying a regular cornhole set. Even better is that if you order wrapped boards, oftentimes the bags are included as well so you can start playing as soon as it arrives. You may also consider customizing your bags to match your wraps.
• Professionally wrapped boards will look better than DIY wraps. This is important to consider if the boards are a gift or if you are a business owner purchasing boards as an advertisement for your business.
• Buying customized boards with the wrap already applied can spare you the frustration of dealing with incorrect measurements, air bubbles, crooked application, and all the other problems that arise with the DIY method.
• When buying boards, you can choose to have two different designs (one for each board) at no added cost.

Cons of Buying Wrapped Boards

On the flip side, the biggest con of buying custom cornhole boards is the expense. While not too much more expensive than buying boards, decals, poly sealer, and bags separately, the cost can be prohibitive for those who already have some of the materials needed for the DIY method.

Other Considerations

Whether you choose to apply the wrap yourself or buy customized boards, other things to consider are caring for cornhole boards with wraps. Like painted cornhole boards, wrapped boards should always be protected by a couple coats of poly sealant. This keeps your wrap from being ruined by water. Even if your wrapped board is polyed, it is a good idea to avoid using solvent-based cleaners and opt instead for soap, water, and a rag.

You’ll also want to consider tournament regulations in your area. Are wrapped boards eligible for tournament play? If your boards are the same size as other official cornhole boards, then it is unlikely to be a problem.

If you are considering custom cornhole wrap boards, take a look at some of the projects were finished for other customers. We’d be happy to put any design you want on your new set of customized boards.

Cornhole is a simple game that only requires two types of equipment: the boards and bags.

Some players just grab any old bag to play with, but it should be noted that some bags are definitely better than others. Plus there are official regulations for serious players. In this post we’ll cover how big are cornhole bags supposed to be.

Size

According to the American Cornhole Association (ACA), the abiding authority on all things cornhole, cornhole bags must be a minimum of 6″ x 6″, although some bags can be as big as 8″ x 8″. Whichever dimensions you choose, you should be sure that your cornhole bags are square.

The dimensions you choose depend entirely on personal preferences. Smaller bags are easier for smaller hands to manage, which is useful to keep in mind if cornhole is one of your family bonding activities.

Whether you opt for 6″ x 6″ or 8″ x 8″ or somewhere in between, remember that your bags should be roughly the same weight. Official cornhole bags are supposed to be between 14 and 16 ounces.

ACA also specifies that the bags must be stitched together with a 1/4″ double-stitched seam.

Material

Now that you know how big are cornhole bags, consider another important element of the bags: the material.

The bags themselves should be made of duck cloth, which is a durable, thick fabric that can resist a lot of wear and tear. It also slides well on properly glossed cornhole boards.

Duck cloth feels like canvas and comes in a variety of colors, which is important because each team needs different colored bags to make keeping score easier. If you need a refresher on how to keep score, we have another post to help you out.

The cornhole bag filling gives the bag its weight. Some players prefer to use bags with the traditional corn filling while others opt for plastic pellets.

With different sizes, materials, and colors to choose from, cornhole is a highly customizable game!

Where To Get Bags

It is possible to make your own cornhole bags, but unless you have a sewing machine and time to hunt down the supplies, it is much easier to buy a pre-made set. Cornhole bags are not expensive and they can last for years with minimal maintenance.

Simple bags are a pretty safe bet, but you always have the option to personalize a set with custom embroidery, logos, glow-in-the-dark, and other features.

While it might be cheaper, easier and quicker to just pick up a set while out at a big box store, you get far more bang for your buck by ordering from a cornhole specialist (like Custom Conrtoss!). Big box sores don’t specialize in cornhole, so the products they sell aren’t necessarily official.

For example, looking at the product offerings at two of the nation’s most popular big box stores, the cornhole bag options were very sad! One set was only 4″ x 4″. Another wasn’t even square, measuring 7.5″ x 6.5″. Nether brand was made of the recommended duck cloth; one was cotton, the other polyester. Duck cloth is far more durable in the outdoors and provides a better game play experience.

Now that you know how big are cornhole bags supposed to be, it’s time to play. Swing by our online store, grab a set of cornhole bags, and go have some fun!

Decals are a quick and easy alternative to painting cornhole boards. However, if you have never applied decals before, this task can seem daunting. But don’t fret: we’ll show you how to apply cornhole decals perfectly each and every time.

Choose a Method: Wet or Dry

There are two general methods for applying cornhole decals: wet or dry. The method you choose will depend on the type of decal you wish to apply and your experience with decal application.

Wet and dry applications are very similar except wet application uses a bit of water in the process, as the name implies. Remember that decals should only be applied to clean surfaces for best results.

Method One: Wet Application

Generally speaking, wet application is better for first-timers because it is more forgiving, allowing you to slide the decal around a bit before making the final placement. Here’s how to apply cornhole decals with the wet method:

• Decals should only be applied to clean surfaces. Wipe down your boards to remove any debris.
• Before applying your decal, be sure to measure and re-measure its placement. Marking your board lightly with a wax or graphite pencil can help you keep the decal on target when you begin the application process.
• Once you are comfortable with your decal’s placement and have marked guidelines on your board, lightly mist the board with a solution of one drop of dish soap per 12 ounces of water.
• Peel off the backing tape of your decal and mist the back of the decal too.
• Place the decal on your board according to the guidelines you made, starting from one edge and slowly laying down the rest of the decal. You should be able to slide the decal slightly if you miss your marks.
• Use a credit card or squeegee to smooth out the surface of the decal. This will help you massage out those pesky air bubbles that are a seemingly unavoidable part of decal application.

Method Two: Dry Application

The dry application process is a little less forgiving than the wet application process because once the decal touches your board it is pretty much stuck. For dry application, your board and decal need to be clean and dry. To apply decals with the dry method:

• Measure and re-measure your decal’s placement. Wax or graphite pencils are great for making light marks to serve as guidelines for your decal’s placement.
• Once you are satisfied with your decal’s placement, tape one edge of the decal, preferably a straight edge, to the board while the decal’s backing sheet is still in place. This tape will serve as a hinge to help keep your decal aligned during application. Painter’s tape works best for this because it harms neither your board nor your decal.
• Flip the decal over so that the backing sheet is facing up.
• Begin to remove the backing sheet, starting at the hinge and peeling off about an inch of the backing sheet.
• Place the now-exposed part of your decal on the board, starting at the hinge and within the guidelines you made in step one.
• Continue to peel off the backing tape, inch by inch. Take your time with this step to ensure that you are staying within your guidelines. Use a credit card or squeegee to smooth out the decal as you go.

Air Bubble Removal

Whichever method you choose, chances are you will have to deal with air bubbles in your decal design. This is an almost unavoidable part of the application process. Thankfully, these bubbles are removable. Here are some tips to help with bursting those pesky bubbles:

• Use gentle strokes with a credit card or squeegee to ensure that your decal goes on as smoothly as possible the first time.
• Starting from the center of the decal, use your credit card or squeegee to push out bubbles once the decal is already applied.
• For bubbles that just won’t go away, you can use a small pin to poke a hole in the bubble. The hole only needs to be large enough for air to escape, and once the bubble is deflated the hole will not be visible. Once you create a hole, you can push air out of the bubble starting from the farthest edge of the bubble and working your way toward the hole.
• Smaller bubbles tend to deflate on their own over time. Allow your boards to sit for a day after you apply cornhole decals. This will allow smaller bubbles to disappear on their own.

Protecting Your Decal

Once you have removed the air bubbles, allow your cornhole board decal to dry for a day (especially if you use the wet method). If you are in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer on low heat to help the decal set more quickly.

Once your decal is dry, you’ll want to apply a polyurethane clear coat to protect your decal from wear-and-tear. We have an all-inclusive blog post on the topic of caring for cornhole boards. You’ll want to check that out before applying the poly.

Cornhole board designs vary greatly, and decals are a great way to customize your set. From sporting teams to college cornhole boards, decals allow you to show your allegiance when playing your favorite game. We have a great selection of cornhole decals; be sure to check them out.

Shop Our Cornhole Decals

Most cornhole competitors view their boards as a work of art. A lot of thought, effort, time, and money goes into the cornhole board designs. That’s why caring for cornhole boards is so important.

It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a custom set from a professional craftsman, painting cornhole boards on your own, or hoping to apply cornhole decals to an unfinished set, caring for cornhole boards is paramount.

An easy and important way to protect your cornhole boards before you even start playing is to seal them with a clear coat of polyurethane.

Selecting a Clear Coat

Clear coat does exactly what the name states: creates a clear cover that protects whatever design is underneath. Polyurethane, commonly referred to as just poly, is the clear coat of choice when caring for cornhole boards and the best coating for cornhole boards.

Aficionados differ in opinion about the best clear coat to use, but most common brands all function the same. Check at your local home goods store; the sales staff might be able to direct you to their favorite brand of poly.

Whichever brand you choose, be sure the poly is water-based. Water-based poly tends to yellow less over time. Yellowing or cloudiness that occurs immediately upon application tends to disappear once the poly has set.

Also, most cornhole board designers prefer semi-gloss poly because regular gloss poly can be extremely shiny and too slick for cornhole bags to stay on the board during game play.

Steps for Applying Clear Coat

Once you have selected your clear coat, it is time to begin preparing for the actual application process. Follow these steps to get the best clear coat possible:

1. Make sure your work space is as clean and dust-free as possible. Floating hair, lint, and dust particles that settle on your board during the clear coat application process will be permanently sealed in your board.
2. Lay down a tarp to protect whatever surface you are working on. Garages, spare bedrooms, or a traffic-free corner of a living room can make good work spaces.
3. Make sure your cornhole boards are clean and free of particles and debris before applying your first coat of poly.
4. Follow the directions on your can of poly. Poly is not paint, so do NOT shake the can as this will result in lots of little bubbles.
5. Use a foam brush to apply every coat of poly. Never use a roller to apply poly as rollers also create lots of little bubbles. If your foam brush is too wide to fit in the can, feel free to cut it down to size so that you do not need to transfer the poly to another container.
6. Getting a clear, even coat takes time, so DO NOT RUSH the process. Most people do five to ten coats of poly, and it is best to wait a few hours between applications.
7. To help your coats dry faster and keep ventilation circulating, you can use an oscillating fan set on low speed. However, it is best to wait for 20 minutes after the coat has been applied before turning the fan on as the air movement on wet poly can create bubbles.
8. To protect your foam brush, you can wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in an air-tight container. This will allow you to reuse the same brush for each coat of poly.
9. After you have applied all but the last coat, it is a good idea to gently sand the surface of your boards. Gentle is a key word here. Use a fine sand paper (320 grit or higher) to smooth the surface of your boards. Try to avoid sanding over any decals.
10. Clean your board of dust after sanding and apply the final coat of poly. Allow to dry for 72 hours before playing your first round of cornhole. If your gloss feels somewhat sticky to the touch even after it has dried for this time, a dusting of cornstarch will take the stickiness away.
11. Don’t forget to apply poly to the sides and legs of your board. Many people do fewer layers, only two or three coats, in these areas.

Remember: do not rush! Have patience when applying your poly clear coat. Going too fast can create bubbles, cloudiness, and cracked under-layers. Take your time and your smooth, glossy boards will be worth it!

Caring for cornhole boards after customization is the best way to protect your investment for years of cornhole enjoyment. Talk to us about how to maintain your game equipment after purchasing some of our custom cornhole boards. Custom Corntoss wants to ensure our high-quality craftsmanship lasts as long as your cornhole obsession!

Getting your kids, especially those teens, interested in family activities is sometimes challenging. However, it’s possible cornhole might be the answer to all your family bonding dilemmas!

What’s the Draw?

It’s pretty obvious why people play cornhole at tailgating parties. It even makes sense to hold a charity cornhole tournament. But why should the family play?

It’s fun.

Cornhole is a classic staple of family backyards and school playgrounds, and with good reason–it is a game which offers simple, competitive fun. Despite its simplicity, the game quickly becomes addictive, and can occupy kids and adults for an entire afternoon. In fact, the simplicity of the game is part of what makes it such irresistible fun.

It provides frustration-free education.

Cornhole requires concentration and good aim in order to get the cornhole bag on the board. It requires even more skill to get the bag through the hole in the board. However, the skill level isn’t so intense that younger members of the family are excluded. Tossing is a simple motion that is perfected with practice while playing cornhole.

In addition to being a simple family activity, cornhole can also serve as an opportunity for the whole family to develop basic athletic skills. Playing cornhole regularly will help develop skills like hand-eye coordination and aim. A friendly round of the game also teaches the virtues of teamwork and healthy competition.

It’s low maintenance.

Have you ever set out to engage in some family bonding, only to lose everyone’s interest before the main event even begins? It is so challenging to keep everyone’s attention while getting the fun set up. Fortunately, cornhole is low maintenance.

The game equipment takes up very little space. The boards and bags will fit easily into any closet or garage. To play, all you need to do is plop the boards on the grass and pass out the bags.

It sends everyone outside.

Perhaps the biggest bonus is the fact that cornhole will get the whole family outside. This means no sitting on the couch, no TV, and no mindless texting or Facebooking. While cornhole is not the most rigorous sport on the market, it is a great way to get everyone in the fresh air and exercising. From your youngest family member to your oldest, cornhole is suitable for any age.

Where Can We Play?

Don’t have a backyard? No problem! Cornhole can be played just about anywhere. Set up a game on the sidewalk or parking lot. You can even plan indoor games.

Don’t forget to take your boards with you on any family outing. Whether you are having a picnic in the park, a trip to the beach, or you are tailgating at your favorite sporting event, the game can be adapted to virtually any setting.

Don’t forget, family bonding can include other people too. Use your cornhole boards to get to know your neighbors and make new friends. A little friendly competition and the convivial atmosphere that surrounds cornhole is a surefire way to break the ice with those neighbors you have been meaning to go over and meet. And if your neighborhood is hosting a block party or cookout, you already know that you can bring cornhole to contribute!

What About The Price?

Cornhole is an affordable investment that can be used by the whole family, young or old. Once you buy or make two boards and eight bags, you are set to play cornhole for many years to come. Few games offer such benefit with so little investment.

Complete cornhole sets come in a variety of customizable options. Check out the boards and bags we have available in our online store.

With all of the positive aspects of this simple, affordable game, it’s plain to see why cornhole has become an enduring favorite. The game’s combination of simplicity, addictiveness and affordability make it an obvious choice for family bonding. Cornhole would be a fantastic addition to any family’s home.

One of the best things about the ever-popular game of cornhole is that the equipment, game play, and cornhole scoring system are all simple. In this post we’ll give you a full run-down on how to play cornhole and how to keep score like a pro! For more information on how to play checkout our complete guide to cornhole which includes a section on cornhole rules.

Cornhole Set-Up: The Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cornhole scoring, you need to be sure that your cornhole court is prepared correctly. Two cornhole boards should be set up facing each other and directly aligned, 27 feet apart.

Both teams get four bags that are different colors or distinguishable in some other way. The goal of the game is to be the first team to score 21 or more points. How points are scored is discussed in the next section.

Earning Cornhole Points

Players toss one bag a time, alternating with their opponent until both teams have thrown all of their bags. Cornhole points are given as follows:

• Throw a cornhole (bag goes in the hole): 3 points
• Throw a bag in-the-count (bag lands on any portion of the board): 1 point
• Throw a bag out-of-the-count (bag lands anywhere else): 0 points

It is important to note that bags knocked in the hole during game play will count as a cornhole. Bags that land on the board but are knocked off will be a bag out-of-the-count and not score any corn hole points. These are important factors to consider when devising your cornhole tossing techniques.

Cancellation Scoring

Points are tallied at the end of each inning using cancellation scoring, meaning that points scored by both teams will cancel each other out.

For example, if Team A scores 5 points in the inning and Team B only scores 2 points, then the total points for that inning will be 3 points for Team A and none for Team B. Because Team A won the inning, Team A will be the first to toss in the next inning.

A game cannot end mid-inning. All players must have a chance to toss their bags before the final score is tallied.

Other Options for Scoring

How to keep score while playing cornhole is pretty simple, though some players choose to mix up the rules a bit with these different approaches to scoring. The following rules are optional if you want to make the game run longer or shorter, depending on the rule.

• Skunks: There are two ways to calculate a skunk game. Players can call a skunk when the score is 13-0 at the end of any inning. Or, a skunk could happen if one team scores 7 points in an inning and the other team does not score any points. If the game is a skunk, then the team with the most points wins.
• Play to 21 Exactly: The official rules state that a team must earn 21 points or more to win the game. However, some players choose to play an alternate version where the team must get exactly 21 points. If a team scores over 21 points, then that team reverts back at 13 points. Both teams continue play until one team has exactly 21 points at the end of an inning.
• Win by 2 or More Points: Some cornhole enthusiasts choose to play with the rule that the winning team must win by 2 or more points.
• Tie Breaker: If both teams are tied at 21 points at the end of an inning, play continues until one team has a higher score at the end of an inning.

Foul Play

Cornhole is pretty simple, but there are quite a few ways that a foul can be called. Possible causes for a foul include:

• Overstepping the foul line: Boards are set 27 feet apart and the front edge of the board is the boundary line for adult play. Stepping beyond the front of your board is grounds for a foul.
• Bag hits the ground: Bags that hit the ground and bounce onto the board are considered a foul and should be removed from the board so that they do not impede game play for the rest of the inning. Players may not re-toss foul bags.
• Foul bags disrupting other bags: If a foul bag (i.e. one that bounces onto the board) either knocks another bag off the board or into the hole, then the foul bag must be removed and the original bag must be returned to its scoring position.
• 20-second limit: Cornhole bags must be tossed within 20 seconds from the start of the inning or from the previous player’s toss. Player who fail to deliver within the 20 second time limit will receive a foul.
• Bag pitched by another player or from a different pitcher’s box: The rules of cornhole state that cornhole bags must be pitched by the same player from the same pitcher’s box from the start of each inning. Players may swap out between innings, but whoever starts an inning must finish it or else a foul will be called.
• Bag removal from cornhole court: Any player who removes bags from the court prior to the end of an inning will have all of their bags declared foul from that inning.
• Dropped bags: Cornhole bags dropped by a player prior to pitching are not considered a foul and may be retrieved and pitched with no penalty.

Scoring Terminology

Now that you know all about how to keep score like a pro, here are some essential terms to make you sound like a pro too!

• Corn On The Cob: When a player puts every bag on the board
• Cornhole, Holer, Corn in the Hole: A bag that ends up in the hole
• Dos Cornholes: Throwing two bags in the hole
• Get that corn outta my face!: A term used whenever you successfully counteract your opponent’s attempt to score. For example, when you put a bag in the hole immediately after your opponent does or when you successfully knock your opponent’s bag off the board
• Holy Moly Triple Cornholy: Throwing 3 bags in the hole
• Nothin’ But Corn: When a bag is tossed right through the hole without touching the board
• The Great Cornholio: A person that throws 4 bags in the hole. All present are required to bow down in reverence to this cornholer
• Woody, Boarder: A bag that ends up on the board.

Tool that Make Scoring Easier

If you are hosting a cornhole tournament, you’ll probably need an official way to track the score. Even unofficial cornhole events can benefit from a little scoring assistance, especially if adult beverages are involved!

There are plenty of options to choose from. Custom Corntoss has a score tower, score strips to attach to the cornhole boards and score koozies (you can find all these scoring tools with the other accessories in our shop). Other cornhole fanatics use scoring apps.

Do you have any other ideas for how to keep score or other cornhole terms that you use with your friends? Share with us in the comments below!

The game of cornhole is pretty simple. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to learn the terminology is also lacking in complexity. For example, if you toss the bag through the hole, you have successfully learned how to throw a cornhole.

Since a cornhole earns the most points, players are obviously drawn to mastering the technique of throwing a cornhole. However, being able to throw a cornhole consistently requires a certain finesse.

Practice Makes Perfect

Players have different preferences in the game, from which way they like to stand to which cornhole bag filling is superior.

These inclinations develop over time. As you practice, experiment with the following techniques to see what works for you.

Remember that consistency is key for throwing a cornhole; once you find what works, be sure to stick with it.

1. Form

There are multiple ways to toss the bags. No matter which way you prefer to throw, you should remember to hold your form. If you have poor form, then your bags will not fly straight and steady.

Just as bowlers with poor form usually get gutter balls, cornhole players with poor form regularly miss the board completely.

Pay attention to your body as you practice throwing. For example, if you consistently curve to the right, check your body’s motion to determine what is causing the bag to veer off.

You may also want to enlist a seasoned player to watch you toss so that he or she can give you tips to improve cornhole tossing form.

2. Arc

With proper form, your bags should arc slightly during the toss. The ideal arc will take the bag from your hand to the board with a gentle slide upon contact.

If you have too much arc, your bag is more likely to go off course due to longer air time. Plus, it will not slide well if it does make contact with the board.

If you have too little arc, chances are that your bag will simply flop into the grass or even slide off of the board.

3. Slide

Mentioned in the previous tip, the slide factor is important if you want to throw a cornhole. Most cornholes happen as a result of the bag sliding into the hole, not from the bag landing exactly in the hole.

Your bag’s ability to slide depends on factors such as the board material and the bag’s filling. If you are playing with a new cornhole set, you may want to throw a few practice bags to get used to the different materials.

Remember that you can adjust your form slightly to compensate, but you should not make major alterations to your technique.

4. Counterweight

The benefits of holding another bag in your non-throwing hand as a counterweight is greatly contested in the cornhole community.

Some players find that holding a second bag in the non-throwing hand messes up their form. What happens when you toss your last bag? You don’t have one left to hold!

Other players find that a counterweight increases their accuracy. They actually bring an extra (fifth) bag to hold during the last toss.

5. Bag Blockage

After the first or second toss, chances are there will be bags on the board blocking the hole. This will reduce your ability to use the aforementioned slide technique.

If this is the case, you have two options. You can push your opponent’s bag in the hole by sliding your bag in. Once both bags go in, the points are neutralized. Or, you can choose to throw your bag over the blockage into the hole like a basketball going into the net.

You may want to use bag blockage to your advantage by using your own bags to block the hole. That way your opponent will face the same dilemma and may end up pushing your bags in without being able to neutralize the points.

Also, being the first to throw slightly reduces your chances of being on the receiving end of a bag blockage attempt.

6. Rinse and Repeat

Throwing a cornhole every time is a difficult task, but getting your bag in the hole most of the time is a reasonable goal. Doing so requires a bit of research and lots of practice.

Remember that you should practice as you play, so be sure to have good form while practicing. Every time you throw a bag, you refine your muscle memory, and you want to be sure that your muscles are learning properly.

7. Get Better Gear

The cornhole equipment you use could be affecting your toss.

Boards need to have a smooth, polished finish to ensure the bags slide. If your board has become warped or the surface is rough, you need an upgrade. And if you get a new set of boards, you should obviously get them from us!

Over time, corn-filled bags become lighter. The dust leaks, changing the feel of the bags. If you’ve had yours for a while, you might need new bags that are standardized in weight. Naturally, you should check out the selection of bags we have available.

Do you have any other recommendations that will help readers throw a cornhole consistently?

There is no question about it; cornhole is one of the best games ever invented. If you are just figuring that out, you have a lot to learn! For starters, you’ll need to know how to play cornhole.

A Technical Caveat

There are several official organizations that have made it their mission to standardize cornhole play. Technically, these are just suggested guidelines; they are an attempt to keep things consistent.

While you are welcome to follow the hard-and-fast rules of how to play cornhole, everyone knows this great game can be adjusted every once in a while to better suit those playing.

You’ll need to start somewhere, though, so let’s give you the official cornhole rules!

Get the Equipment

To play cornhole, you’ll need two simple pieces of equipment: boards and bags.

When buying cornhole boards, you’ll have to choose between wood and plastic. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

If you choose wood (the most popular type of cornhole boards), make sure the surface of the board is smooth. Bags need to slide, and that won’t happen if the surface has blemishes.

Regardless of the construction material, the boards will be 48 inches by 24 inches. There will be a six-inch hole in the center of each board that players will aim at. The boards will be slightly elevated in the back to make it easier to hit the target.

Regulation cornhole bags are 6 inches by 6 inches. Cornhole pros are forever arguing about the best cornhole bag filling; your options are corn or plastic pellets. Again, there are pros and cons of each filling, so choose according to your personal preference.

Set Up The Court

Some sports are high maintenance. To play basketball, you need a court with hoops. To play soccer, you need a field with goals.

Fortunately, to play cornhole, all you need is a flat surface. Set up your boards in a parking lot, your backyard, or wherever else you want to play. One small suggestion; put the boards in a north-south layout. This will help avoid interference from the sun.

You will want to make sure there is plenty of space for the pitching boxes. There are four pitching boxes, one on either side of the two boards. These are areas the contestants will toss from.

Lastly, measure out the foul lines. Think of the foul line as an imaginary line that extends parallel to the edge of the cornhole board you’re tossing from. The foul line should be 27 feet from the front edge of the other cornhole board.

Learn the Scoring

There are two ways to earn points while playing cornhole.

A bag that goes through the hole

Any bag that passes through the hole (whether tossed, knocked, or slid there) earns three points. This method of earning points is called a cornhole, bag-in-the-hole, or hole-in.

A bag that lands on the board

Any bag that lands on the board (and doesn’t touch the ground first) earns one point. These are usually called bag-in-the-count by cornhole officials.

A bag that lands anywhere else

If the bag doesn’t pass through the hole or land on the board, it doesn’t earn any points. So basically, any bag that lands on the ground or hits the ground before landing on the board. These tosses are called bag-out-of-the-count.

Choose Your Teams

Cornhole can be played as singles or doubles.

If you play as doubles, one player from each team will stand together behind one of the foul lines. Those two players will alternate tosses until all bags have been played. The other two opponents behind the other foul line will repeat the process. When the inning has finished (when all four players have tossed all their bags), the two teams will rotate positions and aim at the other board.

With singles, both players will pitch from the same foul line. The players will alternate until all bags have been tossed. Then, both players will move to aim at the other board.

Start Playing

Here it is; what you’ve been waiting for. How to play cornhole!

To play, simply use an underhand toss to launch the bags (one at a time) at the board. Since sending the bag through the hole earns the most points, your goal should be to throw a cornhole as often as possible.

Players can toss from either pitching box, but they can’t switch places until the inning has ended.

Whoever scored the most points in the preceding inning will be the first to toss in the next inning. If there was a tie or no one scored, the person (or team) who tossed last will toss first.

Play will continue until one player (or team) reaches 21 points. The game cannot end in the middle of the inning though, so the winner might exceed 21 points.

Now that you know how to play cornhole, it is time to get your own customized set. Take a look at what we have available. Clearly, cornhole’s popularity won’t diminish any time soon, so investing in your own high-quality game set is definitely worth it!

Cornhole is also known as corn toss for a good reason: because your tossing strategy is one of the key elements of the game.

If you don’t have a good toss, you won’t score very many points. Cornhole tossing techniques require a bit of study and a lot of practice. We can help you out with techniques, but the practice is up to you!

Basic Steps of the Toss

Like bowling, the game of cornhole is straightforward and requires neither youth nor athleticism nor even sobriety–which is why cornhole drinking games continue to proliferate.

In bowling, knocking as many pins down as possible is the end goal. In corn toss, throwing a cornhole (a cornhole is when the cornhole bag goes through the hole) is your ultimate intention.

There are many different tossing styles in cornhole, which we will discuss in further detail in the next section. For now, however, we want to cover the basic steps that are an integral part of any tossing strategy.

Step 1: Prepare.

Preparing for a toss involves both physical and mental components. Ignore distractions, including your opponent, and focus only on the back of the hole. Set your sights on the hole and do not look away until your bag lands. Your aim rests on your ability to focus on this one point.

Physically, you need to get the bag situated in your throwing hand. Whatever cornhole bag filling your bag has, you want to be sure that the filling is evenly distributed in the bag.

• Place your thumb in the center of the bag
• Curl your index finger around a corner
• Allow your other fingers to support the underside

Step 2: Step.

While the step is optional, many seasoned players use it knowing that the real power in your toss comes from the legs, not the arms.

As you bring back your throwing arm, take a step with the opposite leg. This is called your plant leg. The other leg that remains stationary should extend behind your body slightly so as to keep you balanced during the entire throw.

Step 3: Swing.

Your arm’s swing should be gentle. You do not want to chuck the bag at the board; this almost always results with the bag missing its mark by a long shot.

Instead, think about tossing the bag gently. You want the bag to drop on the board from afar.

Your arm swing speed is equally important. It will take time to gage the right speed for your arm, but once you figure it out use that speed for every toss. It is a rookie mistake to overcompensate for a short miss by adjusting arm speed. If your bag seems to fall short, give your next toss more leg push while keeping your arm speed constant.

Step 4: Release.

Your release timing is crucial for the success of your shot. Release too soon and your bag will flop in the grass. Release too late and you could bean someone in the head who is standing behind you.

The general rule of thumb for release timing is to let go when your arm is at a 90 degree angle with your armpit and is even with your shoulder.

If the board is full of bags blocking the hole, you will want to add an arch to your toss in hopes that you will slip your bag through the hole without bringing any of your opponent’s bags with you.

To get an arch, release slightly later than usual but do not forget to add an extra thrust with your legs to compensate for lost momentum.

Step 5: Spin.

Adding a spin to your bag will help it slide across the surface of the board, hopefully causing it to spiral neatly into the hole.

Creating spin on your bag is relatively easy and is achieved with a bit of practice. Hold the bag as instructed in Step 1 and when you release it, flip your fingers slightly. The secret to adding spin is all in the fingers.

Step 6: Follow-through.

Maintain your focus on the back of the hole even after the bag has left your fingers and hold your position for a full second. This helps your aim and balance, and creates muscle memory, which will improve your next throw. They key to throwing a cornhole is consistency. Once you find what works, don’t change!

Different Tossing Styles

Now that you have the steps of the tried-and-true basic toss down, you may want to experiment with other cornhole tossing techniques.

The variety of ways you can toss a bag are nearly endless, so this list is by no means complete. However, it should give you a pretty good idea of new techniques to experiment with in the future.

• Sling Toss: Pinch the bag in a corner using your thumb and index finger. Bring your arm back and sling the bag at the board using an underhand throw. This motion should add a back spin to the bag.
• Frisbee Toss: Pinch the bag in a corner using your thumb and index finger. Turn your body sideways, throwing arm toward the board and throwing hand cocked back as if you were throwing a frisbee. Release your arm in a sideways motion with the bag aimed at the board.
• Overhand Toss: Hold the bag and throw it at the board as if it were a baseball. As such, your toss should be either overhand or side arm. This throw takes a lot of practice to gain the consistency of other techniques, but it can still be quite effective.
• Jump Toss: Hold the bag in your throwing hand and use your non-throwing hand to line up the shot as you would with a basketball. Use the same motion as shooting a basketball to lob the bag at the board.
• Fold Over Toss: Flatten the bag to evenly spread the filling. Then fold the bag in half like a newspaper and hold as you would in a basic toss. Throw underhand to get a solid arch and good distance.

Check Your Equipment

Naturally, the perfect toss is only achievable with the perfect bag.

It is common knowledge that “dust is a must.” But with each toss, you lose a little of the bag’s filling. This means the weight of the bag will change over time. Not only will your toss at the end of the season be different from the one you started with, but the weight of each individual bag could vary.

It might be time to upgrade your bags. Get a new set that allows for consistency throughout all four tosses. Check our selection of cornhole bags. If there is something you want but don’t see listed, let us know. We can customize just about anything!

Do you have any other cornhole tossing techniques that have helped you improve your game? Share them with us.

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