Cornhole Drinking Game: Boost Your Backyard Fun

Looking to elevate your next gathering with a game that combines skill, competition, and a little bit of alcohol? Look no further than Cornhole and Bean Bag Toss drinking games. These classic outdoor games have been reimagined as the perfect way to bring friends together for some friendly competition and good laughs. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, tailgating, or just hanging out with friends, these games are guaranteed to be a hit. 

What is Cornhole and Bean Bag Toss?

Cornhole and Bean Bag Toss are simple yet addictive games that have roots in American backyard culture. Cornhole, in particular, has grown from a casual lawn game into a competitive sport, with leagues and tournaments across the country. The objective is straightforward: players take turns throwing bean bags at a raised board with a hole in it, aiming to score points by landing the bag in the hole or on the board. They’re easy to learn, quick to set up, and offer endless possibilities for customization.

Cornhole vs. Bean Bag Toss

Cornhole is the more formal, competitive version, played with specific boards, bags, and rules, often at events like tailgates and tournaments. It’s a cultural staple in certain U.S. regions. On the other hand, Bean Bag Toss is a broader, more casual term for any game involving tossing bean bags at a target. The equipment, rules, and gameplay can vary widely, making it a fun and flexible option for all ages. So, think of Cornhole as the pro-level sport, and Bean Bag Toss as the fun, freestyle version!

Cornhole Game Rules: The Basics Everyone Should Know

Before we add the drinks into the mix, let’s lock down the basic cornhole rules with this easy-to-follow list:

1. Setup:
   • Place two cornhole boards 27 feet apart, each with a hole at the top.
   • Players stand next to one board and toss towards the opposite board.
2. Scoring:
   • 3 Points: Land the bag directly into the hole.
   • 1 Point: Land the bag on the board without it sliding off.
3. Round Scoring:
   • Only the difference in points between the two teams counts each round.
   • Example: If your team scores 7 points and the other team scores 5, your team only earns 2 points for that round.
4. Winning:
   • The first team to reach exactly 21 points wins.
   • Busting Rule: If your team scores more than 21 points, your score drops back down to 13, and you’ll have to sip on that humble pie (or drink!).

Cornhole Drinking Game Rules: A Step-by-Step Guide

With the basic rules of cornhole under your belt, it’s time to up the ante with some drinking rules. 

1. Start Simple: Basic Drinking Rules

• Sip for a Score: Begin with an easy rule—every time your opponent scores, you take a drink. This keeps everyone engaged and the game moving at a fun pace.
• Foul Play: Add a bit of pressure by introducing a foul rule. If a player misses the board entirely, they take a drink. As the game progresses and the drinks kick in, this rule can quickly turn the competition into a hilarious challenge.

2. Turn Up the Heat: Advanced Drinking Variations

• Foul Chugs: For those who want to add a bit more intensity, try the “Foul Drinks” rule. Every time a player racks up a certain number of fouls (e.g., three misses in a row), they have to chug their drink. This rule adds a thrilling layer of tension, especially as players start to falter under the influence.
• The Shot Shot: Ready to gamble? Each player gets one opportunity per game to call a “Shot Shot.” If they successfully land the bag after calling it, they get to choose someone from the opposing team to take a shot or finish their drink. However, if they miss, the thrower has to drink instead. This rule injects strategy and suspense into the game, as players must decide when to use their Shot Shot for maximum impact.

3. Stay on Your Toes: Busting and Penalties

• The Bust Rule: Don’t forget about the classic cornhole rule of “busting.” If your team overshoots and goes over 21 points, your score resets to a lower threshold, usually 13. To add a drinking twist, penalize the team by making them drink one sip for each point lost. This rule keeps the endgame interesting, as teams must carefully manage their score while balancing the risk of busting—and the inevitable drinks that follow.

Fun Cornhole Variations to Spice Up Your Game

Cornhole drinking games are all about creativity. Once you’ve mastered the basics, why not add some quirky twists to make the game even more enjoyable?

I Drink, You Drink, We Drink

Add an exciting twist with custom cornhole boards featuring multiple holes labeled “I Drink,” “You Drink,” and “We Drink.” The rules are simple: when a player lands a bag in a hole, the corresponding action must be taken. For example:

• I Drink: The player who threw the bag takes a drink.
• You Drink: The opposing team drinks.
• We Drink: Everyone takes a drink!

This variation ensures a lively atmosphere where everyone stays involved, making it perfect for parties and social gatherings.

Buffalo Rule: A Hilarious Twist

Spice up your backyard cornhole game with the Buffalo Rule, where the challenge is real and the laughs are guaranteed. Here’s how it works:

• Non-Dominant Throws Only: Everyone must throw with their non-dominant hand for the entire game. Yes, that means you, too, Mr. “I’m-Ambidextrous.” No cheating!
• Whoops, Wrong Hand!: Accidentally (or not so accidentally) use your dominant hand? Oops! Time to take a drink. Don’t worry, we won’t judge… much.
• Hilarity Ensues: Expect to see a lot of wild throws, bags landing nowhere near the board, and players trying to remember which hand they’re supposed to use. The Buffalo Rule is here to make sure everyone’s having a great time, even if the accuracy isn’t!

This rule is all about keeping the fun alive and making sure no one takes the game too seriously—because let’s face it, cornhole is way better when you’re laughing!

King’s Court Cornhole

Elevate your cornhole experience with “King’s Court,” a UK variation that adds a touch of regal flair. This version introduces roles, challenges, and, naturally, plenty of drinks. Here’s how it works:

• Crowning the King: Start by playing a quick round to determine the “King” or “Queen” of the court. The player who scores the most points in this round earns the title and the power to create rules.
• Royal Decrees: The King or Queen can make one “Royal Decree” per round. This could be anything from “Everyone must throw with their eyes closed this round” to “The losing team drinks double.” These decrees last for the entire round, and everyone must obey—or face the King’s wrath, which of course, means taking a drink.
• Challenging the Throne: If someone else wins a round, they get to challenge the King or Queen. The two players then face off in a sudden death throw. The winner takes the crown and the right to issue the next decree, while the loser must take a royal sip.
• Jester’s Joke: Once per game, the King or Queen can appoint a “Jester,” who must perform a funny task (like making a ridiculous throw or telling a joke) whenever they take a drink. Failure to amuse the court results in—you guessed it—another drink!
• The King’s Court: At the end of the game, the player with the crown gets to assign one final challenge to the court. This could be anything from a team dance-off to a cornhole trick shot showdown, with the losing side finishing their drinks.

“King’s Court Cornhole” is a great way to keep everyone engaged and laughing, with the added fun of power dynamics and silly challenges.

Customizing Your Cornhole Experience

If you’re going to play cornhole, why not do it in style? Customizing your cornhole boards and cornhole supplies can turn a regular game into a truly personalized experience, making it even more memorable for you and your guests.

Custom Board Designs

Start with the boards themselves. Many companies offer custom cornhole boards that you can design yourself. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a lover of bizarre patterns, or just want your face plastered across the board so people have to look at you while they play, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

• Team Spirit: Slap your favorite sports team’s logo on there and watch as your opponents tremble before the mighty power of…your design skills.
• Drink and Play: Add custom drinking rules directly onto the board. Imagine landing a bag in the “Take a Shot” zone—you might not win the game, but you’ll definitely win the party.
• Personal Pics: Have a picture of your pet doing something ridiculous? Put it on the board. Nothing says “serious competitor” like a corgi in sunglasses staring down your opponent.

DIY Cornhole Boards and Bean Bags

If you’re the crafty type, consider building and designing your own cornhole boards. All you need is some wood, paint, and a bit of creativity. You can follow standard dimensions or customize the size to fit your space. Once you’ve built the boards, paint them with your chosen design and seal them to protect against the elements. You can also create custom beanbags to match your board’s theme, using different colors or patterns to represent various teams or actions in the game.

Where to Buy Custom Cornhole Sets

If DIY isn’t your thing, there are plenty of places where you can buy custom cornhole sets. Many online retailers offer a range of options, from pre-designed boards to fully customizable sets where you choose every detail. Investing in a quality custom cornhole set not only enhances your game experience but also makes for a great conversation piece at parties. Plus, it’s something you can use again and again, making it well worth the investment.

FAQs About Cornhole Drinking Game