Cornhole: a delightful outdoor pursuit that thrills participants of all skill levels. The excitement hinges on those well-stuffed, bean-like parcels – cornhole bags. These, paired with well-built boards and a pinch of competitive spirit, promise hours of laughter, friendly rivalries, and wholesome fun.
Whether a casual backyard gathering or a high-stakes tournament, a properly hosted cornhole game can foster camaraderie like no other activity. So, let’s journey through the essentials, ensuring your next cornhole event is an absolute hit.
1. Durable Cornhole Boards
Starting with the foundation of your game, the cornhole boards. You’ll want boards that can weather hours of play without sacrificing the quality of the gaming experience. Boards with a smooth, varnished surface are ideal as they offer a good slide for the cornhole bags, enhancing the overall play. Wooden boards are the most popular among players.
2. Top-tier Cornhole Bags
The heroes of the game, cornhole bags, need to be robust and well-constructed. You want a bag that maintains its shape and weight distribution, regardless of how many times it’s been thrown. Bags filled with corn or resin are acceptable, with some players finding one or the other more to their taste. Bags can also rupture with rigorous use, so keeping a few extras around is a clever idea.
3. Space is Fundamental
A flat area is vital to ensure fair play. The regulation distance between the two boards should be 27 feet, measured from the front of one board to the other. Be sure to allow for a good pitching area for the throwers and a safe viewing spot for the audience.
4. Scoring System
How do you know who’s winning if you’re not keeping score? You can use a simple notepad and pen or a dedicated scoreboard. Both are fine options; just keep it updated as the game progresses.
5. Night Game Illumination
Evening games have a charm, but you need to ensure adequate lighting. Consider lanterns or soft outdoor lights to maintain the visibility of the boards and cornhole bags without being overly bright or distracting.
6. Refreshments
Good food and drink can make any gathering great. Ensure to provide plenty of easy-to-eat snacks and a variety of refreshing beverages to keep the players energized and the spectators happy.
7. Seating
Comfortable seating for those waiting their turn or enjoying the fun is a must. Having a good mixture of seating options also adds to the overall comfort of the event.
8. Playlist
A good mix of everyone’s favorite tunes will add more enjoyment to the day’s activities. It helps keep the energy high and the spirits bright.
9. Rules on Deck
Particularly if you’re playing with cornhole newcomers, having a set of rules on hand is a good idea. It helps to clear up disagreements and ensures everyone follows the same guidelines.
10. Extra Cornhole Bags
Did we mention that cornhole bags can break? In the heat of the game, a bag might give way. Hence, having a few extras at the ready is always smart.
Conclusion
Hosting a cornhole game creates an atmosphere of friendly competition and fun. When well-planned, these events can become cherished memories eagerly anticipated by all who attend. So, prepare your checklist, extend your invites, and let the cornhole festivities begin!
