Cornhole is an easy-to-learn game for two or four players. Players take turns tossing bags toward a raised board, earning points for bags that land on the playing surface or pass through the hole.
This guide covers the basic setup, gameplay, scoring, and rules you need to start playing.
What You Need
A standard cornhole game includes:
- Two cornhole boards
- Eight cornhole bags
- Four bags in one color or design
- Four bags in a different color or design
- A flat, open playing area
Cornhole can be played as singles with two players or doubles with two teams of two.
Setting Up the Boards
Place the boards on a flat, level surface with the front edges facing one another.
For regulation play, the boards should be 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other.
For children, beginners, or limited spaces, the boards may be moved closer together for casual play.
Make sure there is enough open space around both boards for players to pitch safely.
Singles and Doubles Play
Singles
One player competes against another player. Both players pitch from the same end, walk to the opposite board after scoring the frame, and then pitch back in the other direction.
Doubles
Two teams of two compete against one another. One member of each team stands at each end of the court. Partners remain at opposite boards and do not switch ends during the game.
Starting the Game
Use a coin toss or another agreed-upon method to determine which player or team pitches first.
Each player or team uses four bags of the same color or design. All eight bags begin at one end of the court.
The player or team that pitches first has “honors.”
How to Play
- The player with honors pitches the first bag toward the opposite board.
- The opposing player then pitches one bag.
- Players continue alternating until each has thrown all four bags.
- After all eight bags have been pitched, calculate the score for that frame.
- Players at the opposite end then begin the next frame by pitching back toward the other board.
- The player or team that scored in the previous frame pitches first in the next frame.
- If neither side scored, the player or team that pitched first in the previous frame retains honors.
A player must remain beside the board and behind its front edge when releasing a bag.
Cornhole Scoring
Points are counted after all eight bags have been pitched:
- Three points: A bag that passes completely through the hole.
- One point: A bag that remains on the playing surface.
- Zero points: A bag that touches the ground, bounces onto the board, or otherwise becomes a foul bag.
Do not move any bags until everyone agrees on the score for the frame.
Cancellation Scoring
Cornhole uses cancellation scoring. The points earned by one player or team cancel an equal number of points earned by the opponent. Only one player or team records points in each frame.
For example:
- Team A scores 7 points.
- Team B scores 3 points.
- Subtract 3 from 7.
- Team A records 4 points for the frame.
If both sides earn the same number of points, the frame results in no change to the overall score.
Winning the Game
The first player or team to reach or exceed 21 points at the conclusion of a frame wins the game.
Under standard rules, you do not need to win by two points, and your score does not return to a lower number if you exceed 21.
House rules may vary, so players should agree on any special rules before beginning.
Foul Bags
A bag receives no score and should be removed from play if:
- The player steps past the front edge of the board while pitching.
- The bag touches the ground before landing on the board.
- The bag bounces from the ground onto the board.
- The bag comes to rest while touching both the board and the ground.
- The player pitches from the wrong side or out of turn.
If a foul bag knocks other bags into different positions, return the affected bags to their previous locations when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should cornhole boards be?
For regulation play, place the boards 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge. The distance can be shortened for children, beginners, or casual play.
How many bags do you need?
A standard game uses eight bags—four for each player or team.
How many points is a bag in the hole?
A bag that passes through the hole is worth three points. A bag remaining on the board is worth one point.
What is cancellation scoring?
Cancellation scoring means subtracting the lower frame score from the higher frame score. Only the player or team with the higher score records the difference.
What score wins a cornhole game?
The first player or team to reach or exceed 21 points at the end of a frame wins.