4th Feb 2025
The Rules of Cornhole: A Guide for Beginners
The Rules of Cornhole: A Guide for Beginners
Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss or bags, is one of the most popular lawn games in America. Whether you're at a backyard barbecue, a tailgate party, or even a competitive tournament, cornhole offers endless fun for players of all ages. If you're new to the game or just want to brush up on the official rules, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play cornhole like a pro.
The Basics
Cornhole is a game where players or teams take turns tossing bags filled with corn kernels or synthetic material onto a raised board with a hole at the far end. The objective is to score points by landing the bag on the board or in the hole.
Equipment Needed:
- Boards: Two boards, each measuring 2 feet wide by 4 feet long, with a 6-inch diameter hole located 9 inches from the top edge.
- Bags: Eight bags (four for each team), typically 6 inches square and weighing about 16 ounces.
- Setup: Boards should be placed 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge.
How to Play
1. Game Setup:
- Cornhole can be played one-on-one or in teams of two.
- Players take turns tossing their bags at the board from a designated "pitcher's box," which is located to the left or right of each board.
- In doubles, teammates stand on opposite sides of the playing area, next to their opponent's board.
2. Tossing the Bags:
- A coin toss determines which team throws first.
- Players alternate tossing their four bags, aiming for the board or the hole.
- All throws must be underhand.
- The bag must be thrown within 20 seconds of stepping into the pitcher's box.
3. Scoring:
- 3 Points: A bag that goes through the hole.
- 1 Point: A bag that lands and stays on the board.
- 0 Points: A bag that misses the board, bounces off the board, or is thrown out of turn.
Cancellation Scoring: Points cancel each other out during a round. For example, if Player A scores 7 points and Player B scores 5 points in the same round, Player A earns 2 points for that round.
Winning the Game
- The first team to 21 points or more is the winning team.
Other Rules to Keep in Mind
1. Foot Faults:
- A player’s foot must not cross the front edge of the board while throwing. If it does, the throw is considered a foul, and the bag does not count.
2. Interference:
- Players and spectators should remain behind the boards to avoid distractions or interference with the toss.