from the commissioner
Backyard Game Guides & How-Tos
Weekend builds, straight answers, and the picks worth your money. Everything I have learned running the league, in one place.
- DIY BUILDS
- BUYING TIPS
- BEST PICKS
grab the saw
Build it yourself
Build Your Own Cornhole Board: Full Cut List and Plans Read the guide → 
DIY Washer Toss Board: Box Plans, Cup Placement and Specs Read the guide → 
Build a Kubb Set from Scratch: Complete Cut List and Dimensions Read the guide → 
Building a Bocce Ball Court: Layout, Base Layers and Surface Options Read the guide → 
Setting Up a Backyard Pickleball Court: Dimensions and Net Guide Read the guide → 
DIY Cornhole Scoreboard Plans: Sliding Bead and Peg Styles Read the guide → 
DIY Giant Jenga from 2x4s: Cut List and Build Steps Read the guide → 
Build a Giant Connect Four for the Yard: Full DIY Plans Read the guide → 
Build a Regulation Horseshoe Pit: Dimensions, Box and Fill Read the guide → 
DIY Beersbee: Build a Bottle Bash Set From Poles You Already Own Read the guide → 
Running a Backyard Tournament: Formats, Brackets and Scheduling Read the guide → 
DIY Yard Games You Can Build This Weekend (Plus When to Just Buy) Read the guide → do the homework
Read up before you buy
Official ACA cornhole board dimensions, hole placement measurements, and the 27 ft court distance, explained clearly. Boards that meet spec are linked inside.
Read the guide → Read up Best Outdoor Games of 2026: 30 Backyard Games, RankedThe best outdoor games of 2026, with 30 classic and new yard games ranked for families, parties, gifts, active crews, and relaxed backyard play.
Read the guide → Care guide Washing Cornhole Bags: What Works for Corn vs All-Weather FillCorn-filled bags need spot cleaning only. All-weather bags can go in the wash. Here is how to clean both kinds so they stay game-ready all season long.
Read the guide → Care guide Cleaning Bocce Balls: Scuff Removal, Polish and Storage TipsClean the resin, lift grass scuffs, and polish bocce balls so they roll true. Simple steps for after-game care and long-term storage to keep your set lasting.
Read the guide → Read up Rent or Buy Wedding Lawn Games? What the Numbers SayHonest cost math on renting vs buying wedding lawn games, including resale value, what sets hold up, and which choice makes sense for your situation.
Read the guide → Read up Lawn Darts: Why They Got Banned and What's Legal NowMetal-tipped Jarts are banned from sale, manufacture, and import in the U.S.; modern soft-tip sets are legal. See exactly what the CPSC rule covers.
Read the guide → Read up Why Is Cornhole Called Cornhole? The Name, ExplainedThe short answer: corn-filled bags and the hole in the board. The full story runs through an 1883 patent, a Kentucky farm legend, and Cincinnati tailgates.
Read the guide → Read up Winter Storage for Backyard Games: What to Do with Each SetWeatherproof bins, silica packets, covers, and game-specific off-season care so your backyard sets come out of storage ready to play in spring.
Read the guide → Read up 30+ Outdoor Games That Need Zero EquipmentTag, races, and classic group games you can play right now with zero gear. Plus affordable starter kits for when you want to level things up a notch.
Read the guide →Let me pick for you
Not sure where to start? See my ranked best-of lists by category, or answer four quick questions and I will hand you a lineup built for your backyard.