Cornhole is a lawn game in which players toss fabric bags toward raised wooden boards with a hole near the top. A bag that passes through the hole earns three points, while a bag that remains on the playing surface earns one point.
Also known as bag toss or bags, cornhole is easy for beginners to learn while still offering plenty of strategy and competition for experienced players.
What Do You Need to Play Cornhole?
A standard cornhole game includes:
- Two raised 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
Full-size cornhole boards measure approximately 24 inches wide by 48 inches long and have a 6-inch hole near the top of the playing surface.
For regulation play, the boards are placed 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge. The distance can be shortened for children, beginners, or casual backyard games.
How Is Cornhole Played?
Cornhole can be played by two people in a singles game or by four people divided into two teams.
Players stand beside one board and take turns pitching their bags toward the opposite board. After all eight bags have been thrown, the frame is scored. Players then move to the opposite end and pitch back toward the other board.
The first player or team to reach or exceed 21 points at the end of a frame wins.
For complete setup, gameplay, foul, and scoring instructions, visit our How to Play Cornhole page.
How Does Cornhole Scoring Work?
Cornhole uses two basic point values:
- Three points for a bag that passes through the hole
- One point for a bag that remains on the board
- Zero points for a bag that lands on or touches the ground
Most games use cancellation scoring. After each frame, the lower score is subtracted from the higher score, and only the difference is added to the overall game score.
For example, if one team earns seven points and the other earns three, the first team records four points for that frame.
Why Is Cornhole So Popular?
Cornhole combines simple rules with enough skill and strategy to keep every game interesting. New players can begin having fun almost immediately, while experienced players can work on accuracy, bag placement, blocking, sliding, and other techniques.
The game is also popular because it:
- Can be played by a wide range of ages and skill levels
- Requires very little setup
- Works for singles or team play
- Can be played casually or competitively
- Encourages conversation and friendly competition
- Is easy to adapt for smaller spaces and younger players
Where Is Cornhole Played?
Cornhole is commonly played at:
- Backyard gatherings
- Weddings and receptions
- Tailgates
- Birthday parties
- Family reunions
- Company events
- Fundraisers
- Campgrounds
- Breweries and restaurants
- Organized leagues and tournaments
Because the playing surfaces can feature custom artwork, cornhole boards are also frequently personalized with names, wedding details, company logos, school colors, team themes, and other designs.
Is Cornhole the Same as Bean Bag Toss?
The terms “cornhole,” “bags,” and “bag toss” are often used for the same general game. Regional names and casual rules may vary, but the standard version uses two raised boards, eight bags, and cancellation scoring.
Traditional cornhole bags were commonly filled with whole corn kernels, which helped inspire the game’s name. Many modern bags use resin pellets for greater resistance to moisture, pests, and changing weather conditions.
Is Cornhole Difficult to Learn?
Cornhole is simple enough for a new player to understand within a few minutes. The basic goal is always the same: land the bag on the board or send it through the hole.
Consistent pitching takes practice, however. A smooth release, balanced stance, and repeatable throwing motion can help players improve their accuracy over time.
Learn How to Play
Ready to begin? Read our How to Play Cornhole guide for complete instructions covering court setup, singles and doubles play, cancellation scoring, foul bags, and winning the game.