A Cheesebaggers™ Public Service
Everything you need to know to toss bags like a pro...or at least stop embarrassing yourself at the cookout.
Free Knowledge. No Charge.(Unlike our shirts.)
Watch & Learn, Rookie
Because sometimes words just aren't enough.
The Rules
(They're Not That Hard)
We promise. Even your Uncle Larry can figure this out.
01
Set Up the Boards
Place two boards 27 feet apart (pitchers box to pitchers box). The hole is 6 inches in diameter and 9 inches from the top of the board. Yes, it matters. No, you can't just eyeball it.
02
Teams & Turn Order
2 teams of 1 or 2 players each. In doubles, partners stand at opposite boards but on the same side. Teams alternate throws - one bag at a time. Rock-paper-scissors or a coin flip decides who goes first. Or just argue about it. That's fine too.
03
Tossing Rules
Stay behind the front edge of your board when you toss. Underhand only, friend...this isn't baseball. Each player tosses 4 bags per round. Teams alternate throws. Bags that hit the ground first and bounce onto the board? Those don't count. Nice try.
04
Winning the Game
First team to hit 21 points wins. Some folks play "bust" rule (but not real cornhole). Score as many points as you can. Agree on your house rules before you start...or prepare for a heated post-game debate.
05
Cancellation Scoring
Points cancel out between teams each round. If Team A scores 5 and Team B scores 3, only Team A gets 2 points. This is why you can play for an hour and nobody moves. We call that "character building."
06
Bag Interference
Don't touch bags until both players have tossed all 4 of theirs. Clearing bags mid-round is cheating. We will call you out. Loudly.
Points. Glorious Points.
Know what earns what...or keep losing. Your call.
3
Cornhole!
Bag goes in the hole. That's the dream. That's why we're here. The crowd goes wild. You point at someone.
1
On the Board
Bag lands and stays on the board. Respectable. Not thrilling. But we'll take it.
0
Air Ball / Bounce
Missed the board or bounced on the ground before landing. This is a moment of quiet reflection. Maybe practice more.
Pro tip: 4 Cornholes in a round = "4-Bagger." Frame it. Tell your grandchildren.
Winning Strategy
(From People Who've Lost A Lot)
We're not saying we're pros. We're saying we've seen things.
- Aim for the hole first, board second. Three-pointers win games faster than one-pointers. Ambitious? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
- Block your opponent's path to glory. If your bag lands on the board in just the right spot, it can stop their bag from sliding in. Tactical. Petty. Legal. We love it.
- Find YOUR toss — and repeat it. Some people throw flat. Some arc it high. Neither is wrong. Consistency is king. Find your motion and trust it every time.
- Watch the wind. Outside? Wind matters more than you think. Adjust your aim early or blame the weather for your entire game. Both are valid.
- Play mind games (within reason). A well-timed "ooh, so close!" after your opponent nearly holes it? Legal and effective. Trash talk is cornhole's second sport.
Cornhole Lingo
Sound like you know what you're doing, even when you don't.
4-Bagger
All four of your bags go in the hole in one round. Basically a myth, but it does happen. Retire after this.
Slider
A bag lands on the board and slides into the hole. Sneaky. Satisfying. Technically legal. Very smug.
Airmail
A bag that flies directly into the hole without touching the board. Showtime. Pure. Majestic.
Blocker
A bag placed strategically on the board to stop your opponent from scoring. Chess, but with beans.
Wash
Both teams score equal points in a round. Zero net gain. Time passes. Nobody wins. A deeply spiritual experience.
Hanger
A bag that's half-in, half-out of the hole. It counts as 3 points. Do NOT try to help it in...that's cheating.
Now Go Look The Part
You've got the knowledge. You just need the gear. Luckily, that's kind of our whole thing.
Shop the Gear Get the BagsStay Fresh. Play Hard. Bag Everything.