Bean bag toss is extremely fun and can be the perfect party addition. It’s a classic childhood game that is loved equally by kids as well as adults.
If you have played it before, you will know that the rules are pretty simple. You just have to aim, throw, and count your scores. The gameplay itself is very helpful in developing your motor skills and perfecting your hand-eye coordination.
I was recently given the responsibility of setting this game up for my neighborhood Christmas party. And though I had everything else under wraps, I was pretty confused about how far apart are the boards in bean bag toss.
That is when my husband helped me out with the right distance. He also gave me some tips about choosing the right cornhole board and bag, and ensuring they meet the right size requirements.
Hi! I’m Stacy Smith, and today I’m going to share this information with you. Read on to know about the correct dimensions and distance that needs to be maintained between Bean Bag Toss boards. I have also mentioned how to calculate scores in the game, in order to provide you with greater clarity regarding how to organize every aspect.
Selecting The Right Distance Between Boards In Bean Bag Toss
Choosing The Perfect Cornhole Board
To begin with, these boards can be made of plastic, wood, or other materials. Of these, wood is the material that is used for official tournaments, but stores sell boards of various other materials as well. It is alright to choose any of them, provided they meet the right size requirements.
Boards should be 23.5-24 inches wide and 47.5-48 inches long. The surface should be very smooth, and it should have a thickness of 0.5 inches. If the board is made of wood or you’re making it yourself, then the top should be sanded. This will provide it with a smooth surface that will not disturb the game.
If you want to make it attractive, apply a layer of glossy latex paint on it. This will make the surface slippery and will allow the bags to slide.
Further, the hole in a cornhole board should be around 6 inches in size, and it has to be 12 inches away from each of the two sides. And in case you’re measuring from the top, it should be 9 inches away.
How To Set Up For 4 Players?
There are 2 primary ways of playing bean bag toss. The distance between the boards depends on whether you are playing casually or in a tournament. If it’s a casual game, then the distance between the boards will be 24 feet. On the other hand, if it’s a league or a tournament that you are aiming for, the distance will be 27 feet.
The players need to be divided into 2 groups of 2 people each. If only 2 people are playing, they will compete with each other and play from the same board. But if 4 people are playing, 2 of the teammates will have to line up near the boards on opposite ends, facing each other.
8 bean bags are part of this game, and they are placed near one end of the room. There will be 2 teams, and hence, each of them gets 4 bean bags. Make sure that the bags are of the same color.
Cornhole Bag Dimensions
If you have played bean bag toss, you will know how important cornhole bags are. They need to be of the right size and weight to work out well. The bags are made of fabric with dimensions of 6.25 x 6.25 inches.
The seam on all sides measures 0.25 inches. I made sure that the bags were made of fabric that will not get affected by constant throwing. They have to be durable enough to handle the tossing.
Every bag also needs to be filled with feed corn. An approximate measure would be 2 cups. That should bring the bag to a size of 6 square inches once it is filled. And in case you’re wondering how much does a cornhole bag weigh, it’s around 14-16 ounces generally.
If you do not have access to feed corn or are purchasing the bags, they could also be filled with plastic pellets. And if the bags at your departmental store have plastic pellets, don't worry. This actually makes them suitable for all weather conditions and ensures they’re not spoiled even if they get wet.
How To Keep Score?
When I was given the task of organizing this game, it occurred to me to be clear about the scoring method. If the bag falls and rests on the top of a board, a player gets 1 point. If the bag is thrown through a hole, then the player gets 3 points.
When a bag does not go through the hole or falls on the floor, then it's called a foul bag. Remember these, and you should have no problem in calculating the final score.
Final Words
While I mentioned the perfect board and bag dimensions, you should know that they do not need to be as perfect if you are making them yourself. You can opt for DIY bags and boards, and make them yourself with household items.
Socks can be used to create bean bags, and they could be filled even with simple things like rice. Just ensure that the distance between each board remains the same, and you should be good to go. Also, if you are arranging the game for kids, it only needs to be fun regardless of what materials you use.
I have bought colorful bean bags to make the game more attractive. You can do the same, or even repaint the boards to red and white, which are essential colors at any Christmas party. This will make them look well-coordinated, and entice the guests to play.
With this, I will take my leave. Let me know in the comment section below if you have any further queries regarding this game.
Until next time!