Setup
Players
- 2-4 players
- Ages three and up
Materials
- 2 bean bag boxes
- 4 blue and 4 red bags
- A notepad and pen for keeping score
Scoring
- Points are scored when a player has a bag on the board or in the hole
- Points cancel each other out, so only one person or team can score points per round
- A bag on the board = 1 point
- A bag in the hole = 3 points
- The highest number of points scored in a single round is 12 points. (4 bags from the same team in the hole)
- The losing team’s points are subtracted from the winning teams
- The game is over when one team scores 21 points
Additional Setup Notes
- Place the boxes 24-27 feet apart from the center of the hole to the center of the other hole.
- Remember sunscreen and refreshments if you’re playing on a hot day!
Objective
In a game of bean bag toss, players aim to score 21 points by aiming the bean bags into the hole on the wooden box.
Gameplay
Bean bag toss, a fun outdoor game that also goes by the name corn hole, combines skill and strategy with a relaxed and social atmosphere.
While this lawn game is usually played by two teams, each consisting of two players, you can also play one on one.
The setup is simple: two inclined wooden boards with a hole close to the top are placed about 27 feet apart. Players will then take turns throwing bean bags, filled with corn kernels or beans, at the opposing board.
Bean Bag Toss Scoring
The objective is to toss the bags through the hole or land them on the board to earn points. A bag through the hole is worth three points, and one on the board scores a single point. The game is usually played to 21 points, with cancellation scoring, where points from one team will be subtracted from the opposing team’s score each round.
Players alternate turns, throwing all four bags of the same color before the other team takes their shot. Strategy comes into play as players aim for the hole or attempt to block their opponents. A game of bean bag toss comes to an end when a team reaches or exceeds 21 points.
If there’s a tie, additional rounds can be played to determine the winner.
Endgame
A game of Bean Bag Toss comes to an end once a player or team scores 21 points or more.
Bean Bag Toss Variations and Alternate Rules
- Double-Board Bean Bag Toss: In this version, two bean bag toss boards are placed side by side, and teams alternate throwing bags at both boards at the same time. The scores from both boards are added together for a faster game.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Bean Bag Toss: This version involves using bean bag toss boards equipped with LED lights or glow-in-the-dark materials. It’s typically played in the evening or at night.
- Doubles vs. Singles: While the classic rules call for two teams of two players each, variations allow for different team sizes. In “Doubles vs. Singles,” one team of two players competes against a single player. The team of two alternates their throws, while the single player throws all four bags in a row.
Bean Bag Toss Tips & Strategy
Winning a game of bean bag toss is all in the technique; focus on your grip and stance, aiming for a controlled, underhand toss. Target the center for higher scoring. Consider your opponent’s moves, aiming to block their path or benefit from their mistakes. Perfecting your aim is often precision over power, as softer, accurate throws often score better.
FAQs
Is corn hole the same as bean bag toss?
Corn hole is another name for the game of bean bag toss.
What do you need to play bean bag toss?
You’ll need the wooden boxes and 2 sets of 4 bean bags (blue and red).
How do you win a game of bean bag toss?
The team that reaches 21 points first wins the game, so aim to score as many points per round as possible.
