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CORNHOLE QUICK START GUIDE
New to cornhole? Here’s how to play in under 30 seconds:
Boards are 27 feet apart
Each team throws four bags, alternating turns.
Bag in hole = 3 pts | On board = 1 pt | Miss = 0
Cancellation scoring (only one team scores per round)
First team to reach or exceed 21 points wins
This is the official ACA format used in competitive play.
👉 This is just the basics—scroll for full rules, scoring breakdowns, and court setup.
Download a clean, printable version of official ACA rules, court layout, and scoring—perfect for game day.
GAME RULES
Cornhole is simple: take turns tossing bags at the board and score points based on where they land. The following rules are used in official ACA play and apply to both recreational and competitive games.
Each team throws four bags per round, with teams alternating between throws.
A round ends after all eight bags have been thrown.
Scores are calculated at the end of each round.
The scoring team throws first in the next round.
Watch the video or read below for the official cornhole rules and regulations, used in recreational play, competitive games, and ACA tournaments.
Playing too close or too far affects accuracy and consistency.
👉 Set up your court to official ACA distanceNot using cancellation scoring leads to incorrect results.
👉 Learn the official scoring system.Crossing the line results in a dead throw with zero points.
Off-size boards or inconsistent bags can throw off your game.
👉 Play with equipment designed for official gameplay.
The first team to reach or exceed 21 points at the end of a round wins.
WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL CORNHOLE COURT LAYOUT AND BOARD DISTANCE?
This court layout follows official American Cornhole Association (ACA) rules used for recreational play, league play, and competitive cornhole tournaments.
Setting up your cornhole court correctly is essential for fair and consistent play. A regulation cornhole court is 10–12 feet wide and 40–45 feet long and includes: Two boards, Pitcher’s boxes, and Foul lines
Playing at the correct distance makes a huge difference in accuracy and overall gameplay.
Set up your court with the same regulation boards used in ACA play.
Official ACA cornhole boards are placed 27 feet apart (front edge to front edge) for adult play. Junior and casual players typically use a distance of 12–15 feet.
The pitcher’s box is a 4 ft x 3 ft area on each side of the board.
Players must remain within this box while throwing.
The foul line runs from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other board.
Stepping over the foul line results in a dead throw (0 points).
Junior and casual players typically use a distance of 12–15 feet.
Adult cornhole boards are placed 27 feet apart (front edge to front edge).
Standard court width is 8-10 feet.
Standard court length is 40-45 feet.
The pitcher’s box is a 4 ft x 3 ft area on each side of the board.
Players must remain within this box while throwing.
The foul line runs from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other board.
Stepping over the foul line results in a dead throw (0 points).
Junior and casual players typically use a distance of 12–15 feet.
Adult cornhole boards are placed 27 feet apart (front edge to front edge).
Standard court width is 8-10 feet.
Standard court length is 40-45 feet.
Official cornhole court layout showing 27-foot board spacing, pitcher’s boxes, and foul lines used in ACA play.
Proper cornhole court setup helps ensure fair play, accurate scoring, and consistent gameplay. Follow these court setup tips before your next game.
Boards placed 27 feet apart for adult play
Pitcher's boxes clearly marked
Foul lines identified
Flat, level playing surface
At least 12 feet of overhead clearance
TIP #1
How Much Space Do You Need for Cornhole?
For the best playing experience, allow at least 12 feet of overhead clearance above the court. Extra space around the boards also helps players throw comfortably and safely.
TIP #2
How Far Apart Should Cornhole Courts Be?
If you're setting up multiple cornhole courts, leave 10–12 feet between playing areas. Proper spacing helps prevent interference from nearby games and gives players room to move comfortably.
TIP #3
What Surface Is Best for Cornhole?
A flat, level playing surface helps ensure consistent gameplay and accurate bag movement. Grass, turf, concrete, and patios can all work as long as the boards remain stable and level.
TIP #1
How Much Space Do You Need for Cornhole?
For the best playing experience, allow at least 12 feet of overhead clearance above the court. Extra space around the boards also helps players throw comfortably and safely.
TIP #2
How Far Apart Should Cornhole Courts Be?
If you're setting up multiple cornhole courts, leave 10–12 feet between playing areas. Proper spacing helps prevent interference from nearby games and gives players room to move comfortably.
TIP #3
What Surface Is Best for Cornhole?
A flat, level playing surface helps ensure consistent gameplay and accurate bag movement. Grass, turf, concrete, and patios can all work as long as the boards remain stable and level.
Standard boards measure 2 ft × 4 ft, with a 6-inch hole positioned 9 inches from the top. Regulation boards ensure consistent gameplay — essential for practice and league play.
WIDTH
LENGTH
HOLE DIAMETER
HOLE FROM TOP
Official cornhole board dimensions with 2 ft x 4 ft surface and 6-inch hole positioned 9 inches from the top.
Using regulation-size boards ensures consistent gameplay—especially for practice or league play.
Each team uses four bags of one color. Bags should be 6 in. × 6 in. and weigh about 14-16 oz. Weight and material directly impact control and scoring.
SIZE
WEIGHT
PER TEAM
COLORS
Regulation cornhole bag size and weight used in official ACA play.
Not all bags play the same — weight and material directly impact control and scoring.
Ready to put the official rules into practice? Whether you're setting up a backyard court or preparing for league play, start with the same regulation equipment used in ACA play.
Official 2' x 4' boards used for consistent gameplay and practice.
Regulation-size bags designed for accurate throws, control, and scoring.
Everything you need to start playing, including boards and bags in one package.
A quality cornhole setup starts with regulation-size boards, properly weighted bags, and equipment designed for consistent play. Whether you're playing casually or competitively, the right gear can improve accuracy, scoring, and overall gameplay.
Learn with the official rules. Play with official ACA equipment.
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