The American Cornhole League: A Beginner's Guide to the Game and Pro Cornhole Bags

Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, bags, and a host of other names—is a popular backyard game that has gained immense popularity in recent years. While it may seem like a casual pastime, it has evolved into a professional sport thanks to organizations like the American Cornhole League (ACL). In this article, we'll delve into the basics of what the American Cornhole League is and take a closer look at the bags you need to play in a tournament.

The American Cornhole League (ACL)

The American Cornhole League, or ACL, is the premier organization for the sport of cornhole. Established in 2015, the ACL has played a pivotal role in formalizing the rules, hosting professional tournaments, and standardizing equipment for competitive play. With a vision to grow cornhole as a respected and organized sport, the ACL has brought together players from all skill levels to compete at regional, national, and even international levels.

The Game of Cornhole

Cornhole is a highly entertaining game that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. The game involves two boards, each with a hole. Players take turns tossing bags traditionally filled with corn kernels at the opposing board, aiming to score points.

As the game has evolved, so have the bags that are used. Bags are now filled with plastics resins, lasting longer and playing more consistently than before. Bags are also double sided, meaning they have different materials and therefore different speeds on each side of the bag. 

Previously, bag sizes, weights, and thickness varied widely. The ACL has standardized and brought continuity to the game and cornhole bags. You know you're throwing bags that meet the highest standard when you see the ACL stamp on the bags. Each MX Cornhole bag is ACL approved and stamped. 

The basic rules of the game include:

1. Scoring: A bag that goes through the hole counts as three points, while a bag that lands on the board and stays on counts as one point. The objective is to reach or exceed 21 points, to win the game. While there are a variety of different scoring conventions that people play, official ACL rules are cancellation scoring and first one over 21 points. No bust rule is played.
2. Pitching: Players take turns throwing four bags each from one of the boards to the other. After all bags have been thrown, the points are tallied, and the player or team with the highest score wins the round.
3. Distances: The ACL and other cornhole organizations have standardized the board's distance as 27 feet apart for regulation play.
4. Foul Lines: There is a foul line at the front of each board, and players must release their bags from behind this line. Any bag released with a foot beyond the foul line is considered a foul and doesn't count.

Professional and Competitive Cornhole Bags for Tournaments

One of the essential aspects of competitive cornhole is the bags used in the game. ACL-approved bags are designed to meet specific standards to ensure a fair and consistent playing experience. Here are the key features and requirements for tournament-grade cornhole bags:

1. Weight: The standard weight for cornhole bags is 16 ounces. This weight ensures a consistent and predictable flight path when throwing the bags.

2. Size: ACL-approved bags typically measure 6 inches by 6 inches, ensuring uniformity and ease of play.

3. Filling Material: The filling inside the bags must be resin. This gives the bags a specific feel and weight distribution.

4. Fabric: High-quality, durable fabric is used for the bag's exterior—providing the right combination of grip and slide.

5. Stitching: MX ACL pro cornhole bags are double-stitched around the edges to withstand the rigors of competitive play.

6. Design: While the bags must adhere to ACL specifications, they can come in a variety of colors and designs, allowing players to express their personality and style.

Conclusion

The American Cornhole League has taken the game of cornhole to a whole new level, transforming it from a backyard pastime into a competitive sport. Whether you're looking to compete at the highest level or just enjoy a casual game with friends and family, understanding the basics of the ACL and the tournament-grade bags is a great way to start. When you throw MX Cornhole bags, you know you're getting bags that are built to the highest standard and quality. So, gather your bags, set up your boards, and let the fun begin.