Congratulations. You’ve graduated from college-era pastimes of Beer Pong and Flip Cup and entered the upper echelon of competitive party games performed with a beer in hand. Of course, at the top of that category is Cornhole – a game whose professional competitors sip ice-cold brews right up until the stakes get hot.
For you, seasoned beer drinker and amateur cornhole player, the stakes are much lower. But that doesn’t mean the competitive fire can’t get lit at backyard BBQs or for Michigan Cornhole’s Tournament at the Great Lakes Beer Festival. To help in your quest for cornhole domination, here are a few tips to keep the bags on the board and the beer cold in your hand.
BY Mary Lanaux
A Beer Drinkers Guide to Winning at Cornhole
First, select the right brew for the field of play.
Take a look at the Cornhole set-up with a critical, competitive eye. Is there a table to set your drink down? Is there a stocked cooler nearby, or will you have to leave to replenish? You’ll want to have a keen focus on the game, so plan ahead for your next beverage. Then, consider your skill level and mitigate the risk of spillage accordingly. For some, a can or bottle is the better choice over a pint glass or Solo cup. And, please, don’t forget a koozie.
The mechanics of the bag toss are a matter of personal preference. You can take a small step forward or keep your feet planted. You can lob it underhanded or flick it cross-body like a frisbee. There might be some trial and error to determine which strategy is best for you. But, as you test tosses, make sure your beer-holding posture stays consistent. For right-handed tossing, keep your beer in your left hand and your left foot forward to lean into the throw. Stepping can mean sloshing, as mentioned above, so a few sips of a full beer is a solid strategy. Of course, too many sips over the course of the game might throw off your balance.
Balance is key
Beer fests are typically held no matter the weather, so come prepared. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, blazing hot or freezing cold, your beer fest will be held pretty much no matter what unless it’s a life-threatening situation. So that means come prepared, and dressed appropriately. For hot days, lube up with sunscreen, wear a hat and most definitely wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. For days when the weather might change, an extra sweatshirt for later. Depending on where your festival is held, you may have to deal with the lovely Port-A-John, so put that thought in your head when you are getting dressed. Meaning, nothing too complicated to get off, there is nothing worse than struggling in a steaming hot closet of death trying to get your overalls back on. Think practical, easy, and above all, comfortable.
Bags, not beer, should be flat
What’s a competition among friends without a little harmless banter? And by banter, we mean talking some smack. It’s a legitimate tactic that is allowed in league play, as long as it doesn’t cross a hard line. So, use it judiciously and strategically to throw an opponent off his game. No one is immune to losing focus, especially when beer is involved.
Smack talk as a strategy
To test your skills and try out these tactics for superior cornhole playing, enter Michigan Cornhole’s on-field tournament at Dow Diamond during the Great Lakes Beer Festival on August 20. Entries for two-person teams can be purchased in advance at greatlakesbeerfestival.com.
The ultimate goal of your toss is to have the bag land flat on the board. Tossing it with a bit of an arc and without a lot of force means the bag doesn’t bounce or slide off – leaving you with zero points. The pros will add some spin to their toss, but since this is an amateur’s guide, we’ll let you practice that method on your own. But holding the bag is not unlike holding your beer. Grip the center of the bag with your index, middle, and ring fingers, and place your thumb on top. So...pinkies up?
Bags, not beer, should be flat
Great Lakes Beer Festival
greatlakesbeerfestival.com
MORE INFORMATION
MORE INFORMATION
TICKETS
TICKETS
What’s a competition among friends without a little harmless banter? And by banter, we mean talking some smack. It’s a legitimate tactic that is allowed in league play, as long as it doesn’t cross a hard line. So, use it judiciously and strategically to throw an opponent off his game. No one is immune to losing focus, especially when beer is involved.
Smack talk as a strategy
To test your skills and try out these tactics for superior cornhole playing, enter Michigan Cornhole’s on-field tournament at Dow Diamond during the Great Lakes Beer Festival on August 20. Entries for two-person teams can be purchased in advance at greatlakesbeerfestival.com.
MIBREW TRAIL MAGAZINE
Summer 2022
Check out Hearst’s newest brand showcasing Michigan Breweries at MiBrewTrail.com.
Back to Top
Home
Check out Hearst’s newest brand showcasing Michigan Breweries at MiBrewTrail.com.
Back to Top
MIBREW TRAIL MAGAZINE
SUMMEr 2022