Cornhole is a tried and tested family favorite, but did you know that the game is rumored to date back to 14th-century Germany? Talk about a pastime that really stood the test of time. Nowadays, it’s an all-American staple of our long summers and weekends with family and friends.
Ready to get inspired to host a tournament of your own? Let’s walk through the setup for the day, game farmers!
Steps to Plan a Cornhole Tournament
Lay the Groundwork
Well-planned is half-done! Start with these basics to ace your cornhole tournament hosting:
- Figure out the number of players to determine the game format (doubles, singles, larger teams, and so on).
- Decide on food and drinks. Potluck, themed feast, or catering? Remember to ask for dietary restrictions!
- Go for a classic cornhole battle or get creative with a theme: How about a patriotic 4th of July tournament or an 80s neon party.
- Ensure you have enough chairs and tables for everyone to rest and cheer between throws.
- Do you have shade? Bring umbrellas or make sure to set up in an area where people can seek shade during the hottest hours.
Sweeten the Day with Prizes:
Let’s be honest, a little friendly competition is always more exciting with some prizes at stake. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Classic Trophies: Keep it traditional with engraved cornhole-themed trophies for the champions
- Gift Baskets: Fill baskets with goodies related to the tournament theme, local treats, or outdoor games.
- Cash Prizes: If your budget allows, offer cash prizes for the top finishers. Be clear about the amount and how it will be divided beforehand. You can even do a buy-in with all participants!
Familiarize Yourself with Cornhole Setup, Rules, and Materials
If you need a full recap on how to play this family favorite, we have a full article right here. Otherwise, refer to this quick guide below to get started. And, if you’re looking to play more outdoor games at your event, check out these lawn games to spark the imagination.
Players
- 2-4 for individual games and smaller gatherings
- Divide larger groups into teams of two, three, or four
Materials and Setup
- Cornhole Boards set 27 feet apart from each other
A Quick Guide on Cornhole Scoring
- Any Cornhole Bag that lands and stays on the board is worth one point
- Any Cornhole Bag that goes through the hole is worth three points
- The team with the higher score at the end of an inning is the only team to score points
- The team with the higher score earns points equal to the difference of the two teams that inning. If team one scores seven and team two scores five in an inning, team one earns 2 points.
Food and Refreshment Ideas for a Cornhole Tournament
What’s an outdoor gathering without delicious provisions to keep the energy up and spirits high? Here are some tried-and-tested ideas to satisfy every player and guest:
Grill it Up:
- Classics with a Twist: Offer cheeseburgers, hamburgers, and hot dogs, and consider spicing it up with gourmet toppings like caramelized onions, avocado, and a fan-favorite, bacon.
- Consider Vegetarians: Don’t forget veggie burgers, tofu or seitan, grilled vegetables, and veggie dogs for plant-based options!
- Skewers: For a meal-in-one, serve up skewers with marinated chicken, pork, fruit like pineapple, and vegetables for easy grilling and grabbing.
- Sidekicks for the Win: Grill corn on the cob and potato wedges, or whip up a pasta salad to fill your guests up.
Finger Foods FTW:
- Chip & Dip Duos: Set out a variety of chips and dips, catering to different tastes with salsa, guacamole, hummus, and even sweet options like fruit dip with pretzel sticks.
- Snack Platters: Create colorful platters with sliced veggies, fruits, cheese cubes, crackers, and deli meats.
- Mini Does It: Serve bite-sized appetizers like mini quiches, sliders, or spring rolls.
- Pizza: For a no-fuss option, order pizzas beforehand with various toppings to please the crowd. Pro tip: Pre-slice them for easy grabbing!
Cool Refreshments:
- Hydration Station: Stock coolers with water, sports drinks, and iced tea. Infuse water with fruits and herbs for a refreshing twist.
- Sweet Sips: Offer lemonade, iced coffee, or fruit punch. Pre-portion them in individual containers for easy serving.
Margarita Station (21+):
Set up a refreshing margarita station with tequila, various liqueurs, fresh limes, oranges, juices, and flavored salts. Provide non-alcoholic options like mocktails with sparkling water, soda, and syrups.
Don’t Forget:
- Plenty of ice for your coolers to keep everything chilled.
- Opt for reusable plates, cups, and utensils to minimize waste.
- Clearly label ingredients and offer options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan participants.
Bonus Tip: Get creative with cornhole-themed treats serving all things corn if you want to really amp up the menu in a playful way.
Disclaimer
The Game Farm does not encourage or promote alcohol consumption of any kind. We do not take responsibility for any injuries, damages, or other consequences that may arise from the consumption of alcohol while playing our games.
It is the responsibility of each individual player to drink responsibly and know their limits. We recommend that players drink plenty of water and take breaks throughout the night to avoid becoming intoxicated.
If you are underage, please do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol underage is illegal and can have serious health consequences.
We hope you have fun playing our drinking games responsibly!
