Ok, Just what is the cornhole game?

posted on July 16, 2009 in Beer Games

Cornhole Game is a well-known pastime played in different variations all across the world. It is a simple lawn game, which probably had its origins among the peasantry or possibly soldiers. Many games, such as horseshoes, came about in a very similar way. Soldiers with very little money found ways to improvise and imitate Olympic games.

Some of these games date back to the ancient Roman Empire. Cornhole is traceable back to 14th century Germany, but its true origins still remain unknown. Regardless of where it came from, the game has reached widespread popularity in the United States.

Since the origins of the game remain unknown, the terminology and rules are not always the same. Depending on where you are playing the game, the terms may differ. For instance, in west coast terminology lick side is when a right-handed player throws from the left side of the board or a left-handed player throws from the right side. This is the opposite of normal.

Many of the terms take on the personality of the local dialects. While it can be confusing to a new player to try to learn the local terminology of cornhole, the terms are usually fairly interchangeable.

The game pieces may also differ. While the typically American cornhole bag contains corn, cornhole can be traced back to Europe well before corn was even available there. The game certainly had a different name and has been adapted by Americans.

Some of the pieces do not change. The board size does have a standard length of three feet with a vertical rise in the back of one foot. While the boards may be made of plastic or wood, they are standard in their layout as well. This ensures that the gameplay techniques will work for anyone regardless of where they play.

The  rules of cornhole are fairly standard. Two teams each with two players stand next to an elevated board which sits at an angle upwards. Near the top of the board is a hole and players attempt to toss their bags into the opposing team’s hole.

Players may choose which side of their board to stand on, but they may not step in front of the board when tossing their bag. Points are scored when a bag stays on the board and when a bag goes through the hole.

The team who gets to 21 wins. Going over means the score is reset to 15. If a team is ahead 11 points to zero, the game ends in what is called skunk or a whitewash depending on the region.

Cornhole is a popular game around the campfire or at tailgate parties and cookouts. Because of the lawn game nature, you are likely to find numerous strategies for playing the game. Some people will swear by the spin. Others insist on a lob, rather than a toss.

But regardless of the approach, there is no doubt you will have fun playing this classic game. Win or lose, it is a great way to come together with friends and family and take part in a game that everyone can enjoy.

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Beer Pong, it’s not just for frat parties anymore.

posted on June 11, 2009 in Beer Games

Beer pong, also known as Beirut in some places, is a drinking game that has become popular throughout the United States. The game found its place among college frat parties and tailgating events. The original game was thought to be played at Dartmouth college in the 1950’s and much more closely resembled the actual game of ping pong.

The name beer pong is typically reserved for the version which utilizes paddles, while the name Beirut was adopted in the 1980’s for the paddle-less variation. While the debate may rage between colleges who originated the specific nomenclature, the rules for each game are fairly similar.

The setup for the game is simple. Two teams, usually consisting of two player each, start at either end of a long table. Originally, this table was a ping pong table, but the paddle-less version does not require a ping pong table.

Either six, ten or fifteen cups are then set up at both ends of the table. These cups are filled partially with different beverages. Beer pong, obvious by the name, uses an alcoholic beverage such as beer.

Light beers are usually preferred since a large quantity may be consumed fairly quickly. Dartmouth college, where beer pong was originated, has banned beer pong. Because of this, some students play a dry version using root beer or other drinks.

Since the game is considered a house game rather than an official game, rules vary quite a bit. The number of cups used, the types of shots allowed and the strategies are usually different.

There are many different kinds of shots in the game. Some games require a bounce before entering a cup, like the original game of ping pong. Other game types do not require any specific shot. For most rule sets when a cup is hit, the opposing team must drink the contents and then rearrange or re-rack the cups.

The game is usually won when one team manages to clear all the cups on the other team’s side. However, some house rules include a final showdown called redemption or death cup where the losing team tries to stay in the game with a successful double hit on one cup.

Regardless of the rules or the nomenclature used for the game, beer pong has become a popular drinking game all across the United States. There should always be precautions taken while playing any game which involves consuming copious amounts of alcohol.

However, if the players are careful, beer pong can be a great way to take a party to the next level. Bragging rights as a local beer pong champion can make a big man on campus out of anyone.

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