Backyard games such as horseshoes and bocce ball have been played for decades. Another game that is somewhat similar to these is becoming increasingly popular and is widely known as cornhole. Others may refer to the same game as bean bag toss, corn toss or simply bags.

Cornhole is played with two teams, each having a set of four bags. The name of the game comes from the fact that the filler used in the bags is sometimes corn feed. The bags for each team must have different appearances as it is important to identity the team to which the bags belong.

In addition to the bags, the only other things needed are two platforms. These are about four feet long by two feet wide, each having a hole of six inches centered about nine inches from the top. The top is raised about a foot above the bottom to angle the platform. For game play, they are placed at a distance of 27 feet apart. Shorter distances can be used for young players or when there is not sufficient room.

Next to each platform are two imaginary pitcher's boxes, one on each side. This is the area from which the bags are thrown. A player may not step past the bottom of the platform when tossing a bag.

The game can be played with either one or two people per team. For doubles, one team member tosses from one platform and the other from the other one. When playing singles, both players throw from the same side.

The game is played in rounds with each one consisting of one player from each team throwing all four bags. They can stand in either pitcher's box but must remain there for that whole round. The team that scored more in one round throws first in the next one. If the scores were even, the team that threw last goes first in the following round.

For basic scoring, a bag that goes through the hole is worth three points. It doesn't matter whether it goes directly in, slides into the hole or is pushed in by a different bag. Any bag that is remaining on the board at the end of a round scores one point. Bags on the ground do not score any points. The first team to score 21 points wins the game.

Several variations on scoring exist. One is to reward two points for bags that are partially over, but not in, the hole. Another is to require a team to score exactly 21 points to win. Usually when a tie occurs, the game will continue until a round ends with one of the teams having a higher score.

The origin of the game of cornhole is unclear. What is certain, however, is that is has gained significantly in popularity in recent years. Being relatively easy and fun to play, it's likely to continue to be widely played for years to come.