Cornhole: A Game With a Funny Name

Somebody hearing about cornhole for the first time would be confused by it. This is all about the name of the game and to many, it sounds funny. One would be more confused when somebody describes a person who is enthusiastic about the game because they call them corn stars. To a person who is new to this, a corn star should be avoided by all means as you can be the next victim. The difference comes with the pronunciation of the name corn. Some may not differentiate between a “con” and “corn” as there are difficulties and many people are victims of cons.

I imagine somebody introducing him or herself to newly made friends at a party. First, know that these people have never heard of the game and neither had they come across the terms that are used, “I am Brown and I am a corn star.” You can imagine the stares that Brown would get, the million questions thrown at them, some would even walk away with their heads down. They would disappear into thin air, not wanting to be associated with the con star. It would be such an embarrassment. Those who would stick around to hear the rest of the introduction, would be more struck when they continue and use the words “con hole” and “bags.” Not many would take it easy. They would demand an explanation as to why Brown decided to introduce themselves this way. It is at this point that they would realize there is a serious misunderstanding. Clever Brown would seize the moment, however. Instead of trying to make amends and clear the air, he would direct them into a dark corner where he would show them what he is trying to explain. I am sure a few would be willing to accompany him given the kind of “person” he is and what they have perceived about him. Some would walk away and not look back because they would not want to be victims of his con game. “Let’s play a corn hole game,” he would say and some would be afraid. Is this guy trying to recruit us into his con games? Only the courageous ones would accompany him, only to discover that he was describing a kind of sport that is played by singles or teams, each trying to throw a bag full of corns into a hole. At this point, some would have understood that it’s “corn,” not “con.”

One can imagine the situation when you discover the humor behind it all. This is something that happens often, especially when there are people who are hearing about the game for the first time. Some say it is a game with a funny name. Others ask myriad of questions. Being a corn star, I can now use the term confidently and not be afraid of being misunderstood. I have heard people ask why the game is played using corn bags since there are so many other things that could have been used in place of corn such as beans, rice, wood chips, and more. This is a difficult question especially if you have not taken time to study the game, particularly its history. One may be surprised to hear that this game has been around for a couple of millenniums. Yes, it is true, this is not a new game altogether. It’s an old one and its age will vary depending on whom you ask. Some argue that its origin is in Europe while others talk of the game being started by Native Americans. Regardless of whom you believe, the fact remains that the game has been with us for a considerable period of time.

For those who believe it originated among the Native Americans, they tell us dried beans were filled in pig bladders and this was used for entertainment. Another source says that flying bean bags have been around for the last seven centuries in Germany. There are also those who say that one jolly, but bored Midwestern farmer singlehandedly came up with the game as a means of passing time while not working in the farm. With all these kinds of stories, it can be a difficult task trying to explain the source of corn hole boards and the rules of the corn hole game, especially to a group of people who had construed you as a con.

As you carry out the research on the history of the game, you may get confused, so I would join Brown in saying, “shut up and play.” It is more fun than trying to dig up history that have been told in different versions with each person telling it to suit his or her interests. I would not like to be confused more; that is why I would join Brown and play this wonderful game for the rest of the night. It would be such an easy time with people chatting the night away, building networks and strengthening their bonds. People who started on a wrong note, misunderstanding, suspicions, and thoughts of a wasted night, now regret why they had not discovered this game earlier. They confess that they have discovered something nice, a game that is so easy to play yet full of fun and excitement. They are now describing it as one of the most fun filled games; remember that before this, if you asked them, they would be like “that game with a funny name!”

If you are starting out this game, just know that you are getting yourself into something that you will never regret. It is a game that will help you pass time and more so, enjoy every moment. You can even have your own corn hole equipment with items such as corn hole boards and corn hole bags among others. You can be playing in the comfort of your home. All that you need is to get these from a credible supplier such as Custom Corn Hole. I am sure they will also help you learn the rules of the game.