You may know the game cornhole by other names - bean toss, bag toss, bags, corn toss - but no matter what you call this game, it never goes out of style. In fact, cornhole has become so popular that it's even being broadcast nationally by major networks.
On a more local level — your backyard — cornhole is a friendly (or less friendly competitive) game that brings family and friends together over holiday weekends, birthday parties, celebrations, and more. And with Memorial Day (May 29) fast approaching, now is the perfect time to learn all about your favorite game from a cornhole pro.
Jacob Trzcienski, ACL Pro, shares his love of the game and his top tips for taking your next game to the next level. te: The main goal is to have fun! But seriously, it's a lot more fun when you fight for bragging rights in the backyard.
How Cornhole Began
Interestingly, "A 14th-century carpenter devised a safer way for children to play the game after noticing that they were trying to throw rocks into a marmot's hole," explains Trzcienski. Bags and boards were invented soon after.
Many years later, Trzcienski explains, the American Cornhole League (ACL) was created by Stacey Moore, the commissioner and founder, who started the league with organized events around 2015, realizing that cornhole was being taken more seriously than that most backyard games.
It is safe to say that the cornhole game has become indispensable and a staple in many households today and enjoyed by millions of people!
Cornhole explained
The popular lawn game is easy (and fun) to play. All you need are two players or two teams to start the fun. Each player takes turns tossing a beanbag onto the raised and angled cornhole boards.
The aim of the game is to score the most points by landing the bag in the hole or on the board itself. The first team (or player) to reach 21 points wins!
Cornhole Gear
Cornhole Score
Traditionally, cornhole is played to 21 points.
You receive:
- 3 points if the beanbag lands in the hole in the board.
- 1 point if the bag lands anywhere on the game board.
- Zero points if the bag doesn't land on the board or in the hole.
How to throw the bag (body position matters)
Surprisingly, there is no "perfect" or top secret way to throw the sack every time and win the game, as no single pro has the same throwing style. "Everyone literally has a different throw style and some might even have a different rotation on the ball," says Trzcienski.
However, leg position is quite important. "w I prefer to put the right leg forward for everyone who comes into play because it keeps the hip out of the way and the arm goes behind the body," says Trzcienski.
He also encourages everyone to do what is comfortable for them. This could look like placing your left foot or both feet evenly.
The goal is to feel good and have fun!
How to handle the bag
- Holding the bag: "Holding a bag is undoubtedly the most important thing," says Trzcienski. "So what I say to the people I teach classes to is, keep your grip consistent and stick to one, don't change it."
- Release the bag: Your trigger point, in Trzcienski's eyes, is what he considers a free throw. “Stay on a hold and release it. If you repeat it often enough, it'll soon be converted into muscle memory," he says.
- Correct form: In the cornhole game, the correct form is called a "flat bag." This is when you throw the bag flat. This allows the bag to fly 100 percent straight. On the other hand, if you throw a twisted bag and it lands on a corner, it won't go 100 percent straight. "There's a lot of physics in this game," says Trzcienski.
Courtesy of Jacob Trzcienski
How to train for cornhole
The best way to train cornhole is like anything else you want to improve - lots of reps. Playing solo is a good place to start. "Seeing how many bags you can put in the hole in a row is a great way," says Trzcienski. Plus, it can actually be quite fun to play and practice on your own.
It also helps if you put yourself in the position of the game when practicing. However, Trzcienski feels that playing against someone helps the mental side of the game.
“A lot of people don't pay attention to that aspect and I always have since I started. Iron sharpens iron and therefore makes you feel better.” He says.
Repetition is the key to success. Training alone or with a partner will only increase your confidence in the game.
Pro tip on blocking
Placing a level one block is the most effective way to prevent the opponent from throwing all four bags in. "It's best to do this early in the game because if you miss your block, it can easily result in two points for the other team," explains Trzcienski.
If you're badly behind now and need the momentum to switch, this is a very good way to throw your opponent off.
Most cases involve pushing the pouch in, so everyone tends to use the sticky side of a pouch, but some pouches are much faster on each side than others. When turning the bag over, you have to push through a bag or two, etc.
Final Thoughts:
"Anyone can play and anyone can win!" says Trzcienski, not believing that talent wins the game. "Obviously having natural ability and good genetics for certain things helps, but if you put in the time and effort, you will get a great result no matter what it is - you just have to be consistent and do your best." " Time!"
