Expect the Unexpected When Playing Cornhole

Trying something new is always a mix of excitement and awkwardness—especially when it involves tossing bags at a wooden board while others watch. That was me, stepping up to play cornhole for the first time at a backyard barbecue a few years ago. If you’re about to experience your first cornhole game, here’s what you can expect—from the rules and gameplay to the surprises and laughs along the way.

1. It Looks Easy... Until You Try It

Cornhole might look like a breeze. After all, you’re just tossing a beanbag onto a board, right? But the first time you try to land one on the board—or, even trickier, into the hole—you’ll quickly realize there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Expect a few wild throws, bags that slide off the side, and at least one toss that lands three feet short. Don’t worry—everyone’s been there.

2. Basic Rules You’ll Learn Quickly

Even though it can be a laid-back party game, cornhole has clear rules and some strategy. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

• Teams: 2 players per team. Opponents stand beside each other, one one each side of the board.
• The Board: Approximately 2 feet by 4 feet with a 6 inch hole. Place boards 27 feet apart from front to front. (Have fun, put the boards as far apart as you want.)
• The Bags: Each team gets 4 bags of a distinct color.
• Scoring: 3 points for a bag in the hole.1 point for a bag on the board. Only the net score after each round counts (points cancel each other out). First team to reach 21 points wins. (You can go over.)

Someone will probably explain this quickly before your first game, and you’ll pick it up as you play.

3. You'll Start to Get Competitive (Fast)

What starts as a chill game quickly becomes competitive—especially once you get your first bag on the board. Suddenly, you're adjusting your stance, watching the wind (yes, it matters), and trying to knock your opponent’s bag off the board while blocking the hole. And yes, you’ll high-five your teammate like you just won a championship when you make a perfect shot.

4. The Vibe Is Half the Fun

One of the best things about cornhole is the atmosphere. Whether you’re playing in someone’s backyard, at a tailgate, or on the beach, it’s social, casual, and full of friendly trash talk. You’ll likely find yourself chatting between turns, sipping a drink, and laughing at everyone’s awkward throws—including your own.

5. You’ll Want to Play Again (and Again)

By the end of your first game, you be just enjoying yourself - you will be hooked! Cornhole is one of those rare games that’s simple enough for anyone to try, but satisfying enough to keep you coming back. Plus, once you start improving, it’s hard not to chase that perfect toss every time.

Final Thoughts

Playing cornhole for the first time is all about letting go, having fun, and embracing the learning curve. You might not win your first game—or even land a bag on the board—but you’ll definitely walk away with a few laughs, a new favorite party game, and probably some plans to play again soon.

So grab a bag, take a deep breath, and aim for the hole. Worst-case scenario? You miss completely and still have a great time. 🎯

Have you played cornhole yet? Share your first-time experience in the comments - We'd love to hear how it went!