Cornhole, a Lawn Game Similar to Horseshoes: Fun for the Whole Family

Looking for a good excuse to get your family and friends together for an afternoon of fun in the sun? Invite them over for a cornhole party. Now, before you run off thinking I'm some kind of wack-job, let me explain.

Cornhole is a lawn game in the style of horseshoes. Instead of throwing horseshoes at metal stakes, you throw small bags filled with corn toward wooden boxes or platforms. These boxes are angled toward the thrower and the intended target is a 6" hole in the top center of the box.

All you need to play cornhole is eight bags, two platforms and two teams. Regulation cornhole boards are placed 27' apart at the front of the boards. One player from each team will stand at each end. Each team will toss four bags at the opposite goal. Unlike horseshoes, players on one end will alternate throws until both opponents have tossed all of their bags. The players on the opposite end will then determine the score and toss the bags back. The team which scores the most points during each round will throw first in the next round. This will continue until one team reaches twenty one points.

The scoring system for cornhole is simple. A player receives three points for a bag that goes in the hole. A bag that lands on the platform but does not go in the hole is worth one point. A bag that hits the ground and then bounces or slides onto the platform is considered dead and should be removed from play.

As is the case in some other popular lawn games, points cancel each other out. For example, if the first player has one bag in the hole for three points and his opponent has two bags on the board for a total of two points, the first player ends up with one point. This usually causes the lead to change hands several times throughout the match and makes it very exiting.

Cornhole is a popular alternative to horseshoes and lawn darts for a number of reasons. First if all, it's safe and easy for people of all ages. You can let your kids toss for hours as there are no metal pieces or sharp edges to worry about. I've known people that have let their young kids play horseshoes and it really didn't work out too well. Some people can't play horseshoes because it takes some strength to toss it as far as it needs to go. If you can toss a small corn bag 30', you can be a cornhole master.

Another advantage is that cornhole can be played anywhere, even indoors. It's very portable and will fit in most car trunks. Some even have fold down platforms that make it that much easier to take with you.

Cornhole can be a leisure activity for a family gathering or a highly competitive tournament. If you're good enough, perhaps one day you will be crowned cornhole champion. Either way, your sure to have a lot of fun.