Official Cornhole Rules

Everything you need to know to play like a pro

Quick Overview

2-4
Players
27'
Board Distance
21
Points to Win
8
Bags per Round

Players

Cornhole can be played with 2 players (singles) or 4 players (doubles).

Doubles Tip: When playing with 4 players, teammates must stand at opposite boards, facing each other. This way, one teammate throws while the other retrieves bags.

Court Setup

Position the two cornhole boards facing each other with 27 feet between the front edges of each board. This is the official regulation distance.

Board 1
27'
Board 2

Board Dimensions

  • • Surface: 2 feet × 4 feet
  • • Hole diameter: 6 inches
  • • Hole center: 9" from top edge

Bag Specifications

  • • Size: 6" × 6"
  • • Weight: 15-16 oz each
  • • 4 bags per player/team

How to Play

1

Determine First Throw

Flip a coin to decide which player or team throws first.

2

Alternate Throws

Players take turns throwing one bag at a time until all 8 bags have been thrown (4 per player/team). You must throw from beside the board, not in front of it.

3

Calculate Score

After all bags are thrown, count points using cancellation scoring (see below). Only one team scores per round.

4

Next Round

The team that scored in the previous round throws first in the next round. Continue until one team reaches 21 points.

Foul Rule: Any bag that hits the ground before landing on the board must be removed immediately and does not count. This includes bags that bounce onto the board.

Scoring

3
In the Hole
(Cornhole)
1
On the Board
(Woody)
0
Off the Board
(No score)

Cancellation Scoring

Cornhole uses cancellation scoring: each inning, the two teams' points cancel out and only the difference is awarded to the leading team. If one team scores 5 and the other scores 2, the leader nets 3 that inning. Play continues until a team reaches 21 or more.

Want the full point system, worked scoring examples, house-rule variations, and scoring terms? See our complete guide to how to keep score in cornhole.

Winning the Game

The game continues until one team reaches 21 or more points. You do not need to hit exactly 21 - going over is perfectly fine!

Tournament Variation: Some tournaments require winning by 2 points or playing to exactly 21 (going over resets your score). Always confirm house rules before playing!

Ready to Play?

Now that you know the rules, build your own custom cornhole set and start playing!

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