How to Play Cornhole Like a Pro | Rules & Instructions from Masters

Some people aren’t aware of this game called cornhole, sometimes known as corn toss. It’s akin to the classic game of horseshoes. However, instead of stakes made from metal and horseshoes, you’ll be using corn bags as well as the cornhole game. The art of playing cornhole is a great activity for the entire family. It’s a lot of fun for people of all ages and can be a wonderful way to have a great time enjoying family time over the weekend. If you’re brand new to the game and are looking for how to play cornhole like a pro, then this guide is precisely what you’re looking for. I’ll cover some of the finest aspects to know about the game. The best way to play cornhole, improve your throw all and everything about cornhole playing.

What is cornhole 

So, you’d like to learn the rules of playing cornhole. But do you really know what exactly this game is? The concept is just as easy to comprehend and as simple to understand what it takes to play the cornhole game. We can describe cornhole as an easy game that you can play with at least four other players. It can be played inside, but it’s frequent to see the game played outside. Two players play on each team. The aim is to achieve 21 points by tossing bags stuffed with corn kernels onto the boards. There are two boards you place on top of each other approximately 30 feet from the edges and the back edge of both boards.

There are holes on the upper edge of each board which you should try to throw your bags through. The only team that can score in a round, however, both teams can take back some points. The first team to get the score of 21 wins. If you exceed the score, there’s the possibility of a penalty. Cornhole can be described as a sport that requires strategic thinking and trickery; however, it’s fun with your family and friends most of the time.

Where did this game originate from

The origins of the game are truly inexplicably. It is not possible to determine the “for certain” date for the origins of the sport. However, there are a variety of theories about the place it came from. Some claim that the game originated during 14th century Germany. Some say it was created by the Blackhawk tribe from Illinois. One rumor most people agree on is the idea that this game revived during the 1890s in Kentucky.

Whatever the roots of the cornhole, it was an extremely popular activity in Cincinnati and quickly spread to all sorts of outdoor gatherings. In 2011 The New York Times said that cornhole was “sweeping across the Northeast.” The game made its way into celebrations of all types, from backyard barbecues to tailgates. The Cincinnati Bengals football team taught other tailgating fans from opposing teams about the game in the early days. The game began to take off. You’ll now see cornhole at almost every tailgate before an important game.

What makes this game so popular? There are many common backyard games, but cornhole is the most well-known of all. The most appealing thing about this game is that it’s portable and easy to master and simpler to play in general. Not to mention that people of all ages can participate in the game. The games themselves do not take all that much time to complete. Clean up, set-up is simple, and, best of all, the equipment you’ll need is quite affordable.

How to play cornhole like a pro 

The boards must be set approximately twenty-seven feet apart. They should face one another. The boards must be placed on flat ground. You and the other player will alternate throwing the bags until each player has thrown at least four. The player or team who takes first place in the game will be the one to throw the bag first in the next frame. If you’re playing against someone who is professional, it’s painful losing every frame. However, there are a few techniques that will help you to play cornhole like a pro. So, continue reading to learn them.

Focus

If you’re trying to get every bag through the hole, you’re more likely to miss an unintentional toss. Make sure you aim toward the front of your board instead. This increases the chance that your shots will go right to the bottom. If they don’t, your bag must be placed in the correct position to stop your opponent from reaching the hole.

The art of throwing prrfectly

Throwing a beanbag in the hole may require a perfect slide or an arc to put it in the hole every time you throw it. The trick is to make the perfect arc every time. Here, some guidelines provide more details on tossing techniques and how to improve your own.

Spinning

The top cornhole players don’t just drop bags. They also put some spin to the bag making a pancake or flat style, and this is the most important element and helps you play cornhole like a pro. In essence, the bag rotates in a horizontal direction to the ground, with a slight downward angle. This throw will increase the chance for the bag to be able to make it through the hole.

Don’t use your wrist to create a spin on the bag, similar to throwing the frisbee. Instead, your wrist should remain straight when you apply your fingers to create some spin to the bag after you let it go. When you’re playing, make sure to relax and concentrate on having an enjoyable. If you’re stressed when throwing your ball, your game is likely to be affected.

Footwork

In the corn hole, your footwork will be equally important. You might not have the option of choosing the side you’re on. However, you can choose where you’d like your feet to sit at the time to throw. Many pros debate whether or the step or stepping method is more effective. Still, in the final analysis, it comes down to individual preference.

Some experts think that taking one step increases the margin for error by a small amount because that extra step must be flawless. If you’re interested in taking a step in throwing the ball in a left-handed throw, then if you’re left-handed, place the right side of your foot in front to allow you to lean back into the throw. If you’re a right-handed person, you’ll need to place your left foot in front.

Arc

The right angle is among the most important aspects of tossing. If there’s not enough arc in the bag, the ball is bound to strike the ball and then stop. In addition, the excessive arc could add air time that leaves an open space for errors. If a section of the bag starts to drift off-course, even a little and for a long time, the more time it is in the air, the more off-course it’s likely to be. This kind of air time could be beneficial to throw a single pointer for people who wish to throw a block bag, but it could make cornhole more difficult. Short arc and the bags can fall onto the side of the board. A proper amount of arc allows your bag to slide over the board in a controlled way.

The correct form

When you utilize the right form, it will help keep your bags organized. Consistency is crucial. You’ll also have to be constant with your shape. Once you’ve figured out which type creates the perfect arc, you’ll be able to slide your bag straight. Of course, practice makes perfect. Whatever type of toss you play, consistency is what counts. Once you’ve found the method that is most suitable to your needs, then you’ll effortlessly make a corn hole every time. If it’s your first time playing, attempt to be simple.

Don’t think about the hole, and focus on getting your bag onto in the initial six inches by using the speed to get it there. In most cases, the moment a player is focused exclusively on the hole, they tend to miss. If you’re thinking of the golf game for too long, and you land the ball in your hole, you’ll start to tighten up.

Basic Shots

Blocker: The blocker consists of dropping the bag close to the hole to keep another player from slipping their bag into it.

Push: The push is basically pushing the bag towards the hole. The push can be useful if you need to knock another player’s bag completely out of the way.

Slide: If you’re planning to use the slide on the board in your favor, you’ll need to have more bags in the hole. Don’t be scared of sliding bags when you’re trying to create a cornhole. This will provide you with more of an area to target. If you’re on an entirely different board, you may have to change to a different style of throwing. Certain types of bags and boards can be very slippery, and for other kinds of boards, they stick no matter the flatness of your arc. This can be affected by the temperature if you’re playing outdoors.

Keep in mind that there are times where you have to adjust the amount of arc that you use by the weather conditions or the type of board. If you’re playing with a friend’s board, play some practice games for a better experience of their boards and bags. The most important thing to get more bags to the hole is knowing ways to move it. There are about three feet of room for error when you slide. If the bag is 6 inches or 2 feet before the hole, it doesn’t matter. Whatever happens, you’ll create the hole if you understand how to utilize slides to gain an advantage.

The airmail shot

The airmail shot requires you to aim directly at the hole but not even touch the board. It’s extremely difficult to do and will have very little probability of getting it right. However, this strategy can allow you to put your bag in the right spot regardless of whether your opponent can stop it. The most effective way of practicing the airmail would be to repeat your regular throw until you can determine where it will be when it lands on the board. It will help you to play cornhole like a pro. 

Hold a bag

How you carry the bag is crucial as well. A lot of beginners hold the bag with their corners and then throw it. There is no correct way to throw a bag away. Try grasping it using your middle, index, and ring fingers with your thumb positioned on top. Your index fingers should wrap over one side that the bag using your middle and ring fingers placed in the middle in the bag. You should have control over the middle part of your bag for it to rotate properly. You can slightly alter your grip. However, this method I’ve described previously is how pros typically apply it.

Release a bag

When you shoot to target, you need to plan where you’d like the bag to be. Also, it’s important to not take your bag off too early or late. These mistakes could influence the effectiveness of the throw. Finding the ideal time to release is dependent on your style of throwing. With practice, you will be able you can time your release accurately.

Super spin

If you are using an ordinary wrist throw, you can choose to change the speed at which the bag rotates. Super spin is an exciting shot that allows your bag to go through all bags on your table. If you can get just enough spin on your bag, it could bounce off other bags and hit the ground.

Conclsuion

Since cornhole seems to be such an easy game, lots of people do not immediately grasp the skill, technique, and timing needed as they are just beginning to learn how to play cornhole. Once you’ve found your rhythm and can time your throws and anticipate where each ball will end up, you’ll discover that this game can be thrilling and demanding. The best way to improve your throws further is by testing out the advanced throws I’ve listed in this article, but keep in mind that you should only try these more advanced techniques after mastering the fundamentals in the game.