Cornhole is your recipe for outdoor fun

Custom cornhole boards made by Ryan Bollinger's dad.

Cornhole is  a classic backyard game that combines skill and competitiveness. It is a perfect addition to any outdoor gathering. 

It is easy to learn and suitable for players of all ages. Cornhole also offers hours of entertainment and friendly competition.

“I came to college and I picked it up with all the golfers. I’m in a bags league now, and it’s one of my favorite hobbies,” Jack Driscoll said.

To play cornhole you’ll need a set of cornhole boards and eight corn-filled bags. Four bags per team and one color for each team. Set the boards about 27 feet apart from the front edges.

 You can walk off nine steps or use a measuring device. This helps create a playing space that allows for skill and challenge.

Ryan Bollinger and Jack Driscoll competing against each other in bags.
Jack Driscoll (right) throwing a bag.

The objective of the game is to score points by tossing bags through the circular hole in the center of the board or by landing them on the board. The scoring system is three points for a bag through the hole and one point for a bag on the board.

Players, typically in teams of two, take turns tossing the bags from the designated throwing area. The goal is to outscore your opponents. The game will continue until one team reaches 21.

“My favorite part of bags is just the competitiveness of playing one on one with somebody else and just got to be the person that you’re playing. That’s what I like to do,” Ryan Kruse said.

 During the round each team will add up their points and then subtract the biggest score from the smaller one. This determines how many points the team with the higher score got. 

The art of the bag throw requires finesse. Start with a comfortable stance and your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the bag with a relaxed grip and as you release the bag, give it a slight spin to enhance accuracy. 

Ryan Kruse thawing a corn hole bag
Ryan Kruse playing cornhole.

The flatter the bag the better. It should look similar to throwing a frisbee. Experiment with different throwing techniques to find what works best for you.

“Focus on the target, whether it’s the hole or a specific area on the cornhole board,” Ryan Bollinger said.

While cornhole is a game of skill, it’s also a game of strategy. Players often employ tactics like aiming for the hole or placing blocker bags on the board to block opponents’ shots. 

The friendly banter and lighthearted competition make each round an enjoyable experience.

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