Cornhole Rules: Complete Guide to Playing the Ultimate Tossing Game

Cornhole has taken the world by storm—a fun, casual outdoor game that combines skill, strategy, and friendly competition. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or looking to play at a tournament, understanding the cornhole rules is essential. This comprehensive guide breaks down every element of the game, from setup and scoring to common variations, so you can play like a pro with confidence.


Understanding the Context

What Is Cornhole?

Cornhole is a two-player or team game played on a deck of wooden boards with two rectangular target zones, each featuring a hole (the “hole” and the “board”). Players take turns tossing beanbag-like disc called “burlap buckets” or cornhole trays toward the board, aiming to land their disc in or on the target zone for points. The objective is simple: knock over the opponent’s discs while protecting your own.


Cornhole Setup and Equipment

Key Insights

Basic Setup

  • Playing Surface: A 18-foot long playing deck with a 3.5-foot wide board. The board features two 6-inch holes on the far end and a standard 24-inch target zone marked with a 9-degree slope toward the holes.
  • Equipment:
    • 2 custom boards
    • 2 pairs (4 total) of cornhole discs (typically made from foam or dense plastic)
    • Optional: A coin or marker to determine the first thrower

Field Dimensions

  • The playing area spans 18 feet long and 7 feet deep.
  • Each player or team stands behind the foul line (10 feet from the board), throwing from foot across the board.

Final Thoughts

Basic Cornhole Rules

Turn Structure

  • Players alternate throws, beginning with a coin flip or draw to determine who goes first.
  • The thrower must stand behind the foul line and cannot step over it during the throw.
  • A successful shot lands in the score box, behind the board, with a disc closest to a hole earning 1 point — 3 points if over the nearer hole and 2 if over the farther one.

Scoring System Explained

| Shot Location | Points |
|---------------|--------|
| Hole (relative value) | 3 points (closest shot counts first) |
| Over nearer hole | 1 point |
| Over farther hole | 2 points |

Example:
You throw and land your disc just over the nearer hole — you receive 3 points. If your opponent’s disc is closer to the nearer hole, it counts 1 point for coming closest — whoever knocks over the first has the advantage.


Legal Throws and Fouls

  • Legal Throws:
    • Discs must land completely on the board and in the target zone.
    • Throws over the front foot are permitted but must be clean and controlled.
  • Fouls include:
    • Stepping over the foul line before throwing
    • Throwing from beyond the 10-foot line
    • Crossing your own or opponent’s disc mid-air
    • Tagging or holding boards during play