How to Choose the Right Cornhole Bags for Your Game

Introduction

Whether you're new to the game or grinding through ACL points tournaments every weekend, the right bags can make a huge difference. Cornhole bags aren't one-size-fits-all—your throw, board conditions, and even the weather can all affect how a bag plays.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the best cornhole bags for your game, whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an advanced player chasing consistency. We’ll also touch on accessories like ZÜCA carts, managing multiple bag sets, and how to break them in once you’ve made your pick.

1. Know Your Playing Style

Start with your throw and strategy. Do you like to slide, block, cut, roll, or flop? Your playing style heavily influences the type of bag you should throw.

Sliders – Look for faster bags with a slick side that performs well in both dry and humid conditions
Blockers – Medium-speed to slow bags with a controllable stick side are ideal
Rollers/Floppers – You’ll want bags with fuller fill, more bounce, and a fabric combo that responds well to a high-arching throw

If you don’t know your style yet, that’s okay. Start with a balanced bag that isn’t too fast or slow, and work from there as your game develops.

2. Understand Speed Ratings

Most ACL-approved bags are rated on a 1–10 speed scale, with each side having its own number.

Fast side (6–10): Designed for sliding, pushing, and board conditions where speed is key
Slow side (1–5): Ideal for blocks, dirty boards, or precision placement

If you’re just getting started, many players find a 5/7 or 4/6 speed combo to be forgiving and versatile across a range of surfaces.

Advanced players often carry multiple sets with different speeds for adjusting to fast or slow boards.

3. Consider Your Skill Level

For beginners
Start with a bag that has:

A medium fill that’s easy to grip
Fabric that isn’t too fast or sticky
A budget-friendly price while still being ACL-approved

For advanced players
You’re likely already experimenting with:

Specific fill types (flat disc, blended, bouncy)
Unique fabrics for roll/cut potential
Specialized bags for fast or humid boards

Many pros keep 2–4 sets of bags in rotation based on matchups, conditions, and strategy.

4. Carry Multiple Sets (and Keep Them Organized)

It’s common for competitive players to carry:

A go-to set for tournament play
A backup set for hot/cold boards
A specialty set for roll or cut shots

That’s why many serious players use ZÜCA carts or roller bags with built-in storage, cooler pouches, and tray systems to keep bags clean, organized, and tournament-ready. They’re not just convenient—they’re game-changing.

Pair your cart with accessories like:

Magnetic scoreboards
Bag hangers
Weatherproof bag cases
Slide pads or board spray

5. Break Your Bags In the Right Way

Once you pick your perfect set, don’t forget to break them in. Most bags feel stiff or “board bouncy” out of the package.

Not sure how to do it? We’ve put together a full guide on the most common techniques players use to break in their bags—without recommending any specific method.

👉 Read: The Cornhole Bag Break-In Guide: What the Pros Are Doing

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cornhole bag isn’t just about looks or brand—it’s about matching your bag to your playing style, board conditions, and level of experience. As you grow as a player, your bag lineup should grow too.

At NICE Cornhole, we stock a curated selection of ACL-approved bags from top brands, covering every play style and speed range. Whether you’re a beginner building your first arsenal or a seasoned pro loading up your ZÜCA Cornhole Cart, we’ve got the gear to keep your game sharp.