Sink ‘Em! Brunswick Forest and the Game of Cornhole

June 8, 2020
ISWebmaster

Like pickleball, the game of cornhole might sound a little funny, but people across the nation have quickly grown to love this easy to play activity. With its increased popularity at parties, backyard gatherings or even just a day in the park, there is not an instance these days where you will not hear someone in Wilmington mention cornhole. But why the funny name? What is cornhole all about and what makes it so fun?

Several sources dispute the historical origins of cornhole, including the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois. Regardless of which state decided to pioneer it first, the concept was simple enough to take off like wildfire. The game gets its name from the material that fills each bag, often being dried corn kernels. Some claim that the game has German origins, where a farmer named Matthias Kuepermann noticed young boys tossing rocks into holes in the ground. He felt the game was too dangerous, so he provided them with bags filled with corn and wooden boxes to throw them into.

Cornhole can involve one or two teams of players going against each other in a bean bag toss. A team will have a maximum of two players. The scoring areas are often wooden boards, with each one placed on the opposite sides of the playing field. Players will stand at either end of each board, with teammates standing across from one another. Each match is broken down into two innings of play, with four bags being tossed per player; an inning is not finished until the last player has tossed the last bag. A player who tosses a bag onto the board gets one point, and three points for sinking a bag into the scoring hole. This achievement is what is known as “cornhole.” But, be careful! If the opposing team makes cornhole directly after you, their bag will cancel out your points! You can also choose to play deviously, by sliding your bag into an opponent and knocking them off the board entirely. Some players choose to play to a maximum of 21 points, but the rules can be flexible depending on how you want to play.

What better way to immerse yourself in nature then by setting up some cornhole boards and playing with a friend or two? It is easy fun and easy to pick up and play!

Brunswick Forest has lots of wide-open areas for you to enjoy outdoor games such as cornhole like Annsdale Park, Meadow Park, the Community Commons, and other areas. If you’ve yet to give cornhole a try, give it a toss this summer!