6 Ways to Score Cornhole Like a Pro

Cornhole game

Picture this: the sun setting on a summer evening, a cool breeze blowing through the trees, and the sound of laughter and friendly competition filling the air. You’re standing on the edge of a cornhole court, poised with a beanbag, ready to make your move. Your opponent, a close friend or family member, is waiting patiently on the other side. As you release the beanbag, time seems to slow down as you watch it arc through the air. With a satisfying thud, it lands squarely in the hole, earning you a triumphant roar from the crowd.

Cornhole, also known as beanbag toss, has become a popular backyard and tailgate game enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a simple game to learn but can be surprisingly challenging to master. If you’re looking to up your cornhole game and become the champion of your next backyard gathering, read on for our expert tips on how to score cornhole like a pro.

The first step to scoring more points in cornhole is to develop a consistent throwing technique. The key is to find a comfortable stance and arm motion that you can repeat over and over. The ideal throwing motion is a smooth, underhand toss. Your arm should come back slightly and then swing forward, releasing the beanbag at about shoulder height. Keep your elbow slightly bent and follow through with your arm as you release. Once you’ve mastered a consistent throwing technique, you can start to focus on accuracy.

The Importance of Board Tilt

The tilt of the cornhole board is crucial for achieving a successful toss. A proper tilt allows the beanbag to slide smoothly down the board, increasing the chances of it making it into the hole. The ideal tilt angle varies depending on the skill level of the players, but generally, a 15-degree angle is considered optimal.

Factors Influencing Board Tilt

Several factors influence the appropriate tilt angle:

  • Player’s Arm Strength: Stronger players can handle a steeper tilt, while less experienced players may prefer a shallower one.
  • Beanbag Weight: Heavier beanbags require a shallower tilt to prevent them from bouncing off prematurely.
  • Board Surface: A smooth board surface allows for a longer slide, which can be accommodated with a steeper tilt.

Impact on Toss Mechanics

The board tilt directly affects the trajectory and spin of the beanbag. A steeper tilt results in a higher toss, allowing for more time to correct the throw. A shallower tilt, on the other hand, promotes a lower trajectory, making it more difficult for opponents to block.

Optimal Tilt Angle

While the optimal tilt angle varies, a range of 12-18 degrees is generally recommended. A table below provides approximate tilt angles based on skill level:

Skill Level Tilt Angle
Beginner 12-15 degrees
Intermediate 15-17 degrees
Advanced 16-18 degrees

How To Score Cornhole

In cornhole, the objective of the game is to score points by throwing beanbags into a raised hole on a slanted platform. The platform is divided into two sections: the upper “cornhole” and the lower “backboard”.

To score points, players take turns throwing four beanbags at the opposite platform. Each beanbag that lands on the platform is worth one point. If a beanbag goes through the hole, it is worth three points. If a beanbag hits the backboard but does not go through the hole, it is worth zero points.

The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game. However, if both players or teams reach 21 at the same time, the game goes into overtime. In overtime, the first player or team to score two points wins the game.

People Also Ask About How To Score Cornhole

How many points do you get for a beanbag in the hole?

Three points.

How many points do you get for a beanbag on the board?

One point.

How many points do you get for a beanbag that misses the board?

Zero points.