Make Cornhole America’s Game

Cincinnati is poised to take its place among the great cities of the world. Granted, it already boasts two major sports teams and a Hofbrauhaus, but now it is about to become the home of America’s game, the next great fringe sport to storm the nation – Cornhole. Never heard of it? That’s ok, you’re about to. By the time you finish reading this you’re going to want to thrust yourself into Cornhole with great vigor.

According to legend – and the American Cornhole Association – Cornhole possibly started as early as the 14th century in Germany (that’s odd, I though the Greeks played it too) and was rediscovered about 100 years ago in the hills of Kentucky (although that part makes sense). Currently, it’s very popular on the west side of Cincinnati, although east siders have recently attempted to insert themselves into Cornhole, quite frankly with shitty results.

The ACA is making some solid attempts at organizing Cornhole enthusiasts and fulfilling its purpose of making Cornhole “America’s Game.” It hosts a forum to discuss the sport, offers free membership (which I recommend, I’m a member and it feels good), maintains player rankings, and keeps track of tournaments. The association also maintains an interesting news archive of Cornhole stories, including ones about how the sport is growing around NASCAR races and another one about how the sport has raised money for a family in need of aid. Cornhole to the rescue.

The Cornhole World Championship will be played in Ohio next month, and even though FSC will be unable to attend, I promise you that FSC will penetrate the action and bring all the warm, Cornhole goodness to you.

And the rules, how could I have forgotten. In Cornhole, it’s all about the Cornhole. It’s how you score the most points, but because Cornhole is a little like horseshoes (and some people actually refer to it as soft horseshoes) close counts too. Even if you miss the hole and wipe out on the side, you can still pick up a point. The game is played on a horseshoe pitch, with two teams of two lining up on either side of each other. They toss bean bags filled with corn at inclined boards with a six-inch hole on it, which is obviously where the sport gets its name. If the bag goes in the hole, that’s 3 points. If the bag misses the hole but lands on the board, that’s one point. If the bag doesn’t land on the board or go in the hole, that’s zero points. First team to 21 points wins. See the ACA official rule page for more details.

Cornhole is easy to start and the world championship is just around the corner. Check back here for more details. In the meantime, I recommend that you get one of your friends and start practicing going in the cornhole. Cincinnati’s favorite sport will be spreading soon. You don’t want to miss out on America’s Game.