2023’s Best Cities for Cornhole Lovers

Why is cornhole America’s favorite lawn game?

Cornhole has gained popularity in the United States for several reasons, here are a few that are contributing to its status as a favorite lawn game:

• Simplicity. Cornhole is a relatively simple game to understand and play. The rules are straightforward, and the equipment required is minimal—a cornhole board and bags. This simplicity makes it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.
• Social aspect. Cornhole is often played in social settings, such as backyard barbecues, tailgating parties, and family gatherings. It provides an opportunity for people to engage in friendly competition, interact, and have fun together. The casual and relaxed nature of the game encourages conversation and camaraderie among players and spectators.
• Versatility. Cornhole can be played in various settings, including backyards, parks, beaches, and sports events. It can be adapted to different skill levels and can be played as a recreational activity or in organized tournaments. Its versatility and adaptability make it suitable for different occasions and venues.
• Its inclusive nature. Cornhole is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. It does not require significant physical exertion or athleticism, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. This inclusivity has contributed to its popularity, as it allows for participation and enjoyment by a diverse group of people.
• The competitive element. While cornhole is often played casually, it also has a competitive aspect. Many individuals and groups organize cornhole tournaments, leagues, and championships, adding a competitive thrill to the game. The availability of organized competitions enhances the appeal of cornhole to those who enjoy the challenge of competition.
• Tailgating traditions. Cornhole has become strongly associated with tailgating, a popular pre-game socializing activity in American sports culture. Tailgating involves gathering in parking lots before sporting events, setting up grills, food, and drinks, and engaging in various recreational activities. Cornhole has become a staple of tailgating, offering fans a way to pass the time and build excitement before the game.
• Easy setup and transport. Cornhole boards are portable and easy to set up, requiring minimal space. They can be transported to different locations, making it a convenient game to play at various outdoor events. The ease of setup and transport contributes to its widespread popularity.

In my opinion, these factors, among others, have contributed to cornhole’s rise in popularity and recognition as a favorite lawn game.

What are your top three tips for someone playing cornhole for the first time?

1. Familiarize yourself with the rules. Before playing, take some time to understand the basic rules of cornhole. Each player or team takes their turn, aiming to land them in the hole or on the board for points. Points are awarded based on where the bags land. Familiarize yourself with scoring, foul lines, and other essential rules to ensure a fair and enjoyable game.

2. Work on your technique. Developing a good throwing technique can significantly improve your chances of success in cornhole. Start by standing parallel to the cornhole board, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Hold the bag with a relaxed grip and use a smooth, underhand throwing motion to release the bag. Practice your aim and find a throwing style that feels comfortable for you. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best. Try to command the bag to where and at what angle you want it.

3. Practice consistency and control. Cornhole requires precision and control to consistently land bags on the board or in the hole. Focus on consistency in your throws by developing a repeatable motion and finding the right amount of force to use. Aim for a consistent arc in your tosses, as too high or too flat of a trajectory can affect accuracy. Practice controlling the speed and angle of your throws to enhance your accuracy over time.

Remember, cornhole is a game that rewards practice and consistency. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t perform well initially. With time, practice, and a bit of strategy, you’ll improve your skills and enjoy the game even more.

What kind of training is required for amateur cornhole players who aspire to go pro?

Here are some training aspects to focus on if you’re wanting to go pro:

• Consistent practice. Like any sport, becoming a professional cornhole player requires regular and focused practice. Dedicate consistent time to hone your skills, focusing on improving your throwing technique, accuracy, and consistency. Regular practice sessions will help develop muscle memory and improve your overall performance.

• Compete in tournaments. Participating in local and regional cornhole tournaments is crucial for gaining experience and exposure. Competing against skilled players will challenge you and provide valuable learning opportunities. Pay attention to the strategies and techniques used by successful players and adapt them to your game. The more tournament experience you accumulate, the better prepared you’ll be for higher-level competition.

• Study the game. To reach a professional level, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of the game. Study the strategies, techniques, and tactics used by top cornhole players. This is known as “Board IQ.” Analyze their throwing style, footwork, bag placement, and decision-making during games. Watch professional cornhole matches, observe their approaches, and try to implement similar strategies into your own game. This knowledge will help you make more informed decisions during matches.

• Seek coaching and mentorship. Consider seeking guidance from experienced cornhole players or coaches who can provide valuable insights and help you refine your skills. We can offer personalized feedback on your technique, strategy, and game management. A coach or mentor can help identify areas for improvement, provide constructive criticism, and guide you toward reaching your full potential.

• Physical conditioning. While cornhole may not be as physically demanding as some other sports, maintaining a level of fitness can enhance your performance. Focus on exercises that improve balance, stability, and coordination, as these attributes are essential for consistent throws. Additionally, maintaining overall fitness and stamina can help you stay mentally sharp during long tournament days.

• Mental preparation. Professional cornhole players often emphasize the importance of mental preparation. Develop mental resilience, focus, and concentration skills to perform at your best during high-pressure situations. Practice visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and mindfulness to stay calm and focused during tournaments. The ability to shake off a bad round is paramount.

• Network and build relationships. Connect with other cornhole players, professionals, and enthusiasts. Engage in cornhole communities, join social media groups, and attend cornhole events to network and learn from others. Building relationships within the cornhole community can provide opportunities for collaboration, practice sessions, and valuable advice.

Remember, transitioning to a professional level takes time, dedication, and persistence. Be patient and learn from both successes and failures. Continually strive to improve your skills and knowledge of the game. Lastly know that when you go pro, conducting yourself as one is huge. There will be people who will look up to you. You will be the person they’re watching to refine their game. So, handle yourself with professionalism and respect.

What is the best way for cornhole players to find games or leagues in their city?

Scoreholio is the best way to connect to cornhole anywhere you are. Download it and search for your next match. Once you go to a few local events, a lot of them will have connected social media platforms that you can join or follow.

Why is cornhole America’s favorite lawn game?

Cornhole has become the next great American pastime. Consistent with the American Cornhole League’s slogan of “Anyone Can Play, Anyone Can Win,” cornhole is a game that can be played by anyone, anywhere. It is a game that is both relatable and accessible.

Everyone has a cornhole story, whether it’s that time you won the cornhole tournament at the family cookout, or you hit the four-bagger against the rival tailgate at your favorite college football team’s game. It’s also a game that can be played by everyone, regardless of age, gender, or other demographic backgrounds.

What are your top three tips for someone playing cornhole for the first time?

1. You want to be sure you get the right equipment for wherever you are in your cornhole journey. Most players start in the backyard with corn-filled bags on plastic boards, but when you are ready to elevate your game to match what players are using in ACL tournaments, the ACL Shop has a variety of options for all skill levels that will last you a lifetime.

2. Once you are ready to play, you want to learn the best technique. In almost all ACL competitions, players utilize a technique that causes the bag to travel through the air flat like a frisbee. Learning how to throw a “flat bag” using a flick of the wrist is key for players to step up their game to the next level.

3. A high arc is critical to becoming a consistent player. Getting a bag high in the air prevents the bag from flying off the back of the board once it lands.

Once you have the right equipment, a flat bag, and a high arc, you are well on your way to becoming an ACL pro.

What kind of training is required for amateur cornhole players who aspire to go pro?

Most players who have become ACL pros (or are well on their way) balance a mixture of solo practice and tournament experience. They set aside time to throw a few hundred bags per week by themselves to work on various shots.

Additionally, they will try to compete in at least one tournament per week to gain experience in competition. The tournaments don’t have to be Pro tournaments, they can be the weekly Tuesday blind draw at the local bar down the street. The ultimate key is to practice, practice, practice!

What is the best way for cornhole players to find games or leagues in their city?

There are two easy ways to find tournaments near you.

1. Look for scheduled ACL events on the ACL website. You can search by location for tournaments coming up.

2. You can use this list of ACL Directors to find a director near you who runs cornhole tournaments on a regular basis. They will be the best sources of information for getting involved in a local league. The ACL Player page summarizes all of this info in an easy-to-understand manner.

Why is cornhole America’s favorite lawn game?

Cornhole is the ideal lawn game because anyone and everyone can play. It’s fun for all ages and all levels, whether you are a backyard gamer or an advanced player.

What are your top three tips for someone playing cornhole for the first time?

• Line your body up with the board properly.
• Place your foot opposite from your dominant hand. Make sure your hand is placed properly to get a flat bag when you release.
• Repeat, repeat, repeat.

What kind of training is required for amateur cornhole players who aspire to go pro?

Practice is the key to developing muscle memory. Play in as many tournaments as you can, practice in your backyard, and develop your throw. For those setting a goal to become a pro, you must place in the top 100 in the country to automatically be qualified.

What is the best way for cornhole players to find games or leagues in their city?

Social media is a great way to search for cornhole-related activities. By searching you can find local and statewide events.

Why is cornhole America’s favorite lawn game?

I believe cornhole is America’s favorite lawn game because anyone can play.

What are your top three tips for someone playing cornhole for the first time?

1. Consistency

2. Have fun

3. Stay focused

What kind of training is required for amateur cornhole players who aspire to go pro?

You have to practice all the time to stay consistent. Go to big tournaments so you can get a feel for the crowds and when you are on the big stage you’re comfortable.

What is the best way for cornhole players to find games or leagues in their city?

• Go to American Cornhole League. Look up the nearest director in your area and contact them regarding different events in the area.

• You can also download the ACL Player App and search for events there.

Why is cornhole America’s favorite lawn game?

1. It’s a great social activity.

2. Cornhole brings people together, whether you’re playing with friends or family, or maybe just meeting new people. It’s easy to set up, play, and just enjoy company or a BBQ.

What are your top three tips for someone playing cornhole for the first time?

1. Play in as many tournaments as you can. To gain experience and confidence and to learn the strategy part of the game.

2. I would throw some sort of stickier bag at first until you’re comfortable with your throw. So, if you’re not a consistent player and don’t hit the middle, at least your bag isn’t flying off the back of the board. I’d rather have someone out four on than miss the board completely.

3. Just have fun. The more stress and mental let of the game you put on yourself can strain your ability to throw and compete with some of the best players in the world. Just have fun, throw, and you’ll be fine.

What kind of training is required for amateur cornhole players who aspire to go pro?

• Practice. Find your throw. If you are a stepper, or you stand still — you have to find what works for you. Again, experience is key to this game.

• Play in as many tournaments as you can, to gain knowledge, and to get reps to gain confidence. The mental game is a big part of being a pro — keeping composure in tense moments.

What is the best way for cornhole players to find games or leagues in their city?

• On social media.
• Through friends who play.
• By joining social leagues and moving to more competitive leagues with friends.

Why is cornhole America’s favorite lawn game?

Anyone can play, and anyone can win.

What are your top three tips for someone playing cornhole for the first time?

1. Have fun.

2. Try and throw bags on the board.

3. Find your best grip on the bags.

What kind of training is required for amateur cornhole players who aspire to go pro?

Play, play, play, and also a lot of practice.

What is the best way for cornhole players to find games or leagues in their city?

Scoreholio is a great app to find tournaments. Also, look for pages and groups on Facebook in your area.

Why is cornhole America’s favorite lawn game?

Typically, when you play a game, it is for certain ages and skill levels or people aren’t allowed to have a cold one while playing. Cornhole, on the other hand, is the opposite. It’s a competitive game for all ages and skill levels, especially the American Cornhole League — the world’s largest national cornhole league.

What are your top three tips for someone playing cornhole for the first time?

As the ACL Regional Director for North Mississippi, I always encourage people to play even if they are new. Here are some of my tips for them:

1. “We all started somewhere, so don’t be nervous,” which is what I always tell the players (you can ask most of them).

2. Do not forget to have fun while you are playing.

3. We started our cornhole league, 662 Cornhole, to bring people together like one big family — so cheer your partners on and don’t get mad at a loss or bad throw. It is a game where you are supposed to have a great time.

What kind of training is required for amateur cornhole players who aspire to go pro?

If you are an amateur wanting to go pro, I would get your own set of boards and bags. Think about football or baseball players that are pros, they train year-round to stay in shape and nail down routines and drills. The same goes for cornhole.

• I recommend throwing bags for at least two hours — or until you are tired — and then going for another 30 minutes to work on your endurance and find a routine that works for you when you step up to the board.

• While practicing, it is good to have a clear mind and remember you are practicing to nail down the trick shots, basic shots, and even air mails, so do not get frustrated. I am competitive and have to remind myself daily to reset — meaning step back from the board for a second — then restart.

Going to your local blind draw and ACL regionals in your area will help you use these skills and see where you stand competitively. If you do not do as you hope, hold your head high and keep going. This is where you can not forget why you started and to have a little fun every now and then.

What is the best way for cornhole players to find games or leagues in their city?

The best way to find games or events in your area is to become an ACL Member and follow us at 662 Cornhole ACL Events. On the Facebook page, it has a video showing you how to use the app and more.

On the ACL app, you can also find the events by searching your city or mileage around the surrounding area under “ACL Events.” Don’t hesitate to text or contact me for any help getting started playing cornhole or finding areas in your city that are playing.