Why Is Cornhole Called Cornhole?

Cornhole has become one of the most popular outdoor games played by young and old, alike. In fact, attend any graduation party, family reunion, backyard barbecue or tailgating event and you will most likely find the game of cornhole. But have you ever wondered why the game is called cornhole?

So, why is cornhole called cornhole? Depending on who you ask or what you read, you will receive a different answer regarding the origin of the game’s name. What is known, however, is that bags are (or originally were) filled with corn, and these bags are then thrown through holes in wooden platforms – hence the name “cornhole.”

How Did Cornhole Get Its Name?

As stated, it is difficult to pinpoint when, where and why cornhole was invented. There are several stories, even dating back to the 14^th century, that recall how the game may have originated.

In the 1300s, a German cabinetmaker named Matthias Kuepermann apparently designed the first cornhole game. After watching children tossing rocks into a groundhog’s hole, he built wooden boxes with holes and filled small burlap sacks with a pound of corn in each, giving the children a safer game to play.

German immigrants, particularly in Cincinnati, Ohio in the 1800s, started playing the game as an enjoyable pastime, especially when corn was in abundance.

Heyliger de Windt, a Harvard graduate and New York resident, patented a game similar to cornhole in 1883. With square holes instead of round, “Parlor Quoits” had a slanted board and bean bags that were tossed into these holes. In the late 1800s, a Massachusetts toy manufacturer marketed a similar looking game, but made it with two different holes worth two different points and called it “Faba Baga.”

Another story claims that Native Americans may have filled pig bladders with corn or beans and played a similar game.

The people of Kentucky strongly believe that the game of cornhole was invented in their state when a pioneer and farmer named Jebediah McGillicuddy created the game to play with family and friends on his farm.

In 1974, a Popular Mechanics magazine article showed how to build boards for a “Bean-bag bulls-eye” game. It is possibly the first published diagram of a modern cornhole platform set – even though it measures a foot shorter. The game became popular in Illinois and Indiana during the 70s and 80s, where it was called bean bag toss or just “bags.”

Regardless of how and when cornhole originated, it does seem apparent that it became popular and grew throughout mostly Midwestern states in America – in particular Ohio – where it gained its resurgence over the past 15 years.

What Makes Cornhole So Popular?

Cornhole is popular simply because it is an easy and fun game to play and the rules are just as easy to understand. It is a game that both children and adults can enjoy. Other reasons for its popularity include:

It is portable. All you need is two platforms (most fold up for ease and convenience) and 8 corn bags to set up a game.

It can be played anywhere. As long as you have 27 feet between platforms, cornhole can be played in the yard, in the driveway, in a parking lot, at the beach or even inside.

It is safe for everyone. There are no metal spikes or heavy horseshoes, just canvas bags filled with corn (or sometimes beans or plastic pellets).

It is fun and fast. Cornhole can be played by individuals or in teams. Scoring can happen quickly, and the lead can change hands several times before a game is complete – making it exciting to play and watch.

How Do You Play Cornhole?

Cornhole is similar to horseshoes, but instead of pitching shoes onto spikes, you pitch or toss bags into holes. Easy game instructions are as follows:

The game can be played by two or four players. In a two-player game, each individual throws from the same side of their platforms. In a four-player game, you and your partner pick which side you want to throw from throughout the game.

The platforms are set up directly facing each other with 27 feet between the front edge of each board. The holes are the farthest apart with the platforms slanting downward toward each other. Each team/player plays with four bags.

Each team/player takes turns tossing the bags, making sure that their feet don’t go past the front of the board. When all 8 bags have been thrown, the points are added up for that round. The team/player with the most points will throw first the next round.

A bag that lands on the platform is worth one point. A bag that goes in the hole is worth three points. A game is won when a team/player reaches 21 points with a lead of two or more points.

What is the Future of Cornhole?

Cornhole continues to be a favorite game played at parties and tailgating events, mainly because you don’t have to be a talented athlete to play and because it’s just plain fun! The game has evolved, however, with cornhole lessons being offered across the country and many bars hosting competitive cornhole tournaments throughout the year.

Most impressively, the game of cornhole has become the sport of cornhole. It is now considered a professional sport with its own league called the American Cornhole League that was established in 2015, prize money of $1 million awarded to a cornhole champion and coverage by ESPN.

The ACL also has a National College Cornhole Championship that provides up to $25,000 in scholarship money to students. And, thanks to the World Cornhole Organization (WCO), cornhole may soon be an Olympic sport.

Understanding Cornhole Terminology

Just as football has its own terms such as blocking, tackling, fumble and interception, cornhole has its own unique terminology used to describe certain moves and actions. Below is a list of some of the most colorful terms:

Ace – You receive an Ace, or one point, when a beanbag lands and stays on the platform. Also called a Cow Pie or Woody.
Air Mail – When you toss a bag and it goes into the hole without ever touching the platform. Also called a Glory Hole or Swish.

Candycorn – When a bag has fallen short of hitting the cornhole platform. Also called a Corn Patty, Sally or Weak Sauce.
Cornfusion – When two players or teams can’t agree on the score.
Cornzizzle – When you get all four bags in the hole in a single round.

Dirty Bag – When a bag hits the ground first and bounces or rolls up onto the platform. No points are awarded.
Jumper – When a bag hits another bag on the platform and causes it to “jump” into the hole.
Push Bag – When a tossed bag pushes another bag that is already on the platform into the hole.

Shucker – When a tossed bag hits another bag on the platform and knocks it off the platform.
Skunk – When one team or opponent reaches 11 points and the other team has 0 points. Also called a White Wash.
Sky Bag – When a bag is tossed really high and lands far beyond the platform.

Slick Woody – When a tossed bag hits the platform and slides up and into the hole. Also called a Slider.

There may not be a clear answer as to why the sport of cornhole is called cornhole, or where and when it originated, but what is clear is that it is a universally accepted game by all ages. You will continue to see the game being enjoyed at graduation parties and backyard barbecues. And now, all you have to do is turn on ESPN and watch the professionals perform an Air Mail or a Slick Woody.