Cornhole is all about having fun, tossing bags, and showing off your skills. But what happens when the skies open up, and rain decides to crash your cornhole party? Don’t worry—you don’t have to pack it up and head inside. Playing cornhole in the rain can be a fun, memorable experience, as long as you’re prepared and know a few tricks. When you know how to play cornhole in the rain, you can have fun regardless of the weather!

Dress for the Weather

You’re going to get wet, so you might as well be ready for it. Throw on a quality rain jacket to keep your upper body dry, waterproof shoes or boots to protect your feet, and maybe even a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the rain. Layer up if it’s cold, and don’t forget waterproof pants if you’re expecting heavy rain. Skip the fancy clothes—you don’t want to risk ruining your favorite outfit when the ground gets muddy and slippery.

Protect Your Boards

Rain can quickly damage your cornhole boards if they aren’t protected. Use a tarp to cover the boards when not in use, or set them up under a covered area like a porch or tent. If water gets on the boards during play, wipe them down immediately with a dry cloth to avoid slippery surfaces that can affect gameplay. Prolonged exposure to water can warp the wood, so taking a few extra precautions will keep your boards in great shape for future games.

Use Weather-Resistant Bags

Not all cornhole bags are equal, especially when it comes to rain. Standard bags filled with corn can absorb water, becoming heavy, soggy, and difficult to throw.

Instead, invest in weather-resistant or all-weather bags filled with synthetic material that won’t soak up water like a sponge. These bags maintain their weight and feel even in wet conditions, ensuring your game stays consistent no matter the weather.

Watch Out for Slippery Ground

Rain and grass don’t mix well, and your footing can betray you in an instant. Check the ground before you start playing to make sure you’ve got stable footing. If possible, play on a flat surface to minimize the risk of slipping. Wet grass can turn into a dangerous slip-and-slide, so wear shoes with good traction stay upright. Nobody wants to take a nosedive mid-game, and safety should always come first.

Shorten the Distance

Playing cornhole in the rain can affect your accuracy, as wet conditions can make it harder to throw with precision. Shortening the distance between the boards by a couple of feet can keep the game fun and competitive. Don’t be afraid to modify the rules slightly to suit the weather—the point is to enjoy the game despite the elements.

Modify Your Toss

Rain-soaked bags may feel heavier, behave differently, or even stick to your throwing hand. You’ll need to adjust your throw slightly to compensate for the extra weight or any wind that might accompany the rain. Focus on releasing the bag smoothly and with more force if needed to maintain accuracy. Practicing a few throws before starting the game can help you get a feel for the conditions.

Keep Towels Handy

A few dry towels can be your best friend when playing cornhole in the rain. Use them to dry your hands, wipe off the bags, or clean the boards if they get wet. Having a dry grip can significantly improve your throws and prevent the bags from slipping out of your hand too soon. Keep the towels in a plastic bag or under cover to ensure they stay dry and ready to use.

Secure the Boards

Rain can turn solid ground into a slippery mess, making it easy for your cornhole boards to shift or slide when bags hit them. Use stakes, sandbags, or nonslip mats underneath the boards to keep them stable during play. A sturdy setup will prevent accidents and ensure fair gameplay, even in wet conditions.

Keep the Game Light

Rainy day cornhole isn’t about perfection—it’s about having fun. Laugh at the slips, celebrate the unintentional trick shots, and don’t take it too seriously. Embrace the chaos, and enjoy the unique challenge that playing in the rain brings. It’s all about making memories and having a good time with friends or family, no matter how messy the game gets.

Stay Hydrated (Even If It’s Wet)

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you’re automatically hydrated. Playing cornhole, even in cooler weather, can still dehydrate you. Keep some water bottles or your favorite drinks on hand to stay refreshed—but make sure they’re covered or in waterproof containers so they don’t fill up with rain. A thermos of hot coffee or tea can also provide a nice warm-up if it’s chilly outside.

Play With Teams

Playing in the rain is more fun and less frustrating when you’ve got teammates to share the experience with. Dividing into teams adds a competitive edge while fostering camaraderie. Teammates can cheer each other on, strategize, and laugh together when things don’t go as planned. Plus, having more people involved keeps the energy high even if everyone is drenched.

Take Breaks

If the rain starts coming down harder or you’re feeling cold, don’t hesitate to take a break. During breaks, find some cover, warm up with a hot drink, and use the time to regroup and strategize before heading back out. Breaks can also give you a chance to dry off your equipment or reset the playing area if it’s gotten too muddy.

Accept the Challenge

Instead of seeing the rain as an inconvenience, embrace it as part of the adventure. Playing cornhole in less-than-ideal conditions can be a fun challenge that tests your adaptability and creativity. Focus less on perfect throws and more on the experience itself. The rain might even add an unexpected twist to your game, making it more entertaining and memorable.

Capture the Moment

Playing cornhole in the rain is guaranteed to be a memorable experience, so don’t forget to snap some photos or take a short video. Whether it’s a group selfie under umbrellas or a funny shot of someone slipping mid-throw, capturing these moments will give you something to laugh about later.

Playing cornhole in the rain might not be everyone’s first choice, but when you know what to do, you can enjoy the game in a whole new way. With the right attitude and a few precautions, you can turn a rainy day into an unforgettable cornhole adventure.

Grab your bags, rally your friends, and step into the drizzle with the right cornhole board. Here at Slick Woody’s, we have all-weather boards so you can have fun rain or shine. We even have patriotic cornhole boards, which are great for summer get-togethers! With us on your side, you can have fun and quickly forget about the rain.