Cornhole is a popular American game where players toss bags at a wooden board to score points today. This guide explains why the game is so popular and how you can start playing in your backyard. You will learn about the official rules and the professional league that has made this sport famous recently. We cover the equipment needed and the best techniques for throwing a perfect airmail shot every single time. Whether you are a beginner or a pro this article has everything you need to improve your game. Join the millions of people who enjoy this social and competitive hobby at tailgates and parties across the country. This game is easy to learn but difficult to master and we show you exactly how to do it properly.
What is the game cornhole and what are the basic rules?
Cornhole is a popular lawn game where players toss fabric bags filled with resin or corn at a raised wooden board with a hole. You score three points for landing a bag in the hole and one point for landing on the board. The game uses cancellation scoring and the first player to reach twenty one points wins the match. It is a social and competitive sport enjoyed by millions.
How far apart should cornhole boards be for a fair game?
For standard and professional play the front edges of the cornhole boards must be exactly twenty seven feet apart from each other. This distance provides the perfect challenge for players of all skill levels while maintaining the integrity of the game. Beginners can start at a shorter distance of fifteen or twenty feet until they develop the necessary arm strength and accuracy.
What are the different types of cornhole bags used by professionals?
Professional players use dual sided bags that feature two different fabrics to provide varying speeds and grip levels on the boards. One side is typically a fast sliding material like polyester while the other side is a slower material like suede or heavy canvas. This allows players to choose between sliding into the hole or placing a defensive blocker bag strategically.
How does the scoring system work in a game of cornhole?
Cornhole uses a cancellation scoring system where only the net points for each inning are added to the total score of the winner. If Team A scores seven points and Team B scores four points then Team A receives three points for that round. This system keeps games competitive and ensures that every single bag thrown has an impact on the final outcome.
Can you play cornhole indoors or is it only for outdoors?
While cornhole is traditionally an outdoor game it can absolutely be played indoors if you have enough space for the twenty seven foot distance. Many professional tournaments are held in large convention centers or arenas to avoid wind and weather interference during the matches. You just need to ensure the ceiling height is sufficient to accommodate the high arc of a typical toss.
Blog Post Most Asked Questions about What is the Game Cornhole
Beginner Questions
What do I need to start playing? All you need is a set of two boards and eight bags to get started in your own backyard today. How many points do I get for a bag on the board? You earn exactly one point for every bag that stays on the wooden surface after all bags are thrown. What is a foul in cornhole? A foul occurs if you step past the front of the board or if your bag hits the ground before landing.Equipment & Gear
Are plastic bags better than corn filled bags? Most players prefer resin filled bags because they do not break down over time and are resistant to weather and mold. What size is a standard cornhole board? A regulation board is two feet wide by four feet long with a six inch hole centered near the top.Scoring & Rules
Do points cancel out every round? Yes you only count the difference between the scores of the two teams at the end of every single inning. What happens if I go over twenty one points? In most official rules you simply stay at twenty one and win but some backyard rules say you bust back.Tips & Tricks
How can I improve my accuracy? Focus on a consistent release point and keep your eyes on the hole rather than the bag while you are throwing. What is the best way to grip the bag? Hold the bag flat in your palm with your fingers spread out to ensure a smooth and level horizontal rotation.Endgame Grind
How do I close out a game when I am close to winning? Stay aggressive and focus on getting at least one bag in the hole every round to maintain your lead over others. Still have questions? Check out our guides on professional bag maintenance and advanced throwing techniques to take your game to the next level today! Have you ever walked through a parking lot before a big football game and wondered what is the game cornhole and why is everyone playing it? I remember the first time I saw people tossing small bags at wooden boards and thinking it looked like a simple way to pass time. It turns out that this game is actually a deeply competitive and highly social sport that has taken over the United States in recent years. You are essentially trying to land a six inch bag filled with resin into a small hole located twenty seven feet away from your standing position. This game combines the precision of horseshoes with the relaxed atmosphere of a summer barbecue which makes it incredibly appealing to everyone.The Evolution of the American Pastime
The history of cornhole is often debated but its rise to fame in the Midwest and then across the country is undeniable today. What started as a simple backyard activity has evolved into a professional sport with athletes competing for massive prize pools on national television networks. Most historians believe the game originated in Germany or among farmers in Kentucky who used dried corn in burlap bags for entertainment. Today the American Cornhole League has standardized the rules and equipment to ensure a fair playing field for all competitive participants everywhere. You will find that the game is now a staple at bars and festivals and even professional sports stadiums during the summer months.
Essential Gear and Technology
If you want to play properly you need to understand that not all boards and bags are created equal in this modern era. Professional boards are made of thick baltic birch plywood to prevent the bags from bouncing when they land on the wooden surface. The bags themselves have gone through a massive technological revolution with dual sided fabrics that allow for both sliding and sticking shots. You might find one side of the bag is made of smooth polyester while the other side uses a grippy suede material for control. Choosing the right bag depends on your personal throwing style and the environmental conditions like humidity or the texture of the boards.
Understanding the Official Rules
The most important thing to remember is that the front of the boards must be exactly twenty seven feet apart for standard play. Each player or team gets four bags to throw per inning and you always alternate throws with your opponent until all bags are gone. Scoring is based on where the bags land with three points for a hole shot and one point for staying on the board. We use a cancellation scoring method where only the net difference in points between the two teams is added to the score. This means if you score six points and your opponent scores four you only walk away with two points for that round.
Beginner / Core Concepts
1. **Q:** What is the basic goal of the game? **A:** I totally get why the simplicity of the game is its biggest draw for many new players who just want to have fun. The main goal is to reach exactly twenty one points before your opponent by tossing your bags onto the board or through the hole. You get three points for every bag that goes through the hole and one point for any bag that remains on the surface. Try to focus on a consistent release height to ensure your bags land flat and slide toward the target every single time. You have got this! 2. **Q:** How do I stand correctly while throwing? **A:** This one used to trip me up too until I realized that balance is more important than raw power when you are tossing. You must stay within the pitcher box which is a four foot by three foot area on either side of the board. Most players prefer to step forward with their non dominant foot as they release the bag to create a smooth and natural motion. Make sure you do not step past the front of the board or you will commit a foul and lose that throw. Keep practicing your footwork and you will find your rhythm soon! 3. **Q:** What happens if a bag hits the ground first? **A:** I have seen this happen a lot and it can be a bit frustrating when you almost make a great shot but fail. If a bag touches the ground at any point before it lands on the board it is considered a dead bag and must be removed. This includes bags that are hanging off the edge and touching the grass or the concrete surface below the wooden board itself. You should immediately remove these bags so they do not interfere with any other shots that might be thrown during the current inning. Keep your arc high and you will avoid the ground! 4. **Q:** Can we play with more than two people? **A:** Cornhole is actually most popular as a doubles game where you have a partner standing at the opposite board to help you. In doubles play you and your partner will throw from opposite ends but you will be competing against the same team throughout the game. This adds a great social element because you can talk strategy and cheer each other on while waiting for your next turn to toss. It is the perfect way to engage a larger group of friends during a party or a competitive local tournament setting. Try teaming up with a friend tomorrow!Intermediate / Practical & Production
5. **Q:** What are stick and slick sides on bags? **A:** I remember being so confused by this until I realized that modern bags are designed to give you options for every single situation. Most professional bags have one side made of a fast material and another side made of a much slower and grippier fabric. You use the slick side when you need to slide the bag into the hole or push another bag out of the way. The stick side is perfect for throwing blockers that stop your opponent from having a clear path to the hole during their turn. Experiment with both sides and let me know which one fits your style! 6. **Q:** How do I throw a flat bag? **A:** Achieving a flat bag rotation is the secret to becoming a consistent player who can compete at a much higher skill level. You want the bag to spin like a frisbee horizontally so that it lands flat on the board and does not kick sideways. This is usually accomplished by placing your thumb in the center and using your fingers to flick the bag as you release it. A flat bag will slide straight and predictable which allows you to aim with much more confidence during a tight match. It takes time to master but it is worth the effort! 7. **Q:** What is an airmail shot? **A:** This is one of the most exciting shots in the game and I love the feeling of hitting one when the pressure is on. An airmail is when you throw the bag directly into the hole without it ever touching the wooden surface of the board first. You usually use this shot when the board is cluttered with other bags and you have no path to slide your bag in. It requires a higher arc and more precision than a standard slide shot but it is a vital skill for intermediate players. Practice your high arc today! 8. **Q:** How does cancellation scoring work? **A:** I know it sounds a bit complicated at first but cancellation scoring is what keeps the games competitive and prevents one sided blowouts. Basically you calculate the total points for both teams at the end of the inning and subtract the lower score from the higher. If you score five points and your opponent scores three points you will gain two points on the overall scoreboard for that round. This means you have to be consistent because your opponent can easily wipe out your hard earned points with a few good tosses. Focus on every bag! 9. **Q:** What is a blocker shot? **A:** A blocker is a strategic move where you intentionally land your bag in front of the hole to prevent your opponent from sliding. I find this strategy very effective when I know my opponent relies heavily on sliding their bags into the hole for three points. By placing a bag in their way you force them to either airmail over you or try to push your bag in. It is a defensive play that can really frustrate players who are not used to dealing with obstacles on the board. Try this during your next match! 10. **Q:** How do I deal with fast boards? **A:** Boards can become very fast when the weather is dry or when they are brand new and have a very smooth finish. I suggest using the stick side of your bag more often in these conditions to maintain control and prevent your bags from sliding off. You might also want to lower your arc slightly so the bag does not have as much downward momentum when it hits the wood. Adapting to the board conditions is a hallmark of a great player who can win in any environment or location. Stay flexible and keep throwing!Advanced / Research & Frontier
11. **Q:** How do I execute a roll shot? **A:** The roll shot is a very advanced technique where you make the bag flip over a blocker and land into the hole. I have spent hours practicing this and it requires a very specific wrist flick that creates forward momentum rather than horizontal spin today. You have to hit the blocker bag with just enough force to propel your bag up and over the obstacle without losing control. It is a high risk move that looks amazing when it works and can completely change the momentum of a professional match. Practice this carefully and slowly! 12. **:Q** What is the best way to handle tournament nerves? **A:** Competitive pressure can really mess with your muscle memory and I have definitely felt my hand shake during a final round before. The best way to handle nerves is to develop a consistent pre throw routine that you follow every single time you step up. This could be as simple as taking a deep breath or spinning the bag in your hand twice before you start your motion. By focusing on your routine you take your mind off the stakes and let your body do what it has practiced. You have got this! 13. **Q:** How do I analyze my opponents weaknesses? **A:** Pay close attention to whether your opponent struggles with specific types of shots like airmails or if they have a preferred side. I like to watch if they tend to miss short or long and then I adjust my strategy to put pressure on them. If they cannot airmail I will clutter the front of the hole with blockers to force them into a shot they hate. Information is power in professional cornhole and the best players are always thinking two steps ahead of their current throw today. Stay observant and stay winning! 14. **Q:** How do bag speeds affect professional play? **A:** In the professional circuit players carry multiple sets of bags with different speed ratings to match the specific humidity of the venue. High humidity makes boards sticky and slow while low humidity makes them slick and fast which changes everything about how you throw. I recommend learning the numerical speed scales that manufacturers use so you can pick the perfect bag for the specific day and time. Being prepared with the right equipment is just as important as having a great toss when you are competing at the top level. Do your research! 15. **Q:** What is a push shot? **A:** A push shot is when you use your own bag to knock another one of your bags that is on the board into the hole. I get why this is difficult because you have to hit your first bag with enough force and accuracy to move it forward. It is a great way to turn two one point bags into six points with a single well placed and powerful final toss. You must be careful not to push your opponents bags into the hole by mistake though because that would be bad. Precision is everything here!Quick Human-Friendly Cheat-Sheet for This Topic
- Stand exactly twenty seven feet away from the opposite board for official regulation play.
- Always use the cancellation scoring method to keep the game fair and competitive for everyone involved.
- Focus on a flat bag rotation to ensure predictable slides and better accuracy on every single throw.
- Use the stick side of the bag for defensive blockers and the slick side for aggressive scoring.
- Develop a pre throw routine to stay calm and consistent during high pressure matches or tournaments.
- Always remove dead bags that hit the ground before landing on the board to keep the area clear.
- Practice your airmail shots for those moments when the board is too cluttered to slide anything in.
Learn the official American Cornhole League rules for professional play. Discover the secrets of modern cornhole bag technology and how it changes your toss strategy. Understand the scoring system including cancellations and how to reach exactly twenty one points. Explore the best tailgating activities that incorporate this game for maximum social fun this year. Master the airmail and blocker shots to dominate your local backyard tournament with ease and confidence.