Official Cornhole Rules

Last Updated on September 3, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Cornhole is a popular outdoor game where players or teams take turns throwing bean bags at a raised board with a hole in it. Players compete to reach a set point total, usually 21, with the game emphasizing accuracy, strategy, and friendly competition. Cornhole is commonly played at tailgates, barbecues, and family gatherings, making it a fun and relaxing game for all ages.

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How to Play Cornhole

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Objective

The objective of cornhole is to score points by landing bags on the board or through the hole.

Components

• Two Cornhole Boards: Each board is 2 feet wide by 4 feet long, with a 6-inch diameter hole centered 9 inches from the top.
• Eight Cornhole Bags: Four bags of one color and four bags of another color. Each bag is 6 inches by 6 inches and filled with approximately one pound of corn or beans.
• Playing Area: A flat surface with the boards placed 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge.

Setup:

1. Place the Boards: Position the two cornhole boards 27 feet apart on a flat surface. The playing area should be free of obstructions.
2. Divide into Teams: Cornhole can be played as singles (two players) or doubles (four players). In doubles, teammates stand at opposite boards.
3. Determine Starting Team: Use a coin toss or another method to decide which team throws first.

Gameplay

1. Throwing Bags: Teams take turns throwing their bags, alternating between players. Each player throws four bags per round.
2. Throwing Order: The team that scored the most points in the previous round throws first in the next round. If no team scored, the team that threw last in the previous round throws first.
3. Scoring:
   • On the Board: A bag that lands on the board and stays there is worth 1 point.
   • In the Hole: A bag that goes through the hole is worth 3 points.
   • Foul Bags: Bags that touch the ground before landing on the board or that are thrown out of turn are considered fouls and receive no points.
4. Score Calculation: Points are calculated at the end of each round based on the difference in scores between the two teams. This method is called “cancellation scoring.”
   • For example, if Team A scores 7 points and Team B scores 5 points in a round, Team A receives 2 points (7 – 5 = 2).

Winning the Game

The game continues until a team reaches or exceeds 21 points at the end of a round. If both teams reach 21 points in the same round, the team with the higher score wins. If scores are tied, play additional rounds until one team has a higher score at the end of a round.

Cornhole FAQ

Additional Rules

• Bag Tossing Technique: Players must throw the bag with an underhand release.
• Foot Foul: Players must remain behind the front edge of the board when throwing. Stepping over the line results in a foot foul and the bag does not count.
• Board Adjustments: If the board is moved by a thrown bag, return it to its original position before the next throw.
• Interference: Bags that are accidentally moved by players or spectators should be returned to their original position as agreed upon by the players.

Cornhole House Rules

While official Cornhole rules keep the game fair and consistent, many groups add their own twists for extra fun. Here are some popular house rules you can try:

• Bust Rule – Instead of allowing players to go over 21, if a player’s score goes over 21, it drops back down to 15 (or another agreed number).
• Win by 2 – The game isn’t over at 21; a player must win by at least 2 points.
• Trick Shots Only – Once a player reaches 18 points, they must throw their bags underhanded, backwards, or between the legs to score.
• Double or Nothing – If a player sinks all 4 bags in one round, their score for that round doubles.
• Knockout Mode – If a player lands a bag directly on top of their opponent’s bag, the opponent’s bag no longer counts for points.
• Rapid Fire – Instead of alternating tosses, both players throw all 4 of their bags as quickly as they can. Adds chaos and excitement.
• Team Switch – In doubles, if one team falls behind by 10+ points, partners must switch sides to even the playing field.

Cornhole is a fun and competitive game that is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by players of all ages. Its simple rules and minimal equipment make it a perfect choice for outdoor gatherings.