In every given game, there are the laid rules and regulations that given how a certain game is played, and cornhole is of no exemption. Whether for a tournament or just for fun, there are some rules that you are expected to follow when playing cornhole. Such rules are expected to ensure that the game is fair enough and both playing parties have equal rules. Below is comprehensive information on some of the rules and steps to follow when you are playing cornhole games.
Cornhole Rules
i. The game is played by two teams each consisting of one or two players.
ii. There is tossing of the coin at the beginning of the game to game to determine who will start the game. However, if there was another game previously, the winner of that game will start in the next.
iii. The distance between the cornhole boards should be about 7 feet for official competitions but could be 24 feet for casual games.
iv. The players should stand behind the front edge of the cornhole boards as it is regarded as the foul line.
v. The teams taking part in the games ought to stand opposite one another each besides the cornhole boards. They then throw the bags in the opposite direction where they mush pitch the cornhole bag with an underhand throw.
How to Score Points in the Game
- When a bag passes through the cornhole, you get three points. This is called cornhole. When the bag lies on the board, even when it hangs on the sides of the holes, it is called a woody and scores one point.
- In case one bag knocks another bag out of place, the fallen bag will be placed back to the fallen place and the bag that misplaced it will not be considered for any point. Additionally, in case the bag catches the ground, it is called a dirty bag and does not score any point. .
- The points are counted at the end of each round depending on the position of the bags. The score of the losing team will be subtracted from the score of the winning team and the difference added to the score of the winning team.
- The game then continues until one of the teams reaches or exceeds 21 points. What Are Considered Faults During The Game?
- Throwing a bag out of turn.
- When the foot of the player is past the foul line when pitching.
- In case the player gets the point on falling, the point is not counted.
Cornhole court preparations and maintenance
For the cornhole games to be effective there must be efforts to ensure that the cornhole play surface is perfect. For instance, the playing surface should not have anything that will distract the player in the course of the game. It is the responsibility of every contestant to ensure that the playing court is in good condition before any game begins. Additionally, during the proceedings of the match, the players should not be allowed to utter any details in the playing area without consulting their opponents or the officials of the game. This will help ensure that the game remains fair for all people.
On the other hand, there should be arrangements to ensure that there are no distractions during the proceedings of the games. Drinks and other belongings should be placed the cornhole boards or away from the playing area to ensure that it is secure that the playing area is well protected.
Cornhole playing tips
• Avoid making any distracting noises or movements when it is the turn of your opponent. Otherwise, it may be assumed that you are doing it intentionally.
• Any cases of broken rules during the game should be brought to the attention of the judges or officials as soon as it occurs.
• Have a highly visible scoreboard to allow players to keep an eye on the scores as the games procedure.
How to set up the cornhole game
The first step towards setting up a cornhole bags cornhole game is finding a flat surface. This may be the parking lot, the beach, or any flat surface on your lawn. After identifying the space where you expect to play, set up your boards about facing each other with a distance of about twenty-seven feet between them. You can then identify the players who are taking part in the game. They can be either two or four players taking part in the game. The players will then pick the side of the game where they wish to play from.
In a case where there are four players, their pitching balls will be direct across from them. On the other hand, in a case where there are two players when one starts throwing from one side, they will walk directly to the next and throw from there. For instance, if they first threw from the left side, they will later move to the right side and then throw from there. After that, pick the bags and get ready to play.
Scoring and winning
Scoring is one of the simplest parts of the game. This is because after the after all the cornhole bags have been thrown, any bag remaining on the board is worth one point. Additionally, any bag that went to the hole is worth three points. You will then add up the points that you earned and then compare them to those of your opponent. For instance, in case your opponent scored four points, and you scored two points, two points will be added to your opponent’s score. You continue playing until someone wins with a lead of 21 points. The winner of the match is determined by the team that wins the first two games.
Helpful tips for the game
- Get rid of any debris that may be around the area where you are playing the game.
- Ensure that your boards are at a solid position that cannot be moved during the game as this will ruin some aspects of the game.
- Know how to toss the bag in different ways. Having one move will make it easier for your opponent to play against you.
- Hold a beverage, other bags or any other object with the hand that is not throwing for you to balance yourself.
- Keep children off the cornhole playing area to area as they may distract the proceedings of the game, or ruin the arrangement of bags and board.
Common terms when playing cornhole games
Corn on the cob- this is when the player puts every cornhole bag on the cornhole board
Holy moly triple cornholy- throwing three bags in the hole
Dos cornhole- throwing two bags in the hole
The cornhole song- cornhole’s unofficial anthem
Nothing but corn- this is when the corn is passed through the hole without touching the board
The great corn helio- this is a person who throws four corns in a whole. Other members present are expected to bow down on respect to the cornholer.
Before giving it much thought, one may imagine that cornhole is an easy game played by kids. However, throwing a 1 pound bag into a 6-inch hole that is about 30 feet away is easier said than done. Therefore, follow the tips above to see some of the ways through which you can become a better cornhole player.
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