Time to toss bags!

Swiiiiish....FWAP!

Swiiiiish....FWAP!

That's the sound of summer on my block. Its siren song means my neighbors are outside, gathered around painted boards and grain-filled bags...it's time for baggo/cornhole/bags/beanbag toss!*

No matter what you call it, this popular lawn game works for city dwellers precisely because you don't need a lawn. Furthermore, it's great for parties precisely because you don't need to set down your cold beverage.

Photo via cornhole_game57 on Flickr

What with Memorial Day being the unofficial start to summer, it's fitting to play this classic Midwestern game at this weekend's BBQ. If you're handy, you can build your own or buy one if you're pressed for time. Practice enough and you can join a tournament. And hey, there's even a American Cornhole Association! I don't remember it being so popular when I was younger, but nowadays no informal gathering is complete without a baggo/cornhole/bags/beanbag* match!

*An informal poll conducted on my Facebook status message revealed that most of my friends call it "bags". What about you?