Gear › How-to · Updated October 2026

Ladder Toss

Ladder toss on the lot
Ladder toss on the lot

Overview

Ladder toss (bola toss) is the softest tight-spot game in the bag. Soft bolas, a short ladder, and a lane you can shorten without ending the rivalry.

Why it’s a good choice

Kindest option when kids share the lane — soft bolas beat hard washers near ankles. Easy to teach in one round. Still enough skill for adults who want cancel scoring to 21. Packs smaller than a full cornhole set for many crews.

Where best to play

Foul line ~15–20 feet for adults; 10–12 for kids / tight lots. Weight the base so a miss doesn’t tip into the next stall. Lane clear of grill blast and guy-lines. Classic tight-spot.

Rules

  1. Teammates at opposite ends for team play; otherwise alternate throws.
  2. Each side throws 3 bolas per round.
  3. 3 / 2 / 1 — top rung, middle, bottom (agree before toss one).
  4. Cancel scoring is common — only net points bank.
  5. Play to 21. Win-by-2 optional.

Gear / setup notes

Weight the base. Soft bolas. Short lane beats a tipped ladder.

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