Cornhole

1 Overview

Cornhole (also called Corn Toss or Bags) is an outdoor tossing game for 2 or 4 players. Teams of two take turns tossing beanbags at a raised platform with a hole. Bags through the hole score 3 points; bags landing on the board score 1 point. First team to reach exactly 21 points wins.

Cornhole is the dominant outdoor lawn game in the United States, played at tailgates, backyard barbecues, and camping trips. Official tournaments exist under the American Cornhole Organization (ACO). Simple to learn, endlessly satisfying.

2 Setup

• Two boards: 2 feet x 4 feet, with a 6-inch hole centered 9 inches from the top
• 8 beanbags (4 per team, typically distinguished by color)

1. Place boards facing each other, 27 feet apart (front edge to front edge). In casual play, 20 to 25 feet is common.
2. Players on opposite teams stand beside the same board and throw at the opposite board.
3. Teams of 2: partners stand at opposite ends (each throwing toward their partner).
4. Determine first throw by coin flip or friendly agreement.

3 Gameplay

1. Players alternate throws within each round. In a 4-player game, Player A throws, then opposing Player B throws, then Player A's partner throws, then Player B's partner. Repeat until all 8 bags are thrown.
2. Bags must be thrown underhand from behind the front edge of the throwing platform (the pitcher's box). In casual play, players typically stand beside or behind the board.
3. After all 8 bags are thrown, calculate the round score and start a new round.

4 Scoring

5 Cancellation Scoring

After each round, cancellation scoring is applied. Each team's points cancel each other out. Only the net difference is added to the running score.

Example: Team A scores 5 points this round; Team B scores 3 points. Net = 5 minus 3 = 2 points awarded to Team A. Team B scores nothing this round.

This means both teams can have big rounds and neither gains ground -- a fundamental tension in close games.

6 Strategy Guide

Aim for the Hole, Not the Board

3 points beats 1 point, and a hole also removes the risk of being knocked off. Players who consistently throw "cornholes" dominate. Prioritize hole accuracy over board placement.

Block When Ahead

If your partner just scored a cornhole (3 points), consider throwing a blocker bag to sit in front of the hole. This prevents the opponent's bag from sliding in after landing on the board.

Slide vs. Air Technique

Some players loft bags high (air shot) to drop straight in the hole. Others throw flat so bags slide up the board (slider). Most players develop a natural style -- practice consistency with whichever works for you.

Exact 21 Rule

If you go over 21, you bounce back. For example, if you're at 19 and score 5 points, you drop back to 15 (some house rules say drop back to 11, or just cap at 21 -- confirm before playing). In official ACO play, you go over without penalty and win at exactly 21.

7 Official ACO Rules

• Board distance: 27 feet front edge to front edge
• No bounce-backs (going over 21 does not penalize under ACO rules -- first to exactly 21 or the highest score when both exceed 21)
• Bags that touch the ground before landing on the board score zero and must be removed
• Players must not cross the foul line when throwing

8 FAQ