Cornhole
Cornhole boards should be spaced 27 feet apart from the front edge of each board, making the holes exactly 33 feet apart. To play, toss a 16oz cornhole bag into the hole for 3 points or land it on the board for 1 point. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins. Cornhole can be played with either 2 or 4 players: in a 2-player game, it’s individual play, while 4-player games are considered team play.
Team Play
In team play, one player from each team stands by each board. Players alternate tossing bags from one team to the next. After all 4 bags have been tossed, points are totaled, and the next round begins from the opposite board with the opposing teams taking turns. The team that won the previous round throws first in the next round. The game continues until a team reaches 21 points or more.
Individual Play
In individual play, players pick up and score their own bags, and then toss them back. Players alternate sides with each round. For example, Player A starts on the right side in the first round and switches to the left side in the next round.
Scoring
Points are awarded based on the bag’s location: 3 points for a bag in the hole, 1 point for a bag landing on the board. Bags that are partially in the hole or hanging off the board but not touching the ground score 1 point. No points are awarded if a bag hits the ground or is hanging off the box and touching the ground. Bags supported by another bag only score if you can remove the supporting bag without moving the other.
Throwing the Bag
You can throw the bag in any style as long as it reaches the other board 27 feet away. Professional players often use a smooth, arcing throw with a flat spin. To achieve this, flatten the bag and grip it like a frisbee, using a fluid arm motion with a slight spin as you release the bag.
Scoring Points
After each round, points are tallied and canceled out. The team with the higher score adds the difference between their score and the opponent’s score to their running total. If scores are tied, no points are awarded, and the first throw goes to the team that had it in the previous round. For example, if Team A scores 7 points and Team B scores 4, Team A would receive 3 points (7-4).
Now that you know the rules, you’re ready to master the game of Cornhole!