Introduction
The Bing Bag Toss game, also known as cornhole or bean bag toss, is a popular outdoor game that combines skill, strategy, and a lot of fun. Whether you’re playing at a backyard barbecue, a tailgate party, or a family gathering, understanding the rules of Bing Bag Toss is essential to fully enjoy the game. This guide will walk you through the official rules, variations, and tips for mastering the game.
Overview Of Bing Bag Toss
Bing Bag Toss is a game played with two boards and eight bean bags, typically filled with dried corn kernels or beans. The goal of the game is to score points by tossing the bean bags onto the board or into a hole cut into the board. It can be played one-on-one or in teams, and it’s suitable for all ages, making it a great game for any social gathering.
Equipment
Before diving into the rules, let’s take a look at the essential equipment needed for Bing Bag Toss:
Boards: Two rectangular boards are used, each measuring 24 inches wide by 48 inches long. The boards are elevated at one end, with the front of the board sitting 4 inches off the ground and the back sitting 12 inches off the ground. The boards have a 6-inch diameter hole located 9 inches from the top of the board.
Bing Bags: Eight bean bags are used in the game, four for each team. The bags are typically made of durable fabric and filled with beans or corn kernels. The standard size of the bags is 6 inches by 6 inches, and they should weigh approximately 14 to 16 ounces.
Playing Area: The boards are placed on a flat surface, 27 feet apart from the front edge to the front edge of the boards. This distance can be adjusted for younger players or those looking for a less challenging game.
Basic Rules Of Bing Bag Toss
Setup And Scoring Zones Bing Bag Toss
The game begins by setting up the boards 27 feet apart. Each team or player stands at the opposite board from where they will throw their bags. The board surface is divided into scoring zones:
Board Zone: Any bag that lands and remains on the board scores one point.
Hole Zone: A bag that goes through the hole in the board scores three points.
Gameplay Of Bing Bag Toss
Singles Play: In singles play, two players compete against each other. Both players toss their bags from the same board towards the opposite board. After all bags are tossed, players switch ends and continue the game.
Doubles Play: In doubles play, four players form two teams of two. Partners stand at opposite boards. One player from each team tosses all four of their bags, alternating throws with their opponent, and then their partners do the same from the opposite board.
Tossing The Bags: Players take turns tossing their bags, with the first toss determined by a coin flip. The player or team who won the previous round tosses first in subsequent rounds. Players must stand behind the front edge of their board when tossing their bags, and stepping over the line results in a foul, causing the toss to be forfeited.
Scoring: Scoring is calculated at the end of each round, after all bags have been tossed. Points are awarded as follows:
- 3 points for a bag that goes through the hole.
- 1 point for a bag that lands and stays on the board.
- 0 points for a bag that misses the board or is knocked off.
The total score for each round is determined by subtracting the lower score from the higher score. For example, if Team A scores 7 points (two bags in the hole and one on the board) and Team B scores 4 points (one bag in the hole and one on the board), Team A receives 3 points for that round (7-4=3). The game is played until one team reaches or exceeds 21 points.
Winning The Game
The first team or player to reach 21 points wins the game. However, some variations require that the winning team must win by at least 2 points, so if both teams reach 21 points in the same round, play continues until one team leads by 2 points.
In some house rules, a team must hit exactly 21 points to win. If they exceed 21 points, their score resets to 15 points, and play continues.
Fouls And Penalties
Foot Fouls: A foot foul occurs when a player steps over the front edge of the board while tossing a bag. The penalty for a foot foul is that the throw is forfeited, and the bag is removed from the board.
Bag Interference: If a bag is interfered with during play, such as by a spectator or an animal, the throw may be retaken.
Knocking Bags Off: If a bag is knocked off the board by another bag, it no longer scores points. If a bag is knocked into the hole by another bag, it scores three points, as if it had gone in directly.
Variations Of Bing Bag Toss
Bing Bag Toss is a versatile game with several variations that can be played to suit different skill levels and preferences. Here are a few popular variations:
Backyard Rules: These are informal rules often used in casual settings. The boards may be placed closer together, and the scoring system may be simplified. For example, some players may only count bags that go into the hole or allow for “cancellation scoring,” where only the difference in points between teams is counted.
Cancellation Scoring: In this variation, only the difference in points between the two teams is scored in each round. For example, if Team A scores 7 points and Team B scores 5 points, only 2 points are awarded to Team A. This variation keeps the game closer and more competitive.
One-On-One Distance: For a more challenging game, the distance between the boards can be increased beyond the standard 27 feet. This variation is often used in tournaments to test the skill of the players.
Point Reduction: In some versions of the game, if a player or team exceeds 21 points, their score is reduced to a lower number, such as 15 or 11 points. This rule adds an element of strategy, as players must carefully manage their scoring to avoid overshooting the winning total.
Elimination Tournaments: In a tournament setting, players or teams compete in a series of elimination rounds until only one remains. This format is popular in larger gatherings and adds a competitive edge to the game.
Tips For Mastering Bing Bag Toss
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, these tips can help improve your Bing Bag Toss game:
Practice Your Aim: Consistent practice is key to mastering the game. Focus on developing a smooth, controlled toss that lands the bag on the board or in the hole.
Control Your Spin: Adding a slight spin to your toss can help stabilize the bag in the air and increase your chances of landing it on the board.
Use A High Arc: Tossing the bag with a high arc can help it land softly on the board, reducing the chances of it sliding off.
Target The Hole: While landing on the board scores points, aiming directly for the hole can lead to higher scores and a quicker victory.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: Bing Bag Toss can be a mental game as much as a physical one. Stay focused and relaxed, especially in close games, to maintain your accuracy.
Work As A Team: In doubles play, communication and strategy with your partner can make a big difference. Discuss your game plan and support each other’s tosses to maximize your score.
Conclusion
Bing Bag Toss is a game that combines skill, strategy, and fun, making it a favorite at social gatherings and competitive events alike. By understanding the rules and practicing your technique, you can enjoy this game to the fullest and even dominate your next Bing Bag Toss competition. Whether you’re playing with friends, family, or new acquaintances, the game offers endless entertainment and a chance to showcase your tossing skills. So grab your bean bags, set up the boards, and let the games begin!