Cornhole

For other uses, see Cornhole.

File:CORNHOLE.jpg

Typical Cornhole Board

Cornhole, Corn Toss, Bags, Bean Bag Toss, Tumor Toss, or Baggo is a game in which players take turns pitching small bags filled with corn (or sand or beans) at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. These platforms are usually plywood sometimes plastic and either all white or decorated with a team name or any other custom creation. A corn bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the platform scores 1 point. Play continues until a player reaches the score of 21. The platforms measure 4 feet (1.2 m)×2 ft (0.6 m). The Cornhole platforms are set 30ft from hole to hole while the player can stand anywhere from no further than the back of the platform but not any closer than the front of the platform.

Singles or doubles play

Cornhole/Corn Toss can be played as doubles or singles. In doubles play two contestants are partners against another team of two contestants; in singles play a contestant competes against another contestant.

In doubles play, one member from each team pitches from one cornhole platform and the other members pitch from the other cornhole platform. In singles play, both contestants pitch from the same cornhole platform. All other rules are basically the same for doubles or singles play.

Innings

Every cornhole match is broken down into innings of play. During each inning there is a top and a bottom round of play.

In doubles play, the top of an inning is completed when both contestants pitching from the first cornhole platform pitch all 4 corn bags; the bottom of the inning is completed when the remaining contestants (pitching from the other cornhole platform) pitch all 4 corn bags.

In singles play, the top of an inning is completed when the first contestant pitches all 4 corn bags; the bottom of the inning is completed when the remaining contestant pitches all 4 corn bags.

An inning is never completed until all contestants pitch all four corn bags.

Value of the corn bag

1. Corn Bag In-The-Hole - A corn bag in-the-hole (or Hole-In) is a corn bag which is thrown through the hole in the cornhole platform or otherwise comes to rest inside the cornhole platform (knocked in by another player or otherwise falls in). A corn bag in-the-hole has a value of three points, or sixteen points when playing to final score of 104.

2. Corn Bag In-The-Count - A corn bag that is not in-the-hole but lands with any portion of the corn bag resting on the cornhole platform is in-the-count (sometimes called on-the-board). A corn bag in-the-count has a value of one point. For a corn bag to be in-the-count, it must not touch the ground or any other portion of the court prior to coming to rest on the cornhole platform. If a corn bag touches the ground before coming to rest on the cornhole platform, it is a foul and must be removed from the cornhole platform prior to the continuation of play. If a bag rests on the board but is supported or touching the ground in any way it does not count.

3. Corn Bag Out-Of-The-Count - A corn bag which comes to rest anywhere except in-the-count or in-the-hole is out-of-the-count and has no scoring value. A corn bag which is declared to be a foul is considered to be out-of-the-count (no matter where it comes to rest) and must be removed from the cornhole surface prior to the continuation of play.

4. If a player gets all four bags in the hole, it is an automatic 21 points and the player wins (Optional Rule).

Delivery of corn bags during play

1. In doubles play, the first side of contestants alternate pitching corn bags until they have thrown all four corn bags, then the remaining contestants (pitching from the other cornhole platform) continue to alternate in the same manner until all four corn bags are delivered and the inning completed. Delivery in singles play is handled in the same manner (but from the same platform) with each of the two contestants alternating their pitching of corn bags until all four corn bags have been pitched completing the inning.

2. A contestant may deliver the corn bag from either the left or right pitchers box (see above) but, in any one inning, all corn bags must be delivered from the same pitcher’s box.

3. Each individual contestant shall deliver the corn bag within 20 seconds. The time shall start when the contestant steps onto the pitcher’s box with the intention of pitching.

Pitching rotation during the game

The contestant who scored in the preceding inning shall pitch first in the next inning. If neither pitcher scores, the contestant or team who pitched last in the preceding inning shall pitch first in the next inning.

Length of the game

The Cornhole / Corn Toss match shall be played until the first team of contestants reaches (or exceeds) 21 points at the completion of an inning. However, many play by the rule which states if you go over 21 you go back to 15. This occurrence is known as a "cwa-cwa." The winning team does not need to win by two or more points.

From the American Cornhole Association's perspective:

The Cornhole / Corn Toss match shall be played until the first team of contestants reaches (or exceeds) 21 points at the completion of an inning. The winning team does not need to win by two or more points.

The Cornhole / Corn Toss match can never end in the middle of an inning. Thus, if a team that pitches first reaches or exceeds 21 points, the game can not end until the other side is allowed to pitch all of their corn bags and the inning is completed.

If the Cornhole / Corn Toss match is tied at 21 or more at the end of an inning, play continues until one team or the other achieves a higher score at the end of an inning and wins the match.

The game shall be played to 21 unless a team scores 7 or more points at the end of an inning before their opponents score any points. It this case the game is a skunk and the team that scores 7 or more points wins the match. In many places the skunk rule score is 11 or even as high as 13.

Penalties

• Mary Ellen - caused by a player throwing their bean bag short of the board. Results in one penalty shot.

Cancellation scoring

In cancellation scoring, corn bags in-the-hole and corn bags in-the-count pitched by opponents during an inning (singles play) or half of an inning (doubles play) cancel each other out. Only non cancelled corn bags are counted in the score for the inning.

1. Corn Bags In-The-Hole – Hole-ins (HI’s) cancel each other. A corn bag in-the-hole of one contestant shall cancel a corn bag in-the-hole of his competitor and those corn bags shall not score any points. Any non cancelled corn bag in-the-hole scores three points.

2. Corn Bags In-The-Count – Corn bags in-the-count cancel each other. A corn bag in-the-count of one contestant shall cancel a corn bags in-the-count of the opponent and those corn bags shall not score any points. Any non cancelled corn bags in-the-count score one point each.

Cancellation scoring may be easily calculated as follows:

1. The points of both contestants are calculated for hole-ins and in-the-count corn bags.

2. The points of the lowest scoring contestant for hole-in corn bags are subtracted from the points of the highest scoring contestant for hole-in corn bags. The result is the hole-in score for the highest scoring contestant. The hole-in score for the lowest scoring contestant is zero.

3. The points of the lowest scoring contestant for in-the-count corn bags are subtracted from the points of the highest scoring contestant for in-the-count corn bags. The result is the in-the-count score for the highest scoring contestant. The in-the-count score for the lowest scoring contestant is zero.

3. The hole-in score for each contestant is added to the in-the-count score for each contestant to derive the recorded score for the inning.

4. In this manner hole-in and in-the–count corn bags from each contestant or team of contestants are cancelled out and only non cancelled corn bags are counted in the score.

Another scoring method is to total all points (hole-in and in-the-count together) and subtract the opponents total - so only one team scores each inning. Ex. Team A throws 3 hole-ins and 1 in-the-count, point total = 10, Team B throws 1 hole-in and 3 in-the-counts, point total = 6; Team A would be awarded 4 points (10 minus 6) for this inning.

5. A ringer counts as 3 points in value per scoring.

Cornhole in Cincinnati

The west side of Cincinnati has been widely accepted as the birthplace of Cornhole. The first games were played in the early '60s and dubbed "cornhole" due to the bag's feed corn stuffing.

Cornhole is popular around Cincinnati and is played during family activities, like picnics, during tailgating, and other social events. The popularity of Cornhole in Cincinnati has led to several professional leagues, most notably the ACA or The American Cornhole Association.

Cornhole in San Diego, CA

Popularized in Mission Beach, Cornhole has spread throughout the greater San Diego, CA area. Masterful players such as Chris Wakefield, Darren Miller and Randy Scherer (all outstanding high school teachers and surfers) have developed new techniques to accommodate the sand and wind in the beach environment.

Cornhole in Northern Kentucky

Cornhole has become popular in much of Kentucky, including the majority of sporting events and outdoor activities.

Cornhole in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

This variation is simply called "Bean Bag Toss" and is a common pastime at graduation parties and other gatherings. It is very similar to the traditional version except the board is divided into upper and lower sections as well. The upper region gives the tosser two points while the lower region gives only one. Bags that touch the dividing line are considered on the lower half. If a bag is In-the-hole it is called a ringer, similar to the term in horseshoes. All the points from both teams are totaled and the winner receives the difference. The first to 21 wins.

Some versions dictate that if a player goes over 21 and the other team doesn't cancel out these points, then the team that ended the inning at 22 or above goes back to 10 or 0 (depending on which version is agreed upon).

Many people don't play by that rule, and instead require the winner to be at least two points ahead.

Another variation includes that ringers subtract from the other players score no matter whether the person that threw the ringer had the highest points in that inning or not. Also ringers can only be canceled by an opposing ringer.

Cornhole in the Chicago area

This variation of the game, extremely popular on the South Side of Chicago and the southwest suburbs, is simply called "Beanbags," "Bags," "Baggo," "Bags 'N Boards," "Bean Bag Toss," or "Tailgate Toss." The main difference in this style is that the cornhole boards measure 3'×2' instead of the traditional 4'×2'. The game play is slightly more difficult since the pitch is slightly steeper and you are throwing at a smaller surface. This size is often called the "Tailgate Sized" because it can fit in the trunk of a car, unlike the longer 4'×2' boards. Also popular in this region is the beanbag slang. "Put it in the Basement" refers to one partner's direction to his throwing partner to "get a ringer," or throw it in the hole. "Damage Control" means to cancel out as many points as possible after an opponent gets one or more ringers. A "Blocker" is a beanbag strategically thrown such that it lands directly in front of the hole, thus blocking an opponent's clear path to the hole. A "Savvy Veteran Move" (variation "Crafty Veteran Move") is when a player throws his bag so that it knocks another one of his board-resting bags into the hole.

"Go to sleep" or "sleepy-time" are terms often used when one "Bags" team is dominating a given round. This is usually yelled out by your teammate to psychologically mess up your opponents and "add salt to their wounds".

Dancing is often followed after successfully placing all four bags in the hole (called a "four bagger") to intimidate your opponent. One common dance that has recently spread like wild fire is the "Kenny Dance" where the player runs in place and flails both arms. The actual act/dance is called "Kennying". Although looking extremely strange, it has aided in many wins by throwing the opponent's concentration off.

Popular Cornhole terms

“Bevy” / a throwing style that allows a player some advantage to “skip” up on to the platform without going into the hole. The technique is often implemented once a player reaches 19 points. The technique is demonstrated by pinching one corner of the bag and allowing all of the corn weight to rest in the bottom of the bag. The player then holds the bag by his side. Stepping forward the bag is lifted with a flicking motion. This motion creates a back spin that will often allow the bag to skip gently on to the playing field without advancing to the hole. More skilled players can use this technique throughout the game.

"Frisbee" / a throwing style that creates a horizontal spin on the bag like a frisbee. This style reduces the "wind factor" by creating a lower profile. In addition, the spin helps the bag corners grab the hole while passing over it.

"Cwa-cwa" / the term applied when a player goes over 21 and is penalized by going back to 15.

"Good Bag" / a complimentary term for someone who threw favorably.

"Glory Hole" / Dropping a bag into the hole without it hitting the board

"Rimmer" / When the bag goes around the rim of the hole and then drops in.

"Flipperooski" / When a team goes over 21, then the opposing team wins the match in the next 4 tosses.

"Brutus Maxwell" / Throwing the bag over the board without making any contact with the board.

"Alice" / Same result as a "Mary Ellen".

"Rim Job" / When the bag hits the edge of the hole and lands off the board.

"D.P." / Two bags land in the hole by one knocking the other in.

"Blocker" / A bag that lands right in front of the hole.

Cornhole leagues

There are several cornhole leagues throughout the United States. The most well known and which is considered the governing body of cornhole is The American Cornhole Association. There are also leagues at The Lodge in Lisle, IL. For city dwellers, "Chicago Cornhole", by Backyard Players, Inc. maintains a strong reputation.

World Championship of Cornhole

The World Championship of Cornhole is held in South Webster, Ohio.

References in the media

During his February 6, 2007, episode of The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, Stephen Colbert mentioned a Cornhole tournament that takes place each year in Ohio's 18th Congressional District, with the District and its Representative Zach Space being the focus of the segment. He described the game as a "cross between horseshoes and sodomy," jokingly referring to the more widely known connotation of "cornhole." [Cornhole is a slang term that refers to the anus].

References

• http://www.cornholeworldchampionship.com/media/tribune_january_2007.pdf

See also

• Lawn game

External links

• CornholePlayers.net - Cornhole Forums, Building Information, and More.
• American Cornhole Association