Concept: Two teams compete to "build a snowman" by tossing bean bags into a pyramid of wall-mounted buckets. Each tier (base, body, head) must have at least one of your team's bags to complete the snowman.
Quick Specs: Players: 2 teams (1-2 players each) Throwables: 24 cornhole bags (12 per team, 2 colors) Structure: 6 buckets in pyramid formation Play Time: 3-5 minutes per game Space Needed: ~6ft wall width × 10ft depth (including throw line)
Gameplay Rules
Each team gets 12 bags of their color (red vs green)
Teams alternate turns - 2 bags per turn
Toss bags into the bucket pyramid from the throw line (8ft back)
First team to "complete the snowman" wins:
At least 1 bag in the BASE tier (any of the 3 buckets)
At least 1 bag in the BODY tier (any of the 2 buckets)
At least 1 bag in the HEAD tier (the 1 bucket)
Bags stay where they land - multiple colors can share a bucket
If all bags are thrown and neither team completes, closest to completion wins
Bucket Layout
Bucket Specifications
Tier
Quantity
Bucket Type
Opening Size
Height (bottom of bucket)
Head
1
1-2 gallon pail
~7"
54" from floor
Body
2
3 gallon bucket
~9"
36" from floor
Base
3
5 gallon bucket
~11-12"
18" from floor
Bucket sourcing: Standard plastic buckets from hardware store. Paint white or wrap in white fabric for snowman aesthetic. Add face details to head bucket (coal eyes, carrot nose). Buttons on body buckets optional.
Mounting System
Method: Screw + Wedge Mount
Each bucket mounts with screws through the lip, angled downward using a wood wedge at the top. This creates a larger visible target for throwers.
Mounting Steps
Mark bucket positions on wall (see layout diagram)
Cut 2×4 wedges - approximately 4-6" long, cut at ~15° angle
For each bucket:
Hold bucket against wall at marked position
Place wedge between TOP of bucket and wall
Drill pilot holes through bucket lip (top edge)
Secure with screws into wall studs or use appropriate wall anchors
Test that bucket holds weight and bags don't roll out
⚠️ Wall Anchoring: If not hitting studs, use heavy-duty wall anchors rated for at least 25 lbs each. Buckets will accumulate weight as bags land in them.
Materials & Shopping List
Buckets (6 total)
3× 5-gallon bucket (~$4-5 each)
2× 3-gallon bucket (~$4 each)
1× 1-2 gallon pail (~$3-5)
Bean Bags
12× Red cornhole bags
12× Green cornhole bags
(3 sets of 8, sorted by color, ~$60-75)
Mounting Hardware
6× 2×4 wedge cuts (from one 8ft 2×4)
12× wood screws (2-3" length)
Wall anchors if needed
Decoration (optional)
White spray paint or fabric
Black felt/foam for coal eyes
Orange foam for carrot nose
Buttons or button cutouts
Estimated Cost
Item
Cost
Buckets (6)
~$25
Cornhole bags (24)
~$60-75
2×4 lumber (8ft)
~$5
Screws/anchors
~$10
Decoration supplies
~$15
Total
~$115-130
Horizontal Spacing
Total wall width needed: approximately 6 feet
Tier
Bucket Spacing
Notes
Base (3 buckets)
~20" center-to-center
Outer buckets ~10" from edges
Body (2 buckets)
~24" center-to-center
Centered between base buckets
Head (1 bucket)
N/A - centered
Directly above center body gap
Throw Line
Distance: 8 feet from wall
Marking: Tape line on floor, or use a floor mat
Adjustment: Can move closer (6ft) for young children
Setup Checklist
☐ All 6 buckets mounted securely
☐ Buckets angled with openings facing players
☐ 12 red bags in one container/basket
☐ 12 green bags in another container/basket
☐ Throw line marked on floor
☐ Player card displayed at station
Gameplay Modes
Three ways to play - player card lists all options:
Mode 1: Build the Snowman (Turn-based)
Players: 2 teams | Bags: 12 per team
Teams alternate turns, 2 bags per turn
First to complete all 3 tiers wins (1 bag in base + 1 in body + 1 in head)
Bags stay where they land - multiple colors can share buckets
Mode 2: Point Blitz (Simultaneous)
Players: 2 teams | Bags: 12 per team
Both teams throw all bags at the same time - chaos!
When all bags are thrown, count points:
Head = 3 pts | Body = 2 pts | Base = 1 pt
Highest score wins
Mode 3: Snowman Stacker (Solo)
Players: 1 | Bags: 12
One player throws all 12 bags
Each complete set = 1 snowman built (1 base + 1 body + 1 head)
How many snowmen can you build? Max possible = 4
Strategy: need even distribution across tiers!
Decoration Ideas
Head bucket: Black felt circles for coal eyes, orange cone/triangle for carrot nose, curved line for smile
Body buckets: Large black circles for coal buttons (2-3 per bucket)
Base buckets: Can leave plain white, or add subtle snow texture
Optional: Fabric scarf draped between head and body tier, top hat on wall above head bucket
Backdrop: Blue poster board behind pyramid suggests sky/winter scene