Cornhole has its own language. From the casual backyard toss to the high-stakes tournament floor, knowing the lingo can make all the difference. Understanding the terminology not only helps you follow the action but also elevates your own game. It connects you to the community and deepens your appreciation for the strategy behind every throw.
At Skip's Garage, we believe that the foundation of any great player is a solid understanding of the fundamentals. We build our cornhole boards with unparalleled craftsmanship, and we approach the game itself with that same level of dedication. Whether you're a new player just learning the ropes or a seasoned pro looking to sharpen your knowledge, this glossary is for you. We've compiled the essential terms every cornhole player should know, ensuring you can talk the talk and walk the walk.
This guide will walk you through the key phrases and slang used in the game. By the end, you'll be able to follow along with professional commentators, discuss strategy with fellow league members, and maybe even impress your friends at the next tailgate. We personally guarantee that mastering these terms will enrich your playing experience.
Board and Bag Terminology
Before you can understand the action, you need to know the equipment. These terms describe the board, the bags, and their condition.
Ace
An ace refers to a bag that lands and stays on the surface of the cornhole board, earning one point. It's the most common scoring play in the game.
Cornhole
This term defines the game itself. A cornhole is a bag that passes through the hole in the board, scoring three points. It's also known as a "drāno" in some circles.
Blocker
A blocker is a bag that lands on the board in front of the hole. Its purpose is to obstruct the opponent's path, making it difficult for them to score a cornhole on their next throw.
Hanger
A hanger is a bag that rests on the edge of the hole, partially hanging in. While it looks impressive, a hanger is still only worth one point unless it is later knocked into the hole.
Slick Side / Sticky Side
Many professional-grade cornhole bags are dual-sided. The slick side is made of a material that allows the bag to slide easily across the board, ideal for a slide shot. The sticky side provides more friction, which helps place a blocker or prevent a bag from sliding off the back.
Types of Throws
A player's arsenal is defined by the types of throws they can execute. Each shot has a specific purpose and requires a different technique.
Airmail
This is a direct shot where the bag is thrown straight into the hole without touching the board's surface. It's a high-risk, high-reward play that avoids any blockers on the board.
Slide Shot
A slide shot involves throwing the bag so it lands near the front of the board and slides up into the hole. This is a fundamental and widely used technique that offers more control than an airmail shot.
Push Shot
A push shot is used to move another bag on the board. This can be done to push your own bag into the hole for a score or to knock an opponent's blocker out of the way.
Roll Shot
A roll shot is an advanced technique in which a player throws a bag that lands in front of a blocker, then flips or rolls it over the blocker into the hole. It's a skillful way to bypass an opponent's defenses.
Dirty Bag
A dirty bag touches the ground at any point before coming to rest on the board or in the hole. A dirty bag results in zero points and is removed from the board before the next throw.
Gameplay and Scoring Slang
The flow of the game has its own unique vocabulary. These terms describe scoring situations, player actions, and common game scenarios.
Frame
A frame is a single round of play in which both players or teams throw all four of their bags. At the end of the frame, points are calculated.
Honors
The player or team that scored in the previous frame has the honor of throwing first in the next frame. If no one scored, honors remain with the player who had it last.
Cancellation Scoring
This is the official scoring method for cornhole. In each frame, only one team can score. The points of one team cancel out the points of the other. For example, if Team A scores five points and Team B scores two points, Team A is awarded three points for the frame.
Skunk
A skunk is a decisive victory where one team reaches a score of eleven points or more while the opponent has zero. In many recreational leagues, this results in an immediate end to the game.
Four Bagger
A four-bagger is when a player successfully makes all four of their bags into the hole in a single frame. This impressive feat is also sometimes referred to as a "jumanji."
Build Your Cornhole Legacy
Understanding the language of cornhole is the first step toward mastering the game. At Skip's Garage, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality products and the knowledge to use them like a pro. From our custom cornhole boards to our premium accessories, we offer an unbeatable product and service because we believe in quality from start to finish.
Whether you are building DIY cornhole boards at home or competing in a national tournament, knowing these terms will help you connect with the vibrant community that makes this game so special. We personally guarantee that the time you invest in learning the game will pay off in fun and competitive success.
