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Picture this. You are in someone’s backyard and have a solo cup in hand and two wooden boards are facing you. Somebody shouts, “You’re up!” and hands you a bean bag. This is the game Bags. Or Cornhole, depending on where you are from. Either way, the game has become very addictive and is like that song that has become your earworm.
In this article, we break down the entire game. Not just the “rules of bags game” but also the setup, the vibe, as well as those unspoken things everyone does but no one really wants to talk about.
What Exactly Is Bags?
First things, first. “Bags” and “Cornhole” are the same game. The Midwest keeps calling it Bags, while people in the South or East might call it Cornhole. Either way, it’s a glorified bean bag toss that becomes super competitive after two rounds.
You’re tossing small bags (that is filled with corn or resin pellets) onto a raised wooden board with a hole in it. You have to land the bag on the board and score one point. Sink it into the hole and you get three points. It is simple, certainly sounds like it, right? It is, until the friendly banter becomes a full-blown rivalry.
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Game Bags Setup
In this game, you do not need a stadium or a referee. You just need a patch of grass or pavement and something to measure with. And, yes, just long strides if you’re eyeballing it.
Here’s what a standard setup looks like:
- Board Size: Each board is 2 feet wide and 4 feet long
- Hole Size: 6 inches in diameter that is centered 9 inches from the top
- Distance Between Boards: 27 feet from front edge to front edge
- Board Height: Front edge is 3 inches off the ground, back edge is 12 inches
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Rules of Corn Bag Toss Game
In this article, we will also speak about all the nitty-gritty of the games and hence, let us discuss the actual rules. If you’ve ever searched “what are the rules for corn bag toss game,” here’s what you need to know.
1. Scoring is by rounds
- 3 points for a bag that goes through the hole
- 1 point for a bag that stays on the board
- 0 points if your bag hits the ground first or slides off
The only difference is that the score counts each round.
For instance, if Team A scores 5 and Team B scores 3, Team A gets 2 points for that round. First team to hit 21 points wins. There are players who really insist on hitting exactly 21, but unless you’re in a serious match, most folks don’t enforce that.
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2. Take proper turns
Each player throws one bag at a time and this is alternated with the other team. Once all eight bags are thrown, you count up the round’s score.
3. Stay behind the line
There’s a foul line at the front edge of your board. If your foot crosses it when you toss, that throw doesn’t count.
4. How do you start?
You can flip a coin and well, the person setting up the boards first can start. Just do not make it complicated.
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What’s the Team Situation?
- Singles: One versus one. Each player stands at one board and tosses all four bags.
- Doubles: Two versus two. Teammates stand on opposite boards and alternate tossing.
The speed of the game is quicker than you think, especially when everyone’s in the zone. There are people who go from “just playing for fun” to calculating angles and trash-talking within three rounds.
Pro Tips, Because Yes, There’s Strategy
Sure, anyone can throw a bag. But landing consistent shots? That needs skill. Here’s how people level up:
- Block shots to make it hard for your opponent to land in the hole
- Push shots to knock your own bag in or knock theirs off
- Slide control is everything. Know when to loft a bag and when to go low and fast
It’s like darts mixed with curling, but you’re outdoors and usually holding a drink.
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Why Is Bags Basically Everywhere?
The game is accessible and it is social and it quickly becomes your favorite. One second you’re just killing time, the next you’re talking smack about “perfect form” like you’re playing at nationals.
People love it because it brings them together. It’s got just the right mix of competition and chill. No screens, no fancy equipment, just solid old-school fun that works anywhere from tailgates to weddings.
Conclusion
The rules of bags game are not very hard. The real challenge comes from consistency and friendly competition. There is room for all types of players that can play this game.
All you need are two boards, a few bags, and someone to play with. Toss, laugh, compete a little, maybe even build a rivalry. It’s simple, satisfying, and kind of timeless.
So yeah. Next time someone pulls out a set and asks if you wanna play? Step up. You’re ready.
