Cornhole, the game, was initially played with little bags filled with dried corn. By tossing the corn-filled bags on a slanted cornhole board with a hole cut in it, the object of the game was to toss the cornhole bag for points by sliding it up the board and into the hole. Over time, many adaptations have been made to the game in the form of materials used and the quality of boards and bags produced, but the game’s object remains the same.
Playing the game with a cornhole board has been popular with players since it first started many years ago. There are various tales about the game’s origin, with some saying that it was started in the Midwestern United States and others in Germany as a game called bags. Still, no matter the original location, the game remains even more popular today than ever.
Early Toss Games
Early games similar to cornhole existed in many forms around the world, with players competing for points by tossing objects at a board with some fashion of opening to be used to score. The thrower with the highest amount of points wins the game. Today the game called cornhole has been standardized mainly for fair and consistent play. The game has even evolved into having a standard language for players with names such as Airmail, meaning a bag that does not slide or bounce on the board but flies directly into the hole, similar to nothing but net in basketball terminology.
Modern Cornhole Boards
Today a cornhole board has been updated with standard sizing. Modern boards come in various materials, from premium hardwoods to plywood. The hardwood boards are generally regulation full-size boards with premium finishes and can often be considered actual art forms with specialty designs and exotic finishes.
Aluminum lightweight boards are also an inexpensive, relatively portable option for indoor games on rainy days and compact boards for travel. Both the business travelers and families on vacation enjoy having a cornhole board portable enough to take on the road. These travel versions often come with carry cases and include the bags needed for play. For the true cornhole enthusiast, there is always a board and place to play within easy reach.
The Future Of Cornhole
It is easy to understand the popularity of this beloved game, as it can be played by just about anyone with various skill levels. What started as a popular backyard game became an entertaining choice for bored patrons for impromptu tournaments in local watering holes, often with monied odds bet on the winners.
Today there are no less than three professional cornhole leagues in the United States, according to the popular magazine, which focuses on the outdoors, named Outside. What was once a casual pastime has evolved into a sport with corporate sponsors and teams competing for cash prizes and the requisite bragging rights. For the future of cornhole, stay in the information loop on cornhole to see where this exciting game takes us next.
