Official Cornhole Rules: What You Need to Know Before Playing

The competitive yard game known as cornhole has gained enormous popularity nationwide. Today, you can find enthusiasts playing far and wide; from the American Cornhole Organization (ACO)-sanctioned event you might catch on ESPN to a pickup game in a distant relative’s backyard.

Playing cornhole with your family, friends, or neighbors is an utterly American summer pastime. Still, you might want to brush up on the official rules if you want your games to be fun and free of confusion.

Here is a quick rundown ACO’s official cornhole rules to help you better understand the ins and outs of the game.

Equipment and Setup

Cornhole Boards

Cornhole Bags

Playing Area and Distance

Game Format and Scoring

Singles and Doubles Play

It is possible to play cornhole in a couple of ways, either as singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two players per team). In team play, one player from each squad stands at one board, while their teammate stands at the opposite board.

Throwing Order

Which team throws first is determined by a coin toss. Throwing alternation continues until each player has thrown all of the bags, with a total of eight bags being thrown in a round.

Scoring System

A cancellation scoring system is utilized in the game of cornhole:

Winning the Game

A typical match is played to 21 points. Players can compete using the exact score or over 21 (league regulations might differ). If two teams are tied at 21, cornhole rules dictate play continues until one of the teams score more than 21 and is ahead at the end of a round.

Fouls and Penalties

If a player crosses the foul line when throwing, their attempt does not count. If a player throws when it is not their turn, the bag is removed and no points are awarded. Any unintentional or intentional interference with a bag that has been thrown may result in a re-throw or a penalty.

Advanced Rules for Tournament Play

Once a player steps into the pitcher’s box, they usually have 20 seconds to toss their bag. Tournament professionals can be penalized for slow play. Tournament officials may randomly inspect bags to make sure they conform to weight and size regulations.

Understanding Cornhole Rules for a More Fun and Competitive Game

Knowing the governing regulations of cornhole guarantees that the game stays equitable, competitive, and enjoyable. Whether you are playing recreationally in the backyard or you’re in a professional tournament, knowing and adhering to the rules of the game will help you both increase your prowess and derive more enjoyment from playing. Once you have these rules down, grab your bags and get to tossing!