Outdoor gatherings are more fun when there’s a friendly competition to rally around, so we decided to put together some yard games for adults. Yard games combine socializing with light exercise and bring out the playful side of adults. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a tailgate or a cabin weekend, having a variety of games ensures everyone can participate. This guide covers the rules and equipment for popular games, cornhole, bocce, ladder golf and kubb, along with tournament formats, scoring sheets, tiebreakers, prize ideas and tips for organizing your own game day. We also suggest a chill-out corner with shade and seating, complete with an Al Capone cigarillo for adult guests who want to unwind. Prepare to host your own backyard Olympics!
Yard Games, Rules & Equipment
Cornhole (Bags)
Cornhole consists of two angled boards with a 6‑inch hole near the top. Each player or team tosses bean bags toward the opposite board from behind a foul line set 27 feet away. A bag through the hole scores 3 points; a bag on the board scores 1 point, while bags hitting the ground or bouncing onto the board score 0. Only one team scores per round using cancellation scoring; the team with the higher total subtracts the opponent’s points and records the difference. Games are played until a team reaches or exceeds 21 points.
Equipment Checklist
- Regulation boards (48 × 24 inches with 6 in hole)
- Eight 6 × 6 inch bags filled with resin or corn (four per team)
- Measuring tape to set foul lines at 27 feet
- Scoreboard or tally sheet
Bocce
Bocce involves two teams of one to four players throwing large balls (bocce) to land closest to a small target ball called the pallina. Teams alternate throwing until all balls are used; only the team with balls closer than the opponent’s nearest ball scores points, one point per ball nearer to the pallina. Games typically play to 16 points.
Equipment Checklist
- Eight bocce balls (four of one color, four of another)
- Pallina ball
- Measuring tape
- Level playing area (grass, sand or gravel)
Ladder Golf (Ladder Toss)
Also known as hillbilly golf, ladder golf uses a three‑rung ladder and bolas, two golf balls connected by a string. Players toss bolas aiming to wrap them around a rung. The top rung is worth 3 points, middle rung 2 points and bottom rung 1 point. A bonus point is awarded if all three bolas land on the same rung or one on each rung. Scoring is cumulative, and players must hit exactly 21 points, overshooting resets to their previous score.
Equipment Checklist
- Ladder structure (wood or PVC)
- Three bolas per player
- Scoreboard
Kubb
Kubb is a Swedish game where teams use wooden batons to knock over rectangular blocks called kubbs and ultimately the “king” block. Each team sets up five kubbs on its baseline and stands behind it. Teams throw batons underhand to topple their opponent’s baseline kubbs; knocked kubbs are then thrown onto the opposing side to become “field kubbs,” which must be toppled before hitting baseline kubbs again. After clearing all field and baseline kubbs, a team aims to topple the king to win. Accidentally knocking down the king early results in immediate loss.
Equipment Checklist
- Ten rectangular kubbs
- One king block
- Six throwing batons
- Four corner stakes to mark field (5 m wide × 8 m long)
- Measuring tape
Yard Game Tournament Formats & Scoring Sheets
- Round Robin: Each team plays every other team once; the top teams advance to a championship game.
- Single Elimination: Teams compete in a bracket; losers are eliminated after one loss.
- Double Elimination: Teams must lose twice to be eliminated, giving a second chance.
- Point‑Based League: Keep cumulative scores over multiple games and award prizes at the end of the season.
Use printed score sheets or mobile apps to track scores. Ensure tiebreaker rules are clear, e.g., play one extra round or reduce the target score by half.
Chill‑Out Corner with Prizes
You can create more than a space, you can create a moment. A small, adult-only corner where the noise fades, the glass clinks, and a slow draw sets the tone. A relaxation area with lounge chairs, prizes for tournament winners, gift cards, local craft beverages or custom trophies.
Relaxing isn’t about escaping. It’s about reclaiming what’s already yours. Sometimes, it’s just you, a quiet corner, and a cigarillo that doesn’t ask for anything except that you enjoy it.
That’s where Al Capone Cigarillos come in. Classic. Premium. REAL. Not Perfect. Just an unapologetic moment of pause, tailor-made for you. Because your peace isn’t extra. It isn’t earned. It’s your right.
Ready to find your match? Explore Al Capone’s Store Locator or check their Online Retailers.
Quick Planner
- Two weeks before: Decide on games to include and purchase or borrow equipment. Send invitations and ask for RSVPs.
- One week before: Create a bracket or schedule based on expected number of teams. Gather prize items and prepare score sheets.
- Day before: Mow the lawn or clear the play area. Set up boundaries with stakes or chalk lines. Test equipment for stability and safety.
- Event day: Arrive early to set up games and chill‑out corner. Review rules with participants, assign a referee for each game and commence the tournament. Keep water and snacks available and encourage breaks in the shade.
Yard Game Budget & Gear
| Item | Approx. Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Cornhole set | $80–$150 | Includes two boards and eight bags. |
| Bocce ball set | $30–$80 | Standard set with eight balls and pallina. |
| Ladder golf set | $40–$70 | Includes ladder and six bolas. |
| Kubb set | $50–$100 | Wooden sets last longer. |
| Prizes & trophies | $20–$60 | Gift cards, homemade awards. |
| Shade canopies & chairs | $100–$200 | Optional; good for long tournaments. |
Common Mistakes
- Poor field setup: Uneven ground or incorrect distances can affect gameplay. Use measuring tape for accuracy.
- Inadequate equipment: Missing balls or bags forces players to share; always have spares.
- Not explaining rules: Participants may have different rule interpretations; clarify before starting.
- Skipping warm‑ups: Without practice throws, players may take longer to find their aim.
- Neglecting shade & hydration: Playing outside for hours can lead to sunburn or dehydration.
Pro Tips for Yard Games
- Create a Scoreboard: Use a whiteboard or chalkboard to display brackets and scores.
- Offer Variety: Include quick mini‑games like frisbee or spikeball for players waiting to play.
- Encourage Sportsmanship: Reward teamwork and fair play to keep the atmosphere friendly.
- Use Lights for Night Play: String lights or lanterns allow games to continue after sunset.
- Capture Memories: Set up a photo booth with props or ask a friend to take candid shots.
Yard Game FAQs
Q: How many players are on a cornhole team?
A: Typically, teams have two players, one on each end of the court. Each player throws four bags per round.
Q: Can bocce be played on sand?
A: Yes; bocce can be played on grass, sand or even indoor courts. Adjust throwing strength depending on the surface.
Q: What if a bola lands on the ground in ladder golf?
A: Bolas that do not wrap around a rung score zero points. Only bolas hanging on rungs count.
Q: How long does a typical kubb game last?
A: Games can range from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on skill and number of players.
Q: Can children play these games?
A: Yes, with adult supervision. Adjust distances for younger players and avoid heavy wooden kubbs or bolas.
Q: Is it okay to use unofficial equipment?
A: Homemade boards or balls are fine as long as dimensions approximate regulation sizes.
Q: Do you need referees?
A: For competitive tournaments, assign someone to enforce rules and keep score. Casual games can be self‑judged.
Q: How do you break a tie in bocce?
A: Play an extra round or throw one ball each to determine which team is closest.
Conclusion
Yard games bring together fun, competition, and camaraderie. With the right setup, equipment, clear rules, and a little organization, adults can spend hours laughing and playing under the sun. Just don’t forget the essentials: shade, water, and places to rest. And when the games wind down, a quiet moment with a cigarillo can be the perfect way to savor it all. Whether you’re tossing bags, throwing batons, or landing that perfect bocce point, these games will bring out the kid in everyone.
