The backyard and tailgating game of cornhole has grown into a competitive sport, now governed by official rules laid down by groups like the American Cornhole League. Ensuring fair play and standardization of the game at all levels, these organizations have elevated cornhole to a sport recognized at a national and international level.
Whether you are a serious newcomer or seasoned veteran, a firm understanding of the rules is essential to ensuring a fair and competitive event. Below are the standard cornhole rules and regulations for an official or tournament game.
Equipment and Setup
Tournament cornhole has precise requirements for its equipment to ensure standardization. In cornhole competition, the ideal setup is achieved when two boards, precisely 4 feet by 2 feet, are positioned parallel to each other and 27 feet apart. Each board is designed with a hole precisely 6 inches in diameter and located 9 inches down from the top edge.
The official cornhole bag measures 6 inches square and weighs, when filled, between 14 and 16 ounces. All bags must be filled with a material of similar density to ensure they weigh the same and perform with the same outcome when thrown.
Game Format
Cornhole can be played in either singles or doubles, with two players in a direct competition for the top score or two teams made up of two members each, with one player on each team at opposite boards.
Each team or player has four bags to throw per round. The game typically plays to 21 points, though it is not required to score exactly 21 to win; any amount over that will suffice.
Scoring System
Cornhole rules for scoring are simple but demand precision. A bag that lands on the board is worth 1 point; a bag that goes through the hole earns 3 points. Bags that hit the ground before landing on the board or are knocked off the board during the round receive no points.
Cancellation scoring is used, meaning points scored by one team are subtracted from the other team’s total for that round. So, if Team A scores 7 and Team B scores 5 in a round, Team A adds 2 points to their total.
Rules of Gameplay
The game is played by taking turns throwing the bags. Each player tosses from a designated pitcher’s box that extends three feet on either side of the board. The toss must be made underhand and stepping over the foul line results in a disqualified throw. A round continues until all eight bags have been tossed.
Good sportsmanship and conduct are essential for competitive cornhole. Players must respect their opponents, stick to the time limits for each throw, and not engage in disruptive behavior. If they do, they might face penalties or even disqualification, depending on the infraction’s severity.
Understanding Cornhole Rules for Your Game
Gaining a grasp of cornhole’s official ruling system allows for both more fun and competitiveness. Be it at the backyard party or on the pro circuit, the rules guarantee a fair and uniformed system. The enjoyment of a sunny afternoon while throwing bags at the board with friends is one reason why cornhole is rapidly becoming one of America’s new favorite pastimes, even if you aren’t quite ready to join the pro circuit (yet).