Though still an unknown sport in many parts of the United States, Cornhole (also known as corn toss) has become nothing short of a cultural phenomenon in Midwestern cities like Cincinnati, Chicago, and Louisville.  It’s now commonplace to see these bag toss games being played at backyard barbecues, football tailgating parties, and even corporate holiday parties.  As is the case with any emerging game, however, there exists general confusion about equipment options and standards.

While the ACA (the American Cornhole Association) has strict standards about equipment materials and sizes, generally few people actually adhere to them, the exception being serious tournament players who make a living out of the sport.  But for the casual player there are plenty of options and customizations available.  In fact, it is this sense of personalization that adds to the game’s allure for many people.

Take the cornhole bags, for example.  The ACA states that they should be exactly six inches by six inches in size, weigh precisely 15 ounces, and be filled only with whole kernel corn.  The corn filling is often the biggest point of contention for corn toss enthusiasts.  While purists feel that only whole corn is a suitable material because of the dust billow that results during game play, opponents often point at that it tends to break down faster and attract critters while in storage.  The most common alternative is now plastic pellets, which keeps the animals at bay and also makes the bags “weather-proof” to a certain degree.  They can also be cleaned more easily, and tend to last longer than traditional corn bags.

Cornhole boards also come in a myriad of designs and materials.  Old-school players insist that only wood be used in the creation process, while younger folks tend to lean more towards plastic or poly boards.  Again, it comes down to personal preference.  Wood boards lend themselves to customization more easily, as they can be painted, stained, or decaled.  Plastic boards, on the other hand, tend to last longer and are easier to clean and maintain.  They are also lighter and therefore easier to transport to games, parties, or beach outings.

At the end of the day it’s all about deriving as much enjoyment as possible from the game of corn toss, and that means purchasing supplies that best meet your needs and desires.  It’s best to leave the snobbery about exact specifications to the professional players, and instead find the products that will add spice to your party and life to your dull weekends.  Just be sure that there are plenty of boards and bags to go around so that nobody is left out in the process.