How to Play Cornhole

Objective

Score points by throwing bean bags onto the board or through the hole. The first team to reach 21 points or more at the end of a round wins.

Step 1: Set Up the Boards

  1. Place the boards facing each other.

  2. Measure 27 feet between the front edges of the boards.

  3. Decide who throws first (coin toss or rock-paper-scissors).

Step 2: Choose Teams

Singles

  • One player stands at each board.

  • Players throw toward each other.

Doubles

  • Teammates stand at opposite boards.

  • One player from each team throws from one end, while their partners throw from the other end during the next inning.

Step 3: Throw the Bags

  1. Players alternate tossing one bag at a time.

  2. Each player throws all four of their bags.

  3. Bags must be thrown underhand.

  4. Players must stay within the pitcher's box beside the board.

Step 4: Score the Round

After all 8 bags are thrown:

Points

  • Bag in the hole = 3 points

  • Bag resting on the board = 1 point

  • Bag touching the ground first = 0 points

Step 5: Use Cancellation Scoring

Only the difference in scores counts each round.

Example:

  • Team A: 2 bags in hole (6 points) + 1 bag on board (1 point) = 7 points

  • Team B: 1 bag in hole (3 points) + 2 bags on board (2 points) = 5 points

Result: Team A scores 2 points for the inning (7 − 5 = 2).

Step 6: Continue Play

  • The team that scored in the previous inning throws first in the next inning.

  • Keep track of the running score.

Step 7: Win the Game

  • The first team to reach 21 points or more at the conclusion of an inning wins.

  • Some casual games require exactly 21 points, but standard tournament play does not.

Common House Rules

  • Shorter distance for kids: 12–21 feet apart.

  • Skunk rule: Automatic win if a team leads by 11 points before the opponents score.

  • Best-of-3 games: Great for parties and tournaments.

Quick Scoring Cheat Sheet

ResultPointsBag through hole3Bag on board1Bag on ground0

Example Round

  • Red Team: 8 points

  • Blue Team: 5 points

Red Team earns 3 points (8 − 5 = 3).

That's it! The basic rhythm is: Throw → Score → Cancel points → Repeat until someone reaches 21. 🏆🌽