Cornhole boards and bags: official dimensions, scoring and care

The game in a minute

Cornhole is a toss-and-score game played with two boards and eight bags. Players or teams stand at one board and throw bags at the other, trying to land them on the board or in the hole. It is easy to learn, suits almost any age and fits in the trunk of a car, which is why it has become a staple of tailgates, backyards, beaches and weddings.

Official board dimensions

The American Cornhole Association (ACA) publishes the rules most recreational and competitive players follow. Boards are rectangular and made of wood, with these key measurements:

Always check the current ACA rulebook for exact details, because organizations update rules and tournaments may vary. For backyard play, being close counts more than being exact, but a board with a very different slope or a tiny hole changes the game.

Distance

Boards face each other with the front edges 27 feet apart. The front edge is the lower edge, the one closest to the thrower. Players stand beside their board, within the pitcher's box, which is the area next to the board. Younger players commonly use a shorter distance. A distance of about 12 to 15 feet is often used for juniors. Measure with a tape or a rope marked at 27 feet, because eyeballing it is harder than it looks.

Bags

Official bags are about 6 inches square and weigh 14 to 16 ounces. The traditional filling is about 2 cups of feed corn, hence the name. Many modern bags use plastic resin pellets that do not rot or attract insects and are less affected by humidity. Cloth is typically duck cloth or a similar tough weave. Many players like bags with two different sides, such as a slick side and a sticky side. Bags are sold in sets of four of one color and four of another, so two teams can tell them apart.

Scoring

The ACA uses cancellation scoring:

• A bag on the board scores 1 point.
• A bag in the hole scores 3 points.
• A bag that touches the ground before landing, or that is thrown from the wrong position, scores nothing and is removed.
• At the end of each round, the two teams' points cancel out and only the difference counts. If one team scores 8 and the other 5, the first team gets 3.
• The first team to reach 21 or more points wins.

Rules vary at the backyard level. Some players use "play to 21 exactly." Agree on your house rules before you start.

Choosing boards

• Material. Plywood boards with a smooth, sealed top are standard. Look for strong edges and sturdy legs.
• Weight. Lightweight boards are easier to carry, while heavier boards are steadier in wind. Many boards fold or have a carry handle.
• Legs. Legs that fold flat save space. Check they lock and hold the correct height.
• Finish. A smooth surface with a protective coat helps bags slide without rough spots. Avoid glossy finishes in the sun, which can become sticky.
• Plastic and portable sets. Some lightweight boards are made of plastic, with a mesh or fabric top. They are easy to carry but can be less durable or move in wind.
• Custom designs. Decorative boards are fine, but check the surface is smooth and the dimensions match.

Setting up

1. Pick flat ground. A slope changes how bags slide.
2. Place the boards 27 feet apart, front to front, with the fronts facing each other and the boards parallel.
3. Face them straight at each other, with the holes in line.
4. Leave space behind and beside the boards. Players need room to throw, and bags bounce.
5. Mind the sun and wind. Rotate the boards at lunch to share the glare.

Care and storage

• Keep boards dry. Water swells plywood. Store them indoors or under cover, and wipe off dew.
• Keep bags dry. Damp bags clump and, if filled with corn, can rot or attract pests.
• Clean the surface with a damp cloth, and avoid abrasives that scratch the finish.
• Do not leave boards in the sun for weeks. UV and heat damage finishes and glues.
• Repair chips with a sealant when you see them.
• Wash bags according to the label, usually by hand with mild soap, and air-dry.

Safety

Cornhole is a low-risk game, but bags can hit people. Keep spectators off the throwing lane, and keep children and pets away from the line between the boards. Never throw bags at people. In the heat, take breaks, drink water and find shade. Check hardware and legs for sharp edges.

Common mistakes

1. Setting boards too close or too far. Measure the 27 feet.
2. Using damp bags.
3. Playing on a slope.
4. Storing boards outside.
5. Not agreeing on the rules.