It’s been called many things: Corn Toss, Bean Bag, Bean Toss, Soft Horseshoes, Indiana Horseshoes, but to many of us born and raised in Kentucky and the southern part of Ohio, the game is passionately referred to as Cornhole.
It has been said that the game originated in Germany in the 14th century, and then was rediscovered in the hills of Kentucky over 100 years ago.
The truth is, who really knows, but the game is great fun for all ages and can be played anywhere!
Cornhole or Corn Toss is similar to horseshoes except you use wooden boxes called cornhole platforms and corn bags instead of horseshoes and metal stakes. Contestants take turns pitching their corn bags at the cornhole platform until a contestant reaches the score of 21 points. A corn bag in the hole scores 3 points, while one on the platform scores 1 point.
Scoring can be swift and the lead may change hands several times in a match before the winner is decided.
The game is generally played tournament style with an individual or team being named the champion at the end of the tournament.
Why Play Cornhole?
The biggest reasons to play Cornhole or Corn Toss instead of horseshoes or other similar games is that Cornhole can be played anywhere and everyone can play Cornhole.
- If you can aim and toss a corn bag 30 feet, you can master the game of Cornhole – It’s great for family outings.
- Cornhole can be played anywhere – driveways, parks, backyard, campgrounds, beaches and even in-doors.
- Safe for everyone – no metal or pointed objects. Corn bags are made of extra soft 12 oz. duck canvas material and filled with pliable high quality feed corn.
- No muss; no fuss. Two cornhole platforms and 8 corn bags and you’re ready to play the game.
- Very portable. Can be taken anywhere. Fits in most car trunks and there are fold-down models that are even more portable.
- Horseshoes require a sand pit and are hard for the kids to pitch, lawn darts require a lawn and hasn’t been seen since the 70’s, ring toss was made for children and bean bags are for wimps; Cornhole is the game for everyone!
- It’s great fun for the whole family.