If you’re new to the game of cornhole, you might be surprised to learn that the bags themselves are just as important as the boards. While most casual players are familiar with the standard square bags tossed around at backyard barbecues, few stop to wonder: what exactly are cornhole bags filled with? The answer is more interesting than you might think, and it reveals a lot about the evolution of the game from a casual lawn pastime to a professional sport.

In the world of cornhole, few achievements feel more satisfying than landing a 4-bagger — that’s when you sink all four of your bags in the hole during a single round. It’s a rare and impressive feat that sets apart casual backyard players from seasoned competitors. Professional players often measure consistency by how many 4-baggers they can string together, and if you’re aiming to sharpen your skills, this is the gold standard.

On a holiday weekend made for fireworks, Mark Richards lit up the 2022 ACL Final Chase with one of the most immaculate performances the sport has ever seen. Teaming with fellow rookie phenom Philip Lopez Jr., Richards threw 36 bags and hit all 36 in the hole—a true perfect game—en route to capturing the Pro Doubles title on national television.

As cornhole transforms from a backyard pastime into a nationally recognized sport, several organizations have stepped up to govern, regulate, and promote competitive play. While each group shares the goal of growing the game, they differ in structure, strategy, and audience.

In competitive cornhole, bag placement is everything—and elite players don’t rely on just one style of throw. Whether sliding bags cleanly up the board or executing complex maneuvers like cut shots and roll bags, success depends on matching throw type to game situation, as well as mastering the technical differences in grip, release, and rotation.

Trey Burchfield, nicknamed “The Robot”, burst onto the ACL scene in 2020 and turned pro in 2018 out of Carrollton, OH. By 2024, he had amassed four ACL World Championship titles, becoming the most decorated player in league history — and the first ever to win both World Doubles and Singles titles in back‑to‑back years.

Cornhole, also known as bags, is a beloved backyard game enjoyed by people of all ages. The game involves tossing bean bags onto a raised board with the goal of getting them into a hole or onto the board itself. While the game may seem simple, understanding how to properly keep score is crucial to ensuring a fair and competitive game.

Cornhole, a beloved lawn game, has evolved from casual backyard play to a competitive sport. Central to this transformation is the development of professional-grade cornhole bags. These bags are meticulously designed to enhance gameplay, offering players precision, consistency, and strategic versatility.

If you’re new to cornhole, you might already know the basics: toss the bag, aim for the hole, and rack up points. But as soon as you step into a game with more experienced players, you’ll notice something else—the lingo. Cornhole has developed its own slang over the years, and understanding it can make you feel like part of the community while also giving you insights into different strategies and shots.

To help you get up to speed, here’s a guide to some of the most common cornhole terms and phrases that you’ll hear around the boards.

If you’ve shopped for cornhole boards lately, you’ve seen everything from $70 backyard sets to $500+ pro rigs—all claiming to be “regulation.” This guide breaks down the real differences: materials, size, structural reinforcement, finishes, common add-ons, and what you get for the price at each level.