Whether you spotted cornhole boards at a tailgate, a family reunion, or your neighbor’s backyard, the game looks simple enough—toss bags at a hole. But then someone starts talking about “cancellation scoring” and “airmail shots” and suddenly you’re not so sure about the rules. Let’s fix that.
Quick answer: Two players or teams take turns throwing bean bags at a raised board with a hole in it. A bag through the hole scores 3 points, a bag on the board scores 1 point. After each round, only the difference in points counts (cancellation scoring). First to 21 wins. That’s cornhole in a nutshell—read on for the full breakdown, official rules, and tips to actually win.
What You Need to Play Cornhole
A standard cornhole setup includes:
- 2 cornhole boards – Each board is 2 feet wide by 4 feet long, with a 6-inch diameter hole centered 9 inches from the top. The front of the board sits on the ground while the back is raised to 12 inches, creating an angled playing surface.
- 8 bean bags (corn bags) – Four per team in two different colors. Regulation bags are 6 inches square and weigh between 15.5 and 16.5 ounces. They’re traditionally filled with dried corn kernels, though many modern bags use resin-filled pellets for better consistency.
Cornhole has grown from a regional backyard game into a nationally televised sport. The American Cornhole League (ACL), founded in 2015, now hosts tournaments across the country with events broadcast on ESPN. The game’s simplicity is its superpower—anyone from age 5 to 95 can play within minutes of learning the rules.
Setting Up the Playing Area
Official Setup
Place the two boards 27 feet apart (measured from the front of one board to the front of the other). Players stand next to their board and throw toward the opposite one. Each team member stands at opposite ends—so you’re always throwing alongside your opponent, toward your teammate.
Casual/Backyard Setup
If 27 feet feels too far (or your yard is too small), move the boards closer. Common casual distances:
- Kids (under 12): 15–20 feet apart
- Casual adult play: 21–25 feet
- Regulation: 27 feet
In my experience, most backyard players are happiest at about 21 feet. It’s close enough that beginners can consistently land bags on the board, but far enough that getting the hole still feels like an achievement. You can always move back as everyone improves.
Place the boards on a flat surface—grass, concrete, sand, or dirt all work. Make sure there’s at least 10 feet of clearance behind each board for overthrown bags and player movement.
Cornhole Rules: Step by Step
Step 1: Determine Who Goes First
Flip a coin, play rock-paper-scissors, or have each player throw one bag—closest to the hole goes first. The winning player or team chooses which color bags they want.
Step 2: Take Your Position
Players stand beside their board in the “pitcher’s box”—the area to the left or right of the board. In regulation play, you must stay within this designated area. Both feet must remain behind the front edge of the board when throwing.
For doubles play (2v2), teammates stand at opposite ends. You’ll throw toward the board where your partner is standing.
Step 3: Alternate Throws
Unlike some games where one team throws all their bags at once, cornhole uses strict alternating turns:
- Player 1 (Team A) throws one bag.
- Player 2 (Team B) throws one bag.
- Continue alternating until all 8 bags have been thrown (4 per side).
This alternation creates strategy—you can react to your opponent’s throw and adjust your approach with each bag.
Step 4: Score the Round
After all 8 bags are thrown, count the points:
| Result | Points | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Bag goes through the hole | 3 points | “Cornhole” or “Drano” |
| Bag lands and stays on the board | 1 point | “Woody” or “Ace” |
| Bag touches the ground before the board | 0 points | “Dirty” (remove it) |
| Bag hangs off the edge touching the ground | 0 points | “Dirty” (remove it) |
| Bag bounces off the ground onto the board | 0 points | “Dirty” (remove it) |
Important: A bag that touches the ground at any point during its landing is a “dirty bag” and must be removed from the board before the next throw. Only clean landings count.
Step 5: Apply Cancellation Scoring
This is the rule that confuses most newcomers. Cornhole uses cancellation scoring, meaning only the difference in points counts each round:
- Team A scores 5 points (one cornhole + two woodys)
- Team B scores 3 points (one cornhole)
- Net result: Team A gets 2 points added to their total (5 minus 3)
If both teams score equally in a round, no points are awarded—they cancel out completely. This system keeps games competitive and prevents blowouts. Even if you’re behind, a strong round can close the gap quickly.
Step 6: Start the Next Round
The team (or player) that scored in the previous round throws first in the next round. If no one scored, the team that threw first last round goes first again. Collect all bags and repeat.
Winning the Game
The standard winning score is 21 points. However, there are a few variations on how to handle the endgame:
- Exact 21 (bust rule): Some groups play that if you go over 21, your score resets to 15 (or to your previous round’s score). This adds tension and strategy near the end.
- Standard 21: First team to reach or exceed 21 wins. No bust penalty. This is the most common rule for casual play.
- ACL Tournament rules: Games are played to 21 with no bust rule. If the first team reaches 21 during a round, the other team gets to finish their throws for that round.
Before you start, agree on which version you’re playing. The “bust rule” creates dramatic finishes but can also extend games significantly.
Singles vs. Doubles Play
Singles (1v1)
Both players stand at the same end and throw toward the far board. After scoring the round, both players walk to the other end, collect the bags, and throw back. Each player throws all 4 bags of their color per round.
Doubles (2v2)
Teammates stand at opposite ends. Each player throws 4 bags per round toward the board where their partner stands. After scoring, the players at the far end throw back. This is the most popular format because nobody has to walk back and forth.
Pro Tips for Better Cornhole
- Find your grip. Most pros hold the bag flat with the seam running front to back. Grip it with your fingertips near the front edge, leaving the back of the bag draped over your hand. A relaxed grip gives better control than a death squeeze.
- Develop a pendulum swing. Your arm should swing straight back and forward like a pendulum—no side-to-side movement. Keep your elbow close to your body and let your shoulder do the work. ACL pro Mark Richards emphasizes keeping the motion simple and repeatable.
- Aim for the top of the board first. Before worrying about the hole, focus on consistently landing bags on the board. Once you can put 3 out of 4 bags on the board, start targeting the hole specifically.
- Use the “slide” technique. Throw the bag so it lands about halfway up the board and slides toward the hole. This gives you a bigger margin for error than trying to drop it directly in. Many tournament players prefer bags with a slick side and a sticky side to control how much the bag slides.
- Block the hole strategically. If your opponent is draining cornholes, place a bag just below the hole to block their slide path. This defensive play can force them to adjust their throw.
- Pay attention to wind. Outdoor cornhole is affected by wind more than you’d think. A crosswind can push a lightweight bag several inches off target. Adjust your aim accordingly and consider throwing with a flatter trajectory on windy days.
- Practice the “push” shot. If your bag or a teammate’s bag is sitting right in front of the hole, a gentle throw that pushes it through can score 6 points in one play (3 for pushing one in + 3 for the bag that follows).
- Stay consistent with your stance. Pick a spot next to the board and throw from the same position every time. Consistency in your setup leads to consistency in your throws.
Common Cornhole Mistakes
- Throwing too hard. The most common beginner error. A bag that sails over the board scores nothing. Focus on arc and distance control, not power. A gentle toss with good height lands softer and stays on the board.
- Ignoring cancellation scoring. New players often forget that points cancel out. If your opponent just scored a cornhole (3 points), you need to match it—not just throw randomly. Every bag matters relative to what they scored.
- Not removing dirty bags. A bag that bounces off the ground onto the board must be removed before the next throw. Leaving it on the board changes the playing surface and affects subsequent throws. Be honest and pull dirty bags immediately.
- Inconsistent release point. If your bags are landing all over the place, focus on releasing at the same point in your swing every time. Most people release too early (bags go too high and short) or too late (bags fly flat and fast).
- Forgetting about defense. Cornhole isn’t just about scoring—it’s about preventing your opponent from scoring. Sometimes the smartest play is blocking the hole rather than trying to sink another cornhole yourself.
Cornhole Etiquette
A few unwritten rules that keep the game fun for everyone:
- Don’t distract the thrower. Stay to the side and out of their line of sight. No sudden movements, loud noises, or “helpful” commentary mid-throw.
- Call your own dirty bags. If your bag bounces off the ground first, be honest about it—even if no one else noticed.
- Agree on rules before starting. Bust rule or no? 21 or 15? Sort this out before the first throw, not during a heated endgame.
- Retrieve bags together. Don’t make one person walk to collect bags every time. Share the legwork.
Fun Cornhole Variations
Once you’ve mastered the standard game, try these twists:
- Trick shot round: Everyone must throw with their non-dominant hand, behind the back, or between the legs for one round.
- Progressive distance: Start at 15 feet. After each round, move the boards 2 feet farther apart until someone misses all four bags.
- Cornhole golf: Set up multiple boards at different distances and angles. Complete the “course” in as few throws as possible.
Start Playing Today
Cornhole hits the sweet spot between simple and strategic. You can teach someone the rules in two minutes, but it takes real practice to consistently sink bags through that 6-inch hole from 27 feet away. That gap between “easy to learn” and “hard to master” is exactly what makes it addictive.
Grab a set, pace off 27 feet (or less—no judgment), and start throwing. Looking for more outdoor game ideas? Our lawn games guide covers equipment, rules, and setup for everything from horseshoes to ladder toss. And if you’re planning a full outdoor gathering, check out our picnic activities guide for ideas that go beyond just games.
