One of the most popular new games in the US has made its way to Lithuania. “Cornhole”, called “kukurūzinis” in Lithuania, apparently has a long history and attracts people to professional tournaments throughout the world. The name comes from the corn-filled bags players try to toss into a hole in a slanted board from 8 metres away.
In Lithuania the Cornhole Federation (LCF) was established two years ago, and four tournaments have already taken place. Because it is a simple game, it easily became popular, especially in schools. According to LCF director Vygantas Zalieckas, a high school cornhole league is currently being organized.
The next tournament in Lithuania is being held in Panevėžys on June 3. Anyone can participate.
The largest cornhole organization in the world is the American Cornhole League (ACL), which plans tournaments in various countries. It also organizes virtual tournaments, the ACL Virtual Tour, in which participants can challenge players anywhere in the world and collect points.
Lithuanian Ignas Radžius recently used his skills in the game he discovered five or six years ago at the ACL International Open series tournament, the Dutch Open. He came in 33rd among 64 players.
In a game that could be played even during COVID, with participants wearing masks, Radžius learned the rules on YouTube, as well as terminology such as block, airmail, cut shot, roll shot, bar soap, and „and1“. We have yet to see these terms in Lithuanian…
Practice, preparation and tactical manoeuvres are important, he said. The bags can be made of various types of fabric, and the surface of the boards can change according to air temperature and humidity.
Perhaps a Lithuanian-Canadian team is in the works?
