Cornhole — the game we all know and love. Whether at a graduation party, Labor Day celebration, or weekend barbecue, you will probably find a group of partygoers playing cornhole.
If you are new to the game or just need a refresher, there are some rules you should know to play correctly. To help you start the fun, here is our Caliber Games guide on scoring cornhole and the game's basic rules. We’ll also provide some helpful tips for beginners. So, whether you’re just planning a friendly match with your friends or looking to compete in a pro tournament, here are the rules you need for a great game.
What Is Cornhole?
Cornhole is a well-known lawn game that has been making waves across the United States since the 2010s. Since then, it has become a staple at fairs, carnivals, parties, tailgates, and backyard events.
The game is simple; it only requires eight bean bags and two boards. The aim of the game is simple: try to toss the bean bag through the hole in the board or get the bag to land on the board. You can play in teams or as individuals; many variations and rule changes give you fun and engaging play.
There are many origin myths about cornhole, none of which can be confirmed nor denied. What we know for sure is that however the game was invented, it started building in popularity in Ohio during the early 2010s. From there, it spread through tailgates across the country very quickly, and now you can find a cornhole set just about anywhere you go.
The Rules of Cornhole
Before we review some of the ways you can score cornhole, let's look at the game's basic rules.
- Start by picking teams and selecting a player to toss first.
- Players then alternate, taking turns tossing their bean bags at the opposite board until all eight bags have been thrown.
- Then, score the round using whatever scoring method you have chosen to adhere to (see below).
- Collect the bean bags, and repeat with the next player on the team if you are playing a team game.
- Repeat steps two through four until one team or player has scored twenty-one or more points. You must win by at least 2 points to win.
How Do You Score Cornhole?
While there are many different rules to the game of cornhole, the most contentious is the rules around scoring. There are a few different scoring variations to choose from, which allows you to get various games and experiences no matter how many times you play.
Here is a look at a few of the most common and fun ways to score cornhole, including:
- Regular Scoring
- Cancellation Scoring
- Blackjack
- H-O-R-S-E
Regular Scoring
The simplest way to score a game of cornhole is simply counting the points each team or player scored each frame. In this game version, you will score three points for bags tossed through the hole and one point for each bag that remains on board through the round.
In this game version, the first team to hit twenty-one or more wins the game, so long as they win by at least two points.
Cancellation Scoring
While regular scoring may be more straightforward, the traditional method for cornhole is cancellation scoring. When you play with cancellation scoring, only one team or player scores points each round.
Start by calculating the score for each player or team regularly and then subtract the smaller score from the more significant score. The player or team who scored more points earns the difference, and the other player or team receives no points.
This game version takes a little longer than regular scoring since fewer points are scored each round. However, standard scoring can go by much too quickly if you are an exceptionally skilled player. Feel free to adjust the target score and scoring method for the age and skill of the participants to keep the game moving at a pace that everyone enjoys.
Blackjack
Another fun twist to try out is playing with blackjack-style scoring. This is more of a twist than a complete set of scoring rules, and you can apply it to either regular or cancellation scoring for more fun.
In a blackjack-style game, you must score nearly twenty-one without going over. If you score over twenty-one, you bust and lose the round.
H-O-R-S-E
The final way to score cornhole on our list is an entirely different play. H-O-R-S-E is a fun and creative way to play that lets trick shots take center stage.
Scoring for H-O-R-S-E is the same for cornhole as on playgrounds everywhere. Players take turns naming trick shots. If they make the shot, each other player has to attempt the shot, and if they cannot make it, they receive one letter. The winner is the last player standing who has not collected all five letters, H-O-R-S-E.
This game version only scores bags through the hole, so landing your bean bag on the board won't be enough. This game version can be enjoyable for children who will appreciate the constantly changing and fast-paced nature of the game.
Cornhole at Caliber Games
At Caliber Games, our number one priority is play. We believe in the power of active play to bring family and friends together and engage your body, mind, and heart. We strive to create and source games everyone will enjoy and remember.
Cornhole is one of the many games that align with our mission, which is why we offer our Cornhole Bundle. The Cornhole Bundle comes with our Caliber Games-made cornhole boards, bean bags, tote, and carrying case, so you have everything you need to play cornhole anytime you want.
This high-quality set is made with durable materials that will withstand the wear and tear of frequent use and play, as well as exposure to the outdoors. For a classic, high-quality cornhole set, look to the Caliber Games Cornhole Bundle.
How To Score Cornhole: Takeaways
Whether you are looking for a fun game to play with your kids after work, or a new addition to your tailgating essentials, cornhole is the perfect game. Simple to learn, but with endless replayability, cornhole will keep you laughing and playing for hours.
Playing around with different methods of scoring the game allows you to keep it fun and interesting regardless of player age and skill levels, from cancellation cutting to H-O-R-S-E and everything in between.
If you are looking for a high-quality cornhole set for your family, Caliber Games is the right place to be. Our Cornhole Bundle comes with everything you need to play and take cornhole with you everywhere you go. Plus, with our 30-day return policy, you can try out the fun risk-free. We know you'll love it, and it will indeed become an instant hit.
Sources:
Cornhole: The Game and Its History | Historic Hudson Valley
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