Learn how cornhole works. Understand the rules, scoring system, gameplay, and tips for a fun game of cornhole.
Cornhole is a popular outdoor game that’s enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re at a family barbecue, a tailgate party, or a competitive tournament, cornhole is easy to learn and fun to play. The game involves throwing bean bags at a wooden board with the goal of scoring points by getting the bags into a hole or landing them on the board.
In this guide, we’ll explain how cornhole works, covering the basic rules, scoring system, and tips for playing the game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll find everything you need to know to get started!
To play cornhole, you’ll need the following equipment:
• Cornhole Boards: Regulation-size boards measure 48 inches by 24 inches. The board has a hole that is 6 inches in diameter and is located 9 inches from the back of the board and 12 inches from each side.
• Bean Bags: Each team or player uses 8 bean bags (4 for each player/team). The bags are usually made of durable fabric and filled with either corn kernels or plastic pellets. The bags are typically 6 inches by 6 inches and weigh between 14 and 16 ounces.
• Scoring Area: The boards are placed 27 feet apart for adult play. The area around the boards should be clear of obstacles for safe gameplay.
Cornhole is typically played in either singles or doubles format. Here’s how you set up the game:
• Singles: One player competes against another, with each player throwing four bags per round.
• Doubles: Two teams of two players compete. Each team member throws four bags, alternating with their partner.
The boards are placed 27 feet apart for adult play. Players stand behind the board to throw their bags at the opposite board.
Here’s how the game works:
• Turns: Players or teams take turns throwing their bags. In singles, each player throws four bags per round, alternating throws with their opponent. In doubles, teammates take turns throwing, with one member of the team throwing first and the other team member throwing second.
• Throwing: Players must throw their bags underhand, aiming to either land them on the board or put them through the hole.
• Scoring: After all eight bags have been thrown (four per player or team), points are scored based on the bags’ position on the board. The bags on the board score 1 point each, while bags in the hole score 3 points. The total points are calculated after each round.
• Cancellation Scoring: Cornhole uses a cancellation scoring system. After each round, the points scored by one player or team are canceled out by the points scored by the opponent. For example, if Player A scores 3 points (with one bag in the hole) and Player B scores 2 points (two bags on the board), the points for Player B are canceled out, and Player A will earn 1 point for the round.
The scoring system in cornhole is simple but strategic. Here’s how points are awarded:
• 3 points: For each bag that goes through the hole.
• 1 point: For each bag that lands and stays on the board.
• 0 points: For bags that fall off the board or don’t land on the board at all.
After each round, points are tallied, and the team/player with the most points wins the round. The points are then canceled out by the opponent’s score. The player or team that scores the most points in the round earns the difference.
For example:
• Player A gets 3 points (1 bag in the hole) and Player B gets 1 point (1 bag on the board). The points are canceled out, and Player A wins 2 points for the round (3 – 1 = 2).
The game continues with players or teams alternating turns until one side reaches 21 points. However, there’s an important rule to keep in mind: you must reach exactly 21 points to win. If a player or team exceeds 21 points, they “bust” and must return to the score they had before the round.
For example:
• If Player A has 19 points and scores 3 points in a round, they would have 22 points, which is over the 21-point limit.
• As a result, Player A would “bust” and return to their previous score of 19 points.
Once a player or team reaches exactly 21 points, the game ends, and they are declared the winner.
While cornhole may seem like a simple game, winning requires strategy and skill. Here are a few tips to improve your gameplay:
• Aim for the Hole: The main objective is to get your bags into the hole. Practice your throwing technique to improve accuracy and consistency.
• Use Block Shots: If your opponent is good at landing bags in the hole, use your bags to block their throws by placing them on the board in a way that prevents them from getting their bags into the hole.
• Master the Slide Shot: A slide shot is where your bag lands on the board and slides into the hole. This is a key skill for getting high points and clearing other bags from the board.
• Play Defensively: If your opponent has a bag in the hole, you can use your next bag to knock their bag out of the hole. This can prevent them from scoring and give you an advantage.
Cornhole is a fun and competitive game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master. The game works by players or teams taking turns throwing bean bags at a wooden board, with the goal of landing them on the board or getting them into the hole. Points are scored based on where the bags land, and the first player or team to reach exactly 21 points wins the game.
The cancellation scoring system makes the game more strategic and ensures that every round counts toward the final result. Whether you’re playing casually in the backyard or at a competitive tournament, understanding the rules and scoring system is essential to enjoying the game.
