Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Gamesver Team and JC Franco
Growing up, you may have had memories of cornhole-filled days. Or you may have known cornhole late in your life from friends who grew up with it. Either way, both scenarios are a testament to how popular and well-loved this game is.
Over the years, cornhole has held its grip on many communities and may have even widened its reach! More and more people worldwide are loving the game, and if you want to know why, keep reading this article.
These are 15 reasons why cornhole is quite popular:
1. Easy and Simple Rules
It doesn’t take a lot to learn to play cornhole because the rules are pretty easy and simple.
The gist of cornhole is that you have to stand across a cornhole board and try to shoot the bags into the hole, or at the very least, land it on the platform to earn points.
Of course, there are specifics:
- Two teams: Teams of one (1v1) or two members (2v2) play against each other for every set. Flip-a-coin is done to decide which team or player goes first.
- Four bags: Each team gets four bags that they toss in an underhand manner. The goal is to shoot the bags into the hole for most points.
- Scoring: A bag on the platform is worth 1 point. A bag that went through the hole is worth 3 points. Points are tallied after all bags from each team have been tossed.
- Cancellation point system: After all bags have been tossed, a cancellation method of tallying points is done. For instance, if Team A shoots a bag through the hole and Team B lands two bags on the platform, Team A’s score would be 3 – 2 = 1. The 2 points deducted came from Team B.
- 21 points: If one of the teams had accumulated 21 points, the game would end.
Learn more about the official game rules and regulations of cornhole by visiting the American Cornhole Association website.
You can also watch the organization’s YouTube video on how to play cornhole:
2. Inclusivity
Any person from any background and age can play cornhole. A grandma, a kid, a non-athlete, a neighbor – all can play the game because of how easy it is.
You also don’t need to have prior knowledge or experience. Since the game rules are simple, they are easy to explain and understand. Thus, anyone can join in on the cornhole fun immediately.
3. Portability
Cornhole is a very portable game because it can be played anywhere. It doesn’t demand a lot of space. You don’t need a court, field, or special facility to play a round.
Thus, if your family or friends are planning a getaway, it’s also easy to bring the game with you. You just need to pack the board and bags, and you’re all ready to set it up wherever you go!
4. Affordable
There’s no need to go broke to enjoy a game of cornhole. You only need a board and eight bags to play with, which you or your family may already have.
But if you don’t have those few necessary materials, don’t fret. Cornhole sets of all shapes, designs, and colors are available in most stores, like Amazon or Walmart.
For instance, this GoSports Portable Size Cornhole Game Set with 6 Bean Bags is one of the most affordable sets on amazon.com. They come in two designs – classic or wood – and are great for both indoor and outdoor play. They are junior size, though, so they’re not as big as the regular sets.
Once you’ve bought a set for yourself, you don’t have to buy anything else. If you got a good quality one, it could keep for years, and you’d have lots of fun without spending much.
5. Bonding
Barbecue, reunions, get-togethers, parties– cornhole has a place in these celebrations. A game of cornhole is a great way to bring people together and encourage bonding. While tossing bags, you can effortlessly chit-chat and catch up with people you haven’t seen in a while.
6. Safe
The game is non-hazard, which is excellent, especially for kids. There aren’t sharp objects that could pierce or cause accidents. The bags also aren’t heavy, and they’re soft.
Moreover, one of the legends about Cornhole states that it was invented to be a safe game for kids.
A certain Matthias Kuepermann saw kids throwing stones into a hole. He then employed his carpentry skills to make a Cornhole board, which was a safer alternative for children to play the game (by throwing bags of corn into the hole as opposed to stones).
7. Timeless
Cornhole has become part of American and other countries’ cultures for so long that no one knows for sure how it even came to be.
There are many versions of its history, but they all prove that the game is timeless regardless of which one’s true. Many generations have enjoyed the game, and it’s safe to say, many more will.
8. Professional Sport
In case you don’t know, cornhole is a professional sport! The game has official rules, and several tournaments have been played across the globe. That’s also why there’s an official American association!
However, even if these professional tournaments have certainly elevated the game, it remains relatable and accessible, even for those who aren’t star athletes.
9. Quick
Every set or round of cornhole doesn’t take up much time. Once 21 points have been reached, the game ends, and new players can join in. This gives other people the chance to join in on the fun!
10. Few Players
A game of cornhole can be 1v1 or 2v2. You don’t need many players, like basketball or soccer. Thus, even if you do a last-minute invite and have only a few people coming in, the game can still go on.
The fact that you can play a one versus one Cornhole game means you can create your own fun with a fellow friend or family member.
11. Non-Demanding
Everything I’ve said above would have already shown how non-demanding the game is. It’s affordable, inclusive, and doesn’t need unique talents or too much effort. You can easily set (and play) the game if you have one friend or family member to play with.
12. Friendly Competition
As the Chicago Tribune puts it, cornhole is “… competitive, but not too competitive”. Competition is secondary because the game is more about fun and bringing people together.
Moreover, you don’t really invest a lot into it, so there’s little reason to lose your mind if you lose the game. Instead, you focus on the joy of being with others, but at the same time, you experience fun competition.
13. Social Sport
Cornhole is regarded as a social sport. It brings people together and even leads to the creation of new friendships.
Cornhole isn’t physically demanding, but it does encourage social interaction, primarily since the game is usually held during get-together events, like barbecues or reunions. You may even get to meet new people!
14. Not Exhausting (Generally)
As I’ve said, cornhole isn’t physically excruciating and won’t lead to exhaustion or fatigue. It certainly isn’t like basketball, swimming, or other sports that demand a lot of muscle and physical effort.
However, if you’ve been playing the whole day or a couple of hours straight, it would be tiring afterward. But in general, you don’t have to pull a muscle to get through a round of cornhole.
15. Fun
Of course, cornhole remains popular because it is fun. It also doesn’t take too much to play or compete. The game is also a great way to pass time, have friendly competition, and socialize with friends and family members. You wouldn’t realize it, but you’ve already spent hours tossing bags, laughing, and making memories with opponents and team members.
This article was co-authored by our team of in-house and freelance writers, and reviewed by our editors, who enjoy sharing their knowledge about their favorite games with others!
JC Franco
JC Franco serves as a New York-based editor for Gamesver. His interest for board games centers around chess, a pursuit he began in elementary school at the age of 9. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Mercyhurst University, JC brings a blend of business acumen and creative insight to his role. Beyond his editorial endeavors, he is a certified USPTA professional, imparting his knowledge in tennis to enthusiasts across the New York City Metropolitan area.