Giant Cornhole - Rules, Tips, and Where to Buy Oversized Cornhole Boards

The Rising Popularity of Giant Cornhole

Cornhole, also known as bags or bean bag toss, has been a backyard party staple for decades. The classic game consists of two raised platforms with holes cut into the far end and players taking turns tossing bean bags at the platforms trying to get the bags to land in the holes. Cornhole is fun, easy to learn, and can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels.

In recent years, giant cornhole has emerged as a popular large format version of the classic yard game. Giant cornhole features larger boards, larger holes, and larger bags and can be played in tournaments or just for fun at large scale events and festivals. The exaggerated proportions allow more people to play at once and make the game even more visually impressive and exciting for spectators.

What is Giant Cornhole?

Giant cornhole sets feature oversized game boards that are around 4 feet by 8 feet and have 6 inch diameter holes cut into the far end. Traditional cornhole boards are usually 2 feet by 4 feet and have a 9 inch diameter hole. The bags used for giant cornhole are also larger at roughly the size of a hacky sack compared to the small bean bags used in traditional cornhole.

The basic game play remains the same with giant cornhole. Players take turns tossing the bags at the angled platforms trying to make the bags go into the holes. Bags that land on the boards score points based on where they land. Bags in the hole score 3 points, while bags on the board score 1 point. The first team or player to reach 21 points by tallying up bag scores wins.

Why Giant Cornhole is So Popular

So what accounts for the growing popularity of oversized cornhole sets? Here are some of the reasons giant cornhole has become a backyard party and tailgating favorite:

• Visually impressive - The larger scale makes the game stand out
• More people can play - The bigger boards accommodate more players
• Easier to play - The larger targets are beginner friendly
• Tournament focused - Many tournaments use giant sets
• Tailgating fun - Giant cornhole is perfect for large gatherings
• Backyard upgrade - Giant sets are a novelty and upgrade from standard size

The enlarged size compared to traditional cornhole sets definitely grabs attention. Crowds will naturally gather around the giant boards and bags flying through the air. The oversize scale also means that more people can play at one time. Instead of just 1v1 or 2v2, giant cornhole allows for 4v4 team matchups or even up to 8 players at once.

Giant Cornhole in Action

Giant cornhole sets in action are quite a sight to see. Here are some of the places you're likely to find lively games of oversized cornhole being played:

• Festivals - Many local festivals feature giant cornhole tournaments and open play.
• Fairs - State and county fairs often have giant cornhole among their many attractions.
• Bar events - Bars will set up giant cornhole sets to draw crowds for special promotions.
• Corporate events - Businesses use giant cornhole for team building activities and networking events.
• Weddings - Weddings use them as lawn games and reception entertainment.
• Tailgates - Giant cornhole is a tailgating staple at sporting events and races.
• Fundraisers - Schools and nonprofits use giant cornhole tournaments as fundraisers.

You'll see excited people tossing oversize bags at the big boards as crowds cheer them on. The energy and communal social aspect surrounding a lively game is what makes giant cornhole so enjoyable. Onlookers can't help but stop and linger around an action packed game.

Tournament Grade Cornhole Boards

Giant cornhole has grown big enough to have a competitive tournament scene similar to regular cornhole. ACL (American Cornhole League) and ACO (American Cornhole Organization) sanction various local, regional, and national giant cornhole tournaments throughout the year with cash prizes and trophies up for grabs.

Serious competitors will invest in tournament grade giant cornhole sets. These boards are regulation size, high quality, and meet exact specifications. Tournament boards feature sanded finish surfaces to reduce sliding. The holes are precisely cut with special saws. Tournament boards also have durable solid wood or aluminum frames.

How to Make Your Own Giant Cornhole Set

Want to try your hand at making your own giant cornhole set? While it takes some woodworking skill and tools, many hobbyists have tackled this DIY backyard project. Here are some tips for constructing your own giant cornhole set:

• Use at least 1/2 inch thick plywood for durability
• Cut board frames from 2x4 or 2x6 lumber
• Sand and finish boards for smoothness
• Measure precisely when cutting holes
• Use nice fabric for bag filling like duck cloth
• Add trim or decorations if desired

With proper planning and care during construction, you can produce a great quality homemade giant cornhole set that will provide hours of enjoyment. Just follow construction plans closely and don't cut corners.

Where to Buy Giant Cornhole Sets

Don't have the tools or time for a DIY cornhole project? Many retailers sell ready to go giant cornhole sets. Here are some options to consider when buying oversize cornhole boards and bags:

• Amazon - Wide selection with reviews to compare quality
• Cornhole specialty shops - For high end tournament boards
• Walmart - Budget friendly outdoor game option
• Etsy - Unique handmade sets from crafters
• Horizon Cornhole - Known for excellent quality and service
• CornholeBoards.com - Custom options including graphics/logos

Prices range from around $200 on the low end for a basic set to over $500 for a fancy tournament quality set with carrying case. There are plenty of styles and options to choose from. Make sure to assess the quality and construction when choosing giant cornhole boards.

How To Play Giant Cornhole

Giant Cornhole Rules

Giant cornhole follows the same basic rules as traditional cornhole with a few minor tweaks. Here are the official rules for playing giant cornhole:

• Play with 2 or 4 players/teams
• Boards spaced 40 feet apart (front to front)
• Each team has 4 bags of one color
• Teams alternate tosses from one board to the other
• Player must stay behind the front of the board on throws
• Bag in the hole scores 3 points
• Bag on the board scores 1 point
• First team to 21 points wins
• Lead cancels out opponent's score for a round

The scoring system rewards getting bags in the hole with 3 points per bag. This encourages skillful tosses aimed at the holes cut in the far end of the platforms. The wider spacing of 40 feet between board fronts also adds challenge.

Tips and Strategies

Success in giant cornhole relies on skill, strategy, and practice. Here are some useful tips and approaches to improve your game:

• Practice tossing from the 40 foot regulation distance
• Aim bags high and let them drop into the hole
• Use a gentle underhand lob toss
• Try to knock opponent's bags off the board
• Separate bags around the board to spread out scoring
• Take turns throwing from either side of the board
• Communicate with teammates and coordinate shots

Work on dialing in your toss distance and get a feel for the high arcing lob throw that allows bags to drop down into the holes. Knocking opponent's bags off the board can also be an effective defensive strategy. Since only bags that stay on the boards after each round count, you can reduce their score this way.

Giant Cornhole Variations

Beyond the standard rules, there are endless variations of rules and twists that can be used to change up gameplay. Some popular variations include:

• 21+ scoring - Continue play until a team reaches exactly 21
• Inning scoring - Switch sides each round like baseball innings
• doubles play - Use two bags per turn instead of alternating throws
• Three point line - Bags scored from behind this count as 3 points
• One foot play - Players must keep one foot on the ground during throws

Feel free to experiment with house rules that suit your gameplay style. Just be clear about any variations from standard rules before starting a game to avoid confusion. Have fun and be creative!

Conclusion

Giant cornhole takes the classic bean bag toss yard game to new levels of excitement and fun for all. With its wider reach and appeal, giant cornhole has cemented itself as a premiere backyard party activity. Next time you're hosting a crowd or need a lively outdoor activity, introduce the group to oversized cornhole. Just be prepared for some boisterous competition once the first bags fly!

FAQs

How do you score points in giant cornhole?

Scoring in giant cornhole gives players 3 points for each bag that lands through the hole in the board. Bags that land on top of the board are worth 1 point. The first team to reach 21 total points wins.

What are the official dimensions for giant cornhole boards?

Official giant cornhole boards are typically around 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. The holes are 6 inches in diameter and centered 9 inches from the back end of each board.

Where can I buy tournament quality giant cornhole boards?

Many online retailers sell pro-level giant cornhole sets approved for tournaments. Some of the top options are CornholeBoards.com, Cornhole.com, CornholeSpecialists.com, and CornholeGuys.com.

How far apart should giant cornhole boards be placed?

For official giant cornhole rules, the front edges of the two boards should be spaced 40 feet apart. This wider distance compared to traditional cornhole adds challenge.