Cornhole

1 Overview

Cornhole (also called Corn Toss or Bags) is an outdoor tossing game for 2 or 4 players. Teams of two take turns tossing beanbags at a raised platform with a hole. Bags through the hole score 3 points; bags landing on the board score 1 point. First team to reach exactly 21 points wins.

Cornhole is the dominant outdoor lawn game in the United States, played at tailgates, backyard barbecues, and camping trips. Official tournaments exist under the American Cornhole Organization (ACO). Simple to learn, endlessly satisfying.

2 Setup

• Two boards: 2 feet x 4 feet, with a 6-inch hole centered 9 inches from the top
• 8 beanbags (4 per team, typically distinguished by color)

1. Place boards facing each other, 27 feet apart (front edge to front edge). In casual play, 20 to 25 feet is common.
2. Players on opposite teams stand beside the same board and throw at the opposite board.
3. Teams of 2: partners stand at opposite ends (each throwing toward their partner).
4. Determine first throw by coin flip or friendly agreement.

3 Gameplay

1. Players alternate throws within each round. In a 4-player game, Player A throws, then opposing Player B throws, then Player A's partner throws, then Player B's partner. Repeat until all 8 bags are thrown.
2. Bags must be thrown underhand from behind the front edge of the throwing platform (the pitcher's box). In casual play, players typically stand beside or behind the board.
3. After all 8 bags are thrown, calculate the round score and start a new round.

4 Scoring

5 Cancellation Scoring

After each round, cancellation scoring is applied. Each team's points cancel each other out. Only the net difference is added to the running score.

Example: Team A scores 5 points this round; Team B scores 3 points. Net = 5 minus 3 = 2 points awarded to Team A. Team B scores nothing this round.

This means both teams can have big rounds and neither gains ground -- a fundamental tension in close games.

6 Strategy Guide

Aim for the Hole, Not the Board

3 points beats 1 point, and a hole also removes the risk of being knocked off. Players who consistently throw "cornholes" dominate. Prioritize hole accuracy over board placement.

Block When Ahead

If your partner just scored a cornhole (3 points), consider throwing a blocker bag to sit in front of the hole. This prevents the opponent's bag from sliding in after landing on the board.

Slide vs. Air Technique

Some players loft bags high (air shot) to drop straight in the hole. Others throw flat so bags slide up the board (slider). Most players develop a natural style -- practice consistency with whichever works for you.

Exact 21 Rule

If you go over 21, you bounce back. For example, if you're at 19 and score 5 points, you drop back to 15 (some house rules say drop back to 11, or just cap at 21 -- confirm before playing). In official ACO play, you go over without penalty and win at exactly 21.

7 Official ACO Rules

• Board distance: 27 feet front edge to front edge
• No bounce-backs (going over 21 does not penalize under ACO rules -- first to exactly 21 or the highest score when both exceed 21)
• Bags that touch the ground before landing on the board score zero and must be removed
• Players must not cross the foul line when throwing

8 FAQ

9 Common Mistakes & Fouls

• Stepping over the foul line: If any part of your body crosses the front edge of the pitching box during delivery, the throw is a foul. In ACO play the bag scores zero. In casual play, most groups simply warn the thrower and replay the bag.
• Counting bags that bounced in: A bag that hits the ground before landing on the board scores zero and must be removed immediately. Even if it appears to roll cleanly onto the board, it does not count. This is one of the most frequently misapplied rules in casual play.
• Miscounting cancellation scoring: Players often add both teams' totals to their running score. Only the net difference counts. If Team A scores 8 and Team B scores 5 in one round, Team A gains 3 points — Team B gains nothing for that round.
• Throwing out of sequence in 4-player games: Partners must alternate throws properly: A1 throws, then B1, then A2, then B2. Both A players throwing consecutively before either B player is illegal and must be corrected.
• Not agreeing on over-21 rules: House rules vary enormously. Some groups use bounce-back (subtract overage), others hold at current score, others play first-to-21-or-more. Clarify this before the first bag is thrown.

10 Tournament & Competitive Play

American Cornhole Organization Standards

The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) governs organized Cornhole competition in the United States. Key official rules that differ from casual play include:

• Distance: 27 feet front edge to front edge (many casual setups use 20–25 feet).
• Bags: Must weigh 15.5 ounces (±1 ounce) and measure 6 inches square. Regulation corn-filled or synthetic-filled bags; no homemade bags.
• No bounce-back rule: If a team exceeds 21, they continue play without penalty. The first team to reach exactly 21 or the highest score when time/rounds expire wins. This eliminates the "over 21" dispute entirely.
• Time limit: Players have 20 seconds to deliver their bag once it is their turn.
• Footwear and stance: One foot must remain inside the pitcher's box throughout delivery.

Doubles Strategy in Competitive Play

Top competitive doubles players aim for cornholes (hole shots) on 40–60% of throws. The primary competitive technique is leading with a hole shot to build a point advantage, then using defensive woodies (board bags) to block the hole when ahead. Blocking is a legitimate and common strategy at the competitive level, and teams often discuss whether to block or shoot based on current score differential.