The Unofficial Rules of Cornhole
The Unofficial (and More Fun) Rules of Cornhole
When it comes to playing Cornhole, there are the rules, and then there are the other rules. Since you’re reading the unofficial source of everything relating to Cornhole, we’ll assume you know the basics (if you do not, read our original article on The Rules of Cornhole first to get up to speed-we’ll wait right here).
Okay, now that you’re familiar with the rules, let’s talk about the other rules.
The Drinking Rule
Possibly the most important unofficial rule of Cornhole: drinking is encouraged! Based on our personal cutting-edge research, we have found that drinking beer improves the skill level of Cornhole players, for the most part.
It’s widely believed that drinking alcohol in moderation can improve concentration and focus (right up until it stops and does the opposite). We encourage holding a cold beer while playing Cornhole mostly for the benefit of having a counterweight in your off-hand to help balance your throws—try it, it really works!
The Food Rule
While drinking is a longstanding part of most Cornhole games, some people will be surprised to find out that eating while playing is discouraged. We know, we know! You’re at a barbecue, they are grilling delicious food, little Timmy wants you to have a piece of his birthday cake, and Great Aunt Agnes will write you out of her will if you don’t have some potato salad. We totally understand!
The problem with eating and playing Cornhole is that the bags are shared, and no one wants to play with bags that are covered in sloppy hotdog drippings, buttercream icing, and potato salad. Try to eat only during inning breaks, and make sure your hands are clean before touching the bags-your Cornhole partners will thank you.
Sportsmanship
Heckling, like drinking, is encouraged. As long as you keep it good-natured and nothing goes too far, you’re well within the rules of Cornhole to roast anyone and everyone on the opposing team—or on your own team (we’re not sure why anyone would do that, but hey, it happens). Distracting other players is also allowed, as long as you make sure to keep everything safe and no one gets hurt, including you. We highly encourage wearing a ridiculous outfit that doesn’t restrict your range of motion. Your competition probably won’t be able to aim very well if they are laughing hysterically.
It’s also important to remember that these rules go both ways: if you completely overshoot the board or throw your bag way off to one side, you might be made fun of, so keep track of how many encouraged beers you’ve had to avoid this mistake. If you throw your bags overhand instead of underhand, people will probably make fun of you for that too. (You shouldn’t care, because if it works for you, that’s how you’re going to win the game and who cares what the others think, amirite?)
Remember, the point of playing Cornhole with your friends is to have fun. If playing by the official rules of Cornhole isn’t fun enough for you, or if you just need to spice things up and take it to the next level, that’s where the unofficial rules of Cornhole come in!
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