Cornhole is a game played with bean bags and a slanted board with a hole as the target. The game is similar to other quoits games and a few different “parlor quoits” patents, but Heyliger de Windt’s 1883 patent for “Parlor Quoits” displays most of the modern game’s features and credited as its invention.
A player must hold the bag flat in their hand, with a downward rotation of the fingers to generate spin, much like throwing a Frisbee. The underhand release is preferred, but not required. While a side throw common in Frisbees may feel more natural, it is illegal and will result in a foul.
It is recommended to play with a non-player judge who will keep the players honest, particularly during heated competition. The judge will also be able to spot and call penalties when a player or a bag violates the rules of the game.
During a round of play, the teams alternate between each other tossing the bags. The team that wins the previous round will pitch first for the next frame. If the teams tie, a coin toss will determine which team throws first.
Foul bags are divided into impacting and non-impacting, and a player or court official must spot and call the penalty for each. Impacting fouls include any bag that hits the board or other bags, or the hole itself. Non-impacting fouls include any bag that does not hit the board or other bags.