What Are The Rules for Cornhole?
Cornhole, a backyard and tailgating staple, has a defined set of rules to ensure fair play. The game involves tossing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole, scoring points based on where the bags land: three points for a bag going through the hole (“cornhole”), and one point for a bag remaining on the board (“on the board”).
The Allure of Cornhole: More Than Just a Game
Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, baggo, or chuck-a-luck, transcends mere recreation. Its popularity stems from its accessibility; virtually anyone can participate, regardless of age or athletic ability. The social aspect is undeniable, fostering camaraderie amongst players and spectators alike. From casual backyard barbecues to highly competitive tournaments, cornhole provides a platform for interaction and friendly competition. The relative simplicity of the rules and the limited equipment requirements make it an incredibly versatile and enjoyable activity.
Essential Equipment and Setup
Before diving into the rules, let’s ensure you have the necessary equipment and a properly set up playing area. These are critical for a fair and consistent game.
- Boards: Two regulation-sized cornhole boards. The top surface should measure 24 inches wide by 48 inches long.
- Hole: A 6-inch diameter hole, centered 9 inches from the top of the board.
- Bean Bags: Eight bean bags, four of one color and four of another. Each bag should measure approximately 6×6 inches and weigh between 15.5 and 16.5 ounces.
- Pitching Boxes: Imaginary rectangles located on each side of the board, adjacent to the front edge of the board.
- Distance: The front edges of the boards should be 27 feet apart. For recreational play, a shorter distance may be used.
Understanding Cornhole Gameplay
The game’s objective is straightforward: score points by landing your bean bags on the board or, better yet, sinking them through the hole. Here’s a breakdown of a typical round:
- Determine First Toss: A coin flip or other agreed-upon method determines which team throws first.
- Alternating Throws: Players from opposing teams alternate throwing their bean bags.
- Foot Faults: Players must throw from within their pitching box, and their foot cannot extend past the front edge of the board at the time of release.
- Ending the Round: Once all eight bags have been thrown, the round is over.
- Scoring: Points are tallied, and the next round begins with the team that scored last.
Mastering Cornhole Scoring
Understanding the scoring system is crucial for success. Cornhole uses cancellation scoring, meaning only the net difference in points between the two teams is awarded each round.
- Cornhole (Through the Hole): 3 points
- On the Board: 1 point
- Off the Board: 0 points
Example: Team A has one bag on the board and one in the hole (1 + 3 = 4 points). Team B has two bags on the board (1 + 1 = 2 points). In this round, Team A scores 2 points (4 – 2 = 2).
Common Cornhole Mistakes and Penalties
Avoid these common errors to improve your game and prevent disputes:
- Foot Faults: Crossing the front edge of the pitching box during the throw results in a foul, and the bag is removed from play.
- Bag Interference: Intentionally interfering with a bag in play can result in a penalty, with the affected bag being repositioned or removed from play at the opposing team’s discretion.
- Illegal Bags: Using bags that do not meet regulation size or weight can lead to disqualification.
- Incorrect Stance: Stepping outside of the designated pitching box area.
Winning the Game
The first team to reach 21 points wins the game, but there’s a catch: you must reach 21 points exactly. If a team exceeds 21 points, their score reverts back to 11, and play continues.
Cornhole Etiquette
While competition is encouraged, good sportsmanship is paramount.
- Avoid Distractions: Refrain from making noise or moving around while an opponent is throwing.
- Offer Compliments: Acknowledge good shots and plays.
- Respect the Rules: Abide by the rules and resolve disputes fairly.
- Congratulate Your Opponent: Regardless of the outcome, offer a sincere congratulations to the winning team.
Variations on the Standard Rules
While the rules above represent the generally accepted standards, variations exist, particularly in casual settings. These might include adjustments to the board distance or scoring system. It’s always best to clarify any rule variations before starting a game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the correct distance between cornhole boards?
The regulation distance between the front edges of the two boards is 27 feet. However, for recreational play, especially with children or less experienced players, a shorter distance, such as 21 or 24 feet, is often used. Always agree on the distance before starting the game.
What happens if a bag touches the ground before landing on the board?
If a bean bag touches the ground before landing on the board, it is considered out of bounds and must be removed from the playing surface immediately. It receives zero points.
What constitutes a “cornhole?”
A “cornhole” occurs when a bean bag passes completely through the 6-inch hole in the cornhole board. It is worth three points. The bag must fully clear the surface of the board and pass through the hole.
What happens if a bag hangs partially in the hole?
If a bag is resting partially in the hole but is not fully through, it is only worth one point, assuming it remains on the board. It does not count as a “cornhole”.
How is scoring determined in each round?
Scoring is determined using the cancellation method. After all eight bags have been thrown, each team totals their points. The team with the lower score subtracts their total from the team with the higher score, and the difference is awarded to the team with the higher score.
What happens if both teams have the same score at the end of a round?
If both teams have the same score at the end of a round, no points are awarded, and the team that threw first in the previous round throws first again.
Is there a penalty for stepping over the front of the board during a throw?
Yes, this is called a foot fault. If a player steps over the front of the board (or the imaginary line extending from the front of the board) during their throw, the bag is considered illegal and is removed from the board. No points are awarded for that bag.
What are the official dimensions and weight of a regulation cornhole bag?
Regulation cornhole bags must be approximately 6 inches by 6 inches and weigh between 15.5 and 16.5 ounces.
What is the material used for the board and bean bags?
Cornhole boards are typically made of smooth plywood, often birch or maple. The bean bags are usually filled with dried corn or plastic resin pellets and covered with duck cloth or similar durable fabric.
Can a bag be knocked into the hole by another bag?
Yes, a bag can be knocked into the hole by another bag. If this happens, the bag that goes into the hole is worth three points.
What happens if a player throws out of turn?
If a player throws out of turn, the bag should be removed from the board, and play resumes with the correct player throwing. This is usually handled informally, especially in casual play. In tournament settings, the referee will enforce the rule.
What if a player reaches more than 21 points in a round?
If a team exceeds 21 points, their score is reset to 11 points, and play continues. This prevents a team from winning by accident and adds an element of strategy to the game.