The game of cornhole was created in the suburbs of Cincinnati in the late 1990’s.  In just over a decade, this simple backyard tossing game has exploded in popularity across the country.  Cornhole is a sport that involves tossing one pound corn-filled bags a distance of 27 feet and landing them on a piece of plywood board.   These cornhole bean bags should measure 6” square and be made with high-quality duck cloth.  The boards have a six-inch hole drilled out of their center.  A bag on the board scores you one point.  A bag in the hole earns you 3 points.  First player/team to 21 wins.

After its inception in Cincinnati, cornhole quickly spread across the Midwest and East Coast.  Hubs of popularity sprung up in Indianapolis and Chicago.  Eventually the game took off down South and across the West to become a national phenomenon.  Tailgate parties, family reunions, 4th of July parties, charity events, corporate picnics; you name it, cornhole is there.

The game has even spread to international markets such as Canada and the UK.  Recently, the sport has taken off with members of the US military.  Games have popped up at bases in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as onboard Navy vessels at sea.  Celebrities and professional athletes have taken to setting up cornhole tournaments to generate interest and money for their favorite charity.  Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is one such example, and his yearly tournament is a major revenue generator for local causes.

Although the name of the sport may vary by region, the equipment used and the bean bag toss game rules abided by remain the same basically everywhere.   It’s difficult to gauge why this sport has grown so quickly.  Perhaps it’s the addictive nature of the game.  Or, maybe it’s the fact that anyone can play, regardless of age, or arm strength; most people can toss a one-pound cornhole bag.  It’s time to start tossin’!