The popularity of "cornhole" may just now be reaching the east coast but the Midwest -- or "flyover states" as so nicely put in the New York Times -- has been playing bags (as we like to call it in Chicago) for quite some time. In fact while they may now just be discovering the fun to be had throwing around some beanbags, we Midwesterners have already mastered the game with a beer in our hand and producing homemade boards. New York was introduced to the popular sport when FOX News anchor Bill Hemmer was introduced to the backyard game on a trip back to Cincinnati. One could say Hemmer brought the cultural phenomenon of cornhole to the East Coast.
Hemmer even brought several sets of cornhole back with him for his cowokers at FOX News.
So when the cool weather finally clears and the evenings grow longer, Chicago bars all around the area and into the suburbs open their outdoor areas and offer complimentary bag sets for patrons to use. Some bars even have regular bag tournaments.
In fact, the area has its own Chicago Cornhole league that plays on a year-round basis.
The game itself is very simple to learn and most people play the same rules or variations of them. The most difficult part of the game is figuring out your form when tossing the bag. People have all different ways of tossing such as the arc, or the slide but the most important thing to do when tossing bags is to keep your form, and stay consistent.
For the Midwest, playing bags usually goes hand in hand with drinking. Most of the time people play games where keeping a beer in hand at all times is required. Others just drink constantly while playing to "help" their game.
It seems safe to say that even though some people may consider the Midwest nothing more than flyover states, we know how to have some good ol' fashioned fun in the backyard tossing around some beanbags.
— Breeann Tuch
Athletics can be a tricky concept to define. Sure, there's always the LeBron James or Usain Bolt or Albert Pujols to point to and say: "Indeed, there goes a world-class athlete. A genetic lottery winner. Half human/half physical deity." But what of the hand-eye coordination required to blast away at digital critters, varmints and beasts whilst half-blasted on a) whiskey b) beer c) both? That sort of acumen, ability and athletic dedication is what separates the best from the rest with regards to the drunken battlefield of Big Buck Hunter. This past weekend a new BBH champion was crowned and just like the game itself, the new hero hails from suburban Chicago. His name is Trevor Floren and he thrashed the field. Chess amongst checkers; man amongst boys; wolf amongst sheep. Utter domination.
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— Brian Lauvray
It's hunting without the hours of sitting in the cold or the messy carcass stripping. The popular barroom and home video game "Big Buck Hunter Safari" got a serious upgrade over the weekend when a national champion was crowned at District Bar on Ontario Street. The tournament winner, Jerad Berg of Blaine, Minnesota, took home $10,000 for killing deer comprised of computer code and pixels. But lest you think he's all talk and no stalk, Berg also hunts the real thing.
— Ken Green
Chicago baseball... it's enough to drive you to drink. So do it while watching some of the most talented bartenders in the city when it comes to bar tricks.
Streeter's Tavern at 50 E. Chicago, will host "It's Tricky", billed as "a celebration of bar tricks, bad jokes and light magic" on Sunday, Sept. 6. The staff of Streeter's will show off their skills at cocktail shaker juggling, flaming shots, etc., and you can vote on the best. Cubs tickets will go to the winners (or losers depending on your outlook). You can get in on the action, too, and demonstrate your own tricks. So that thing you do where you open a beer bottle with your ear just might actually get an audience. Get more info here.
— Ken Green
Raise your hand if you like cool bars, lots of beer, arm-wrestling, and tough chicks. Now take that hand and head over to Reggie's on Monday, Jan. 12 for the All-Girl Rock 'n Roll Amateur Arm Wrestling competition hosted by The Chicago Outfit Derby Girls. While the wrasslin' is ladies-only, men are certainly more than welcome to support their favorite toughie and enjoy live music by Super Priest.
Sign up is at 7 p.m., and there's a $100 cash prize to be had. A measly $5 donation is all they ask in return.
— Kara Luger
Does the combination of inebriation and philanthropy sound intriguing? The Hopscotch Network is providing Chicagoans with an opportunity to enjoy both at the First Annual Charity Beer Pong Tournament on Saturday, April 26th. Competition commences around 1 p.m. at Durkin's Tavern on Diversey and Halsted (see map). Winners of the 32 team, single elimination tournament will be lavishly rewarded with gift certificates, free travel, and other prizes. Even the losers will "win" with four hours of unlimited beer!
Where is the philanthropic aspect you might ask? Proceeds gained from $60 team entrance fees and $25 "all-you-can-drink" spectator admission will be donated to Urban Students Empowered. The program is dedicated to providing fellowships for highly motivated students in low-income Chicago Public Schools. Money raised at the Beer Pong Tournament will help facilitate mentoring, exam preparation, college visitations, and a new laptop for a Corliss High School student. In just two years, US Empowered has already increased the GPA of participating students from 2.95 to 3.41. More impressive is the 100% rate for both university acceptance and scholarship/financial aid.
Space is limited for participants, so register here or just attend for a few supportive drinks.
— Andy Angelos
I hold the distinction of missing each day of grade school when teachers explained the fundamentals of preparation. As a result of my non-existent planning skills, I regularly attend pool parties sans bathing suit and have even traveled to Greenland with only thin cotton tank tops! A frustrating life, but I manage to survive.
Naturally, my lack of preparation also hinders the tailgating experience. Depression usually kicks in after my six pack and Frisbee are upstaged by a collection of grills, patio furniture, bean-bag toss, and mobile entertainment systems. How can I compete without the ability to plan ahead? I want to join the fun as well! For others with similar problems, I want to share my plan for not planning at tailgates this summer. The following games should provide the impromptu fun every planning inept individual craves.
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— Andy Angelos
