New To Cornhole? The Best Beginners Gear
So you’ve discovered cornhole and need the right beginners gear. Maybe it started in the backyard. Maybe at a BBQ, tailgate, or league night.
Now you’re hooked — but also a little confused. This page is all about cornhole for beginners and to help you get the right gear to get started, improve faster, and avoid wasting money on gear that’s too advanced (or just plain wrong).
What bags should I buy?
Do boards really matter?
Why does everyone talk about “speed” and “carpet”?
If you’re new to cornhole, this is exactly where you want to start. Our goal is to help you learn the game and get the best beginners gear so that you can win more games!
Start With the Right Cornhole Bags
One of the biggest mistakes new players make is buying a bag that is too fast!
You are watching ESPN and you see Mark Richards throwing bag after bag in the hole and you say, “those are the bags I need. They just go in the hole”. But when you throw those same bags, you realize quickly that is not the case. Without the skill, there is not bag on the market that just “goes in the hole”.
So we recommend you start with a slower, more controllable bag that helps you get more bags on the board. And later, down the road, as your skill increases and your game improves, you can pick up a bag that fits your competitive play style.
Pro bags tend to be faster, less forgiving and designed for advanced shot control. While a great beginners gear bag is slower, allows for error and helps you learn consistency which will improve your confidence.
Top beginners gear tip: the wrong bag can actually slow your improvement and make the game feel frustrating!!
👉 The goal early on isn’t flashy shots — it’s consistency, feel, and confidence.
What Makes a Bag Beginner-Friendly?
A beginner-friendly cornhole bag is designed to make the game easier and more enjoyable while you’re learning. One of the most important factors is speed. Bags with a medium speed offer the best balance for new players because they don’t slide off the board too easily and they don’t stop short as often. This extra control helps beginners focus on improving their aim and consistency instead of fighting the bag.
Another key factor is the fill inside the bag. Beginner-friendly bags typically use a balanced fill that isn’t too floppy and isn’t overly firm. This allows the bag to fly straighter, land more predictably, and stack more easily on the board. A consistent feel builds confidence quickly and makes each throw feel repeatable, which is critical for learning.
The feel of the bag also plays a big role. Softer, slightly broken-in bags are easier for beginners to grip and release cleanly. Stiff, overly rigid bags can be harder to control and may exaggerate small mistakes in technique. A softer feel helps new players develop a natural throwing motion without overthinking every release.
Fabric choice matters as well. Beginner-friendly bags usually feature an all-around fabric combination rather than extreme speed differences. A setup with one slower side, usually a suede material, and one medium-fast side gives new players flexibility without being overwhelming. This allows beginners to learn board control gradually while still having options as their confidence grows.
Forgiveness is another important trait. A good beginner bag won’t severely punish small misses. When a throw hits the edge of the board or lands slightly off target, a forgiving bag is more likely to stay playable instead of bouncing away. This keeps the game fun and encourages continued practice rather than frustration.
Finally, the best beginner-friendly bags are designed to grow with your skill level. Instead of being something you outgrow after a few weeks, these bags perform well in backyard games, casual leagues, and even early competitive play. That means your first set of bags remains useful as you improve, making it a smarter and more satisfying investment.
👉 Our Top Beginners Gear Picks For Cornhole Bags
Why Better Boards Help You Improve Faster
Yes, you can play on cheap boards.
But better boards = better feedback and better practice.
When buying cornhole boards, beginners will often see a wide range of options, from basic backyard sets to higher-quality competition boards. Standard boards are typically lighter, may use thinner wood, and are designed mainly for casual play. They’re affordable and fine for occasional games, but they can bounce, slide, or feel inconsistent from throw to throw.
Tournament-quality boards, on the other hand, are built to official size and weight standards using thicker materials that provide a more solid, stable playing surface. This consistency makes a noticeable difference, even for beginners, because bags react more predictably and the game feels smoother and more enjoyable.
While tournament boards cost more upfront, they offer better durability, improved performance, and a setup that players won’t outgrow as their skills improve—making them a smart long-term investment for anyone who plans to play regularly.
👉 Our Top Beginners Gear Picks For Cornhole Boards
Why Buy Beginners Gear From Cornhole Addicts?
We don’t just sell cornhole gear — we live it.
Getting started in cornhole should feel simple, not confusing. At Cornhole Addicts, we focus on helping you choose the best beginners gear that’s easy to throw, forgiving to learn with, and good enough to grow into as skills improve. Instead of pushing extreme pro-only equipment or low-quality backyard sets, we curate bags and boards that offer consistent performance, realistic pricing, and long-term value. Every product is selected with real gameplay in mind, so new players can enjoy the game right away while building confidence with gear that won’t hold them back later. Whether you’re playing casually or planning to step into leagues, Cornhole Addicts makes it easy to start with beginners gear you can trust.
If you ever feel stuck or unsure, feel free to reach out, we’ve got your back. Cornhole is more fun when you play it right from day one.