So you have your boards and bags ready for a game of cornhole, but you are thinking about how to win the next game against your neighbor. You’ve probably taken a lot of defeats, but now you want to prove your metal by reaching the magical figure of 21 before your opponent.
There are quite a few different ways to win a game of cornhole. You can use various strategies, gripping and throwing methods, and standing postures. The best thing about cornhole is that nothing matters if you are winning and not committing any fouls.
In this article, we will discuss different tips you can use to win cornhole games. We will explain different game scenarios which are common in a game of cornhole. We will also explain some tossing tips which will help you master airmail science.
So let’s win some games!
Tips to Win at Cornhole Game
Tossing Tips
You will notice that no two pros throw in the same way, but they all follow some fundamentals. As a beginner, you have to follow some sort of guidelines/style for tossing your bags. Once you start to get hold of the game and your bags, you can incorporate your style and throw how you want to. It’s perfectly all right to have a signature tossing style.
Think of baseball or soccer. As long as you follow the rules, you are free to kick and pitch in the way you like. Similarly, you are free to follow your style while playing cornhole. We have explained below the basic grip and throw fundamentals that will help you get by and become an exceptional player.
Basic Grip and Throw Fundamentals
- The best way to grip the bag is to place your thumb on the top in the center and the four fingers underneath the bag so that half of the beans are in your hand.
- Keep the seam at the top and hold the bag gently. You don’t want to press it too much or hold it too lightly.
- Once you get that grip, don’t open your hand.
- Put your arm straight down the side of your body with the bag in your hand.
- Lock your elbow in such a way that the bag is flat when you look down on it.
- Now reach straight back and reach forward, keeping your elbow locked the entire time.
- Twist your wrist at the last second before the throw. Twisting the wrist will help you keep the bag flat, and it will rotate through the air.
The Best Standing Position for Beginners
Place your lead foot adjacent to the board edge and in line with your arm. Touching your foot with the board will give you an exact starting point every time you throw. Such precautions are important for novice players.
Your knees should be slightly bent, and your body must have a slight lean over your throwing arm so that you have ample space to move your arm while throwing.
Another great way to throw the bag is throwing while moving. Pro players commonly use it, and there is no harm in trying. You could be the next tournament champion; who knows! Start by stepping forward towards the foul line. Take the first stride with the foot opposite of your throwing arm. If you throw with your right arm, move your left foot forward and vice versa. When you take the forward stride, your arm must swing backward. When you take the next stride, your arm will pass forward your hip. This is nothing different than your natural walking style. When you reach the foul line, release the bag according to your preferred style and grip.
Bag Flight Basics
You must aim for a 5-10 feet arc flight for the bag. If you go above 10 feet, you risk bouncing the bag off the board or going past the hole. You go lower; you end up skirting the bottom of the board. This is basic stuff; you may throw under 5 feet and end up with 3 points for a throw. Once you get the hang of things, your goal must be on the game and getting maximum points.
After a few days, the grip, throw, standing position, and bag flight will go into your subconscious. You will be playing like a pro, and your hand-eye coordination will help adjust the throw speed, angle, and flight.
Winning Strategies for Beginners
Have you ever been to a cornhole tournament? If yes, then you would know that strategy is more important than points. I have seen games changing due to strategy. Strategy can win you games if you are down 5-19. Poor strategy can take the game out of your hands even if you are leading by 15 points.
We cannot list all the strategies to win a game because every cornhole game is unique and needs real-time improvisation. However, we will discuss some of the common scenarios and what’s the best approach in each scenario.
Scenario 1: Perfect Block on First Throw
Suppose your opponent sets up a perfect block right at the neck of the hole in the first throw. You may be thinking that he missed airmail. But it is possible that your opponent is a pro and is just teasing you.
As a beginner, your best option here is to go for a double block. Try to land your bag right in behind your opponent’s bag. It will put your opponent against a tough question. Will he go for airmail or a woody? If he goes for the hole, there is a high chance that he will miss because of a double block. You can lead this innings at the end by just playing woodies.
Scenario 2: Your Bag is blocking the Hole
Your bag may end up blocking the hole with your opponent’s bag resting on the floor or away from the hole. It is a great way to gain up on your rival.
Don’t go for airmail at this point. Instead, try a push shot. A careful and delicate shot will not hurt you in any way. Try to push your bag near the hole into the hole with your next throw. If luck favors you, you may get both of your bags inside and gain 5+ points. Airmail will give your 3 points, so there is no risk here.
Scenario 3: Total Block
A total block happens when your opponent has 4 bags, and you have 3 bags on the board. Your opponent is leading by 1 in the innings, and you have one throw left.
You may be inclined to go reckless and attempt airmail. Don’t do this. Instead, go for a woody. It is the safest option. If you try anything else, there is a high chance that you may end up holing your opponent’s bags and serve the game in a platter to him.
Scenario 4: You are leading by a big margin
What to do when you lead with a big margin, such as 18-4 or 18-5?
Here you have a comprehensive lead against your opponent. You can take the dare and go for airmail. Even a miss chance will take the game to the next inning, and you can easily recover.
Scenario 5: You are far behind your opponent
Suppose you are far behind your opponent but somehow manage to take the game to the next level. What could be your best bet here?
Go for a block and pray that your opponent misses. A lead of 10 or more points is usually game for the one drafting behind.
Four Shots to Practice
There are four shots that every cornholer must practice.
- Slider
- Blocker
- Push
- Airmail
Remember, you can read all about tricks, tips, and cornhole strategies. The real grip over the game comes from practice. The best thing about cornhole is that you can practice it alone. However, it is best to practice with your partner if you plan to go pro and participate in a tournament.
