The Complete Guide to Cornhole Rules and Regulations

Three rustic wooden cornhole boards set up on green grass, showing the official board design with a centered 6-inch hole. These boards are ideal for outdoor cornhole games, showcasing a natural, classic look.

Have you ever been to a BBQ or a family reunion and seen people tossing bags onto a wooden board? You watch them laughing and having fun, and maybe you wonder, “What is this game, and how do I play?”

That game is cornhole—a backyard classic that’s easy to learn and perfect for anyone who loves a little friendly competition.

Purpose of the Guide

This guide covers all you need to know about cornhole. We’ll go over the rules, show you how to set everything up and teach you to play like a pro.

1. Cornhole Equipment and Setup

1.1. Cornhole Board Regulations

For official play, the cornhole board has specific measurements and details that help make every game fair and consistent.

Cornhole Board Dimensions

The board should be 24 inches wide and 48 inches long. This size is considered ideal for both casual and competitive play, giving enough space for those aiming to score but not so large that it becomes too easy.

Hole Size and Placement

The hole on a cornhole board is 6 inches in diameter. It should be centered horizontally and positioned 9 inches from the top edge of the board.

This precise placement is part of what makes the game challenging and fun.

Cornhole Board Materials

Wood is the preferred material for official cornhole boards because it provides the best balance for tossing and landing the bags.

Plywood is often used, as it’s durable and gives a solid landing surface.

While there are plastic and other material boards available, wooden boards are considered the standard, especially for tournaments.

Cornhole Board Surface

The board’s surface should have a smooth finish. This helps bags slide without bouncing too much, adding to the skill level of the game. For casual games, any smooth wood surface works, but competitive boards often have a high-quality, polished finish for consistent bag behavior.

Cornhole Rules
and detailed cornhole board dimensions illustrating the official measurements: 48 inches in length, 24 inches in width, with a 6-inch hole positioned 9 inches from the top edge. This diagram provides guidance on board size for accurate cornhole setup. — Cornhole Board Regulations

Find the best cornhole boards here.

1.2. Cornhole Bags Regulations

Cornhole bags might seem simple, but they’re designed with specific features to make the game enjoyable and fair for everyone.

Let’s dive into what makes an official cornhole bag.

Cornhole Bags Official Size

Cornhole bags are typically 6×6 inches in size, making them just right for easy tossing and a good grip. This square shape is part of what keeps the game standardized.

Cornhole Bags Official Weight

Each cornhole bag should weigh between 14 to 16 ounces. This weight range ensures that the bags aren’t too light (which could make them fly unpredictably) or too heavy (which could make them harder to toss accurately).

Cornhole Bags Filling

Traditionally, cornhole bags were filled with corn kernels (hence the name “cornhole”), giving them a nice weight and feel. Today, many bags use synthetic materials like plastic pellets to make them more durable, especially for outdoor games where bags may get wet or dirty.

Cornhole Bags Materials

Duck Cloth: Commonly used for casual play. It’s a go-to choice for backyard games.
Polyester and Carpet Bags: In professional tournaments, dual-sided bags are often used. These bags typically have one side made of polyester (for a smooth slide) and the other side made of carpet or suede-like material (for a controlled stop).

Also relevant: Best cornhole bags to win any tournament.

1.3. Cornhole Court Dimensions

Creating a cornhole court requires enough space for both the boards and players to move comfortably.

Cornhole Court Total Length

The total setup area should be about 41-50 feet long. This extra space allows for smooth gameplay without crowding players.

Cornhole Court Total Width

Around 8-10 feet of space is ideal to give players room to move and spectators space to watch.

Player’s Boxes

In cornhole games, on each side of the board, there should be a designated area called the Player’s Box.

This is where players stand to toss their bags. Each box is usually about 3 feet wide and allows players to take turns without interfering with one another.

1.4. How Far Apart Should Cornhole Boards Be?

The official distance between the two boards is different for adults and juniors(under 12).

Official Cornhole Distance For Adults

For standard, adult play, place the boards 27 feet apart, measured from the front edges of each board.

This is the official distance used in tournaments and competitions and is suitable for experienced players. If you’re not sure how to measure the distance, then you should definitely buy Cornhole Boards Distance Measuring Assistance Tool.

Official Cornhole Distance For Juniors (under 12)

For younger players or beginners, the boards can be closer, typically set between 15 to 21 feet apart based on skill level.

This shorter distance helps younger players enjoy the game and develop their throwing technique without feeling frustrated.

Diagram of the official cornhole court setup and official court dimensions showing the layout for pitcher’s boxes, foul lines, and board spacing. Each cornhole board is set 27 feet apart, with 4-foot wide pitcher’s boxes for players on either side. This setup ensures proper spacing for official cornhole rules. — Cornhole Court Dimensions

2. How to Play Cornhole

Cornhole is easy to pick up, and once you know the basic rules, you’re ready to enjoy a game with friends or family.

2.1. Objective of the Game

The goal is simple but satisfying—get your bags onto the board or into the hole to score points.

Goal

The aim is to score points by tossing bags either into the hole (the “cornhole”) or onto the board. Each landing spot has different point values, which we’ll cover in the scoring section.

Game End

Cornhole games typically end when the first team or player reaches or exceeds 21 points. Though in some cases if you go past 21, you’ll drop back to 15—adding a bit of suspense to those final throws.

2.2. Official Cornhole Rules

Following are the official rules for cornhole gameplay.

Gameplay Format

Cornhole can be played as singles (1 player vs. 1 player) or doubles (teams of 2). In doubles play, teammates stand on opposite ends of the court, allowing each player to throw bags for their team.

Turn Order

The first turn is decided by a coin toss or by tossing a bag (with the closest bag winning). The winning player or team decides who throws first. After each round, the team with the highest points in the previous round throws first.

Bag Tossing

Technique:
Players must throw their bags underhand. This traditional technique prevents high-arc throws that can bounce unpredictably.
Foot Foul:
Players must stay behind the foul line when tossing their bag. The foul line is located at the front edge of the board they are standing beside. If a player crosses this line while throwing, their throw is counted as a foul and does not score any points.

2.3. Scoring System in Cornhole

Scoring in cornhole is straightforward, but there’s a unique twist with cancellation scoring that makes each round more interesting.

How to Keep Score in Cornhole

In the Hole (Cornhole): A bag that lands in the hole scores 3 points.
On the Board (Woody): A bag that lands and stays on the board is worth 1 point.
Cancellation Scoring: Here’s where it gets interesting—points scored by one team cancel out points scored by the other team in the same round. For example, if Team A scores 6 points and Team B scores 4 points, only the difference (2 points) goes to Team A for that round.
Recording Scores: After each round, tally up the points after cancellation scoring and update the scoreboard. The first team or player to reach 21 points wins the game. However, in some cases, if a team goes above 21, it would drop them back to 15.

Example of cornhole scoring with cancellation scoring method. Player A has 1 bag in the hole (3 points) and 3 bags on the board (1 point each), totaling 6 points. Player B has 2 bags in the hole (3 points each) and 2 bags on the board (1 point each), totaling 8 points. After cancellation scoring, Player B wins the round by 2 points (8 - 6 = 2). — Visual Description of How to Keep Score in Cornhole

2.4. Fouls and Penalties in Cornhole

Cornhole has a few fouls and penalties to keep play fair and respectful.

Foot Fouls

Stepping past the foul line (front edge of the board) while tossing results in a nullified throw—it doesn’t count toward the score.

Incorrect Toss Order

If a player throws out of turn, their throw may be forfeited, meaning it won’t count.

Bag Violations

Any tampering with the bags (like adding weight or modifying them) results in penalties, and the altered bags must be removed from play.

Overhead Throws

Cornhole bags must be tossed underhand. An overhead throw is considered a foul, and any bag thrown this way does not count.

3. Cornhole Setup Guide

Setting up a cornhole game doesn’t take long, but following these steps ensures the game feels official and fair.

3.1. Setting Up the Boards

Surface Selection

Place the boards on a flat, level surface—such as grass, concrete, or a smooth backyard area.

This keeps the boards stable and makes sure that bags slide and land predictably.

Alignment

Set the boards facing each other directly to create a straight path for tossing. Double-check that they’re aligned, as this helps with accurate gameplay and consistent scoring.

3.2. Marking the Court

Foul Lines

Measure and mark 27 feet between the front edges of each board for standard play. This foul line distance is essential for accurate throws and fair play.

Player Zones

Define player zones on either side of each board. These zones give each player their designated space to stand, ensuring a smooth flow without interference.

3.3. Preparing the Bags

Inspection

Before starting, check each bag to ensure it meets regulation size and weight (6×6 inches and 14-16 ounces). This keeps the game consistent, as all bags will behave similarly.

Team Selection

Choose distinct bag colors for each team. This helps players track whose bags are on the board or in the hole, making it easier to score accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cornhole Rules and Regulations

The official cornhole rules for scoring are simple: a bag in the hole scores 3 points (called a “cornhole”), and a bag on the board scores 1 point (known as a “woody”). Points are totaled after each round using a cancellation system, where each team’s points cancel out the other’s.

To set up a proper cornhole court, place the boards 27 feet apart from the front edges. This is the standard distance for adult play, while kids or beginners may prefer 15 to 21 feet to make the game more accessible.

For official play, cornhole boards should be 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge. However, for casual play or younger players, you can shorten this distance to between 15 and 21 feet based on skill level.

Official cornhole boards should measure 24 inches wide by 48 inches long, with a 6-inch hole centered 9 inches from the top. Boards should ideally be made of wood with a smooth surface to ensure a consistent slide for the bags.

In cornhole, scoring involves tallying points each round. Bags in the hole are worth 3 points, and bags on the board are worth 1 point. After each round, teams calculate their points and use the cancellation scoring method to determine the net points scored for that round.

Official cornhole bags should be 6×6 inches and weigh between 14 to 16 ounces. They’re typically filled with corn kernels or synthetic materials. For competitive play, use dual-sided bags with one side that slides (polyester) and one that sticks (suede or carpet), but for casual play, any sturdy bags should work.