Slow Side vs. Fast Side Explained (Cornhole Bags)
Cornhole bags almost always have two playing sides: a slow side and a fast side . This isn't marketing, but one of the most important elements of modern cornhole. The speed of the cloth determines your options on the board.
What does the slow side do?
The slow side is the brake. This side is designed for control .
- place a block on the hole
- put the bag in exactly the place you want
- make it harder for your opponent to score directly
Fabrics often used for this purpose are carpet and hybrid carpet blends . These "bite" slightly into the board and slow the slide.
What does the fast side do?
The fast side is the attacker. This side is designed to push forward .
- slide your own bag through a block
- get your bag from the edge into the hole
- gain speed when using little force
These are usually smooth performance fabrics with higher speed (e.g. speed 8–10).
How do you choose the right combination?
The right bag depends on how you play:
- Need more control? → choose slow side ~5–6 + fast side 7–8
- Are you already playing offensively? → choose slow side ~6–7 + fast side 9–10
Conclusion
The power of modern cornhole bags lies in the difference between the two sides. Use the slow side for positioning and blocking, and the fast side to push through to the hole.
