Rules of Cornhole

Whether it’s on the back deck of your house, in a friend’s backyard, or at a professional tournament, few games capture the spirit of outdoor fun and friendly competition like cornhole. With its simple rules and quick learning curve, the game of cornhole has become a staple of backyard parties and tailgate gatherings across America.

While each individual has his or her own house rules and ways of playing the game, there are some standardized guidelines that apply to all situations. For example, official tournament rules require that the two boards be placed at a distance of 27 feet (8.2 m) from front to front, and that the goal hole of each board be positioned away from the opposing goal. While this is the standard court, the game can be played at much shorter distances if space is limited or younger players are participating.

Once the courts are set up, players are divided into teams of two (singles) or four players. Each team will then take turns pitching their bags toward the opposite boards. The team that scores the most points in an inning takes the first turn in the next inning. If the score is tied, the team that won the previous inning will go first in the next inning.

Bags that land cleanly on the board or pass through the center of the target earn 3 points. Bags that hang inside the target, but do not go through, count as 1 point. In addition, any player who throws a bag outside the foul line is called for a foul.