A new game is showing up in parking lots and backyard parties across the country. It is known by many names, including 'corn toss,' 'tailgate toss,' and 'Indiana horseshoes,' but most players refer to it as 'cornhole.' Cornhole is essentially a version of the popular outdoor game of horseshoes.

In the game of horseshoes, a player throws a two-pound horseshoe-shaped metal bar at a stake set in the ground 40 feet away. In cornhole, the player throws a one-pound bag of corn at a slanted 2-foot by 4-foot board that is placed 30 feet from the thrower. The object of the game is to toss the bag through a 6-inch hole that has been cut in the face of the board near the top. Bags that land on the board count as 1 point; those that enter the hole count as 3 points. Bags that miss the board entirely or hit the ground before they land on the board are worth zero points. Each player tosses two bags per inning. The first player to score 21 points wins.

Cornhole has become popular for many reasons. Boards and corn bags are easy to make and to transport. The corn bags are light and aren't likely to cause damage or injury. The game is easy to set up, and can be played almost anywhere. People of all ages and abilities can join in and play with very little practice or instruction. The game is popular with the American Armed Forces and is being introduced to more and more people around the world every day.

Participation can begin at the backyard party level and move all the way up to national tournaments. The game of cornhole is promoted by the American Cornhole Association (www.playcornhole.org). The association has a current membership of more than 30,000 people! Check out their Web site for rules, news, merchandise, and information on where to purchase (or how to make) your own cornhole game