Cornhole is one of the most popular outdoor games, often played in backyards, parks, or at tailgate parties. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, understanding the rules and setup of cornhole is crucial for ensuring you play the game properly. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the ideal distance between cornhole boards, the necessary rules, and some fun facts that make the game even more enjoyable.
The Ideal Distance Between Cornhole Boards
One of the most common questions people have when setting up a cornhole game is: How far are cornhole boards apart? The standard distance for cornhole boards is 27 feet from the front of one board to the front of the other for adult play. This measurement is the official distance used in most competitions, including the American Cornhole League (ACL). For casual or backyard games, however, you may want to adjust the distance slightly, depending on the players’ skill level or the space available.
The 27-foot distance is designed to offer a challenging but fair game for adults. If you’re playing with children or beginners, you might want to reduce the distance to 15-20 feet to make it easier for them to hit the board and score points.
It’s also important to ensure that the cornhole boards themselves are correctly placed. The boards should be positioned on a flat, even surface. This will help maintain consistent gameplay and ensure the bags slide in the way they should.
Do You Have to Get Exactly 21 in Bags?
Another common question that beginners often ask is whether you need to score exactly 21 points in bags to win the game. The answer is yes, but with a twist. The official rules of cornhole state that a player or team must score exactly 21 points to win a round. However, if you exceed 21 points, you must subtract points from your total.
Here’s how it works:
- A player can score 1 point for every bag that lands on the board (on the surface).
- A player can score 3 points for every bag that lands in the hole (the cutout at the far end of the board).
- To win, you must reach 21 points exactly, not more.
If a player exceeds 21 points, their total score will be reduced by the points they exceed. For example, if you score 23 points, your score would be reduced to 19. This rule adds an extra level of strategy to the game because players need to be careful not to overshoot their 21-point goal.
How Far Apart Are ACL Boards?
When playing cornhole at a competitive level, such as in the American Cornhole League (ACL), the distance between the boards remains consistent. Just like the standard setup mentioned earlier, ACL boards are placed 27 feet apart for adult play.
However, it’s important to note that ACL boards come with certain specifications. The boards used in competitive play are:
- 24 inches wide and 48 inches long.
- They are made of high-quality wood, usually plywood, to ensure durability and consistency.
- The hole is 6 inches in diameter and positioned 9 inches from the back of the board.
The specifications for the board size, hole diameter, and distance between the boards are standardized to ensure fair play and uniformity across competitions. These official measurements help to create a competitive environment where players can hone their skills on an even playing field.
Why Do They Call It Cornhole?
The game of cornhole has a quirky name, and many people wonder: why do they call it cornhole? The name comes from the traditional bean bags used in the game. In the past, bags were often filled with corn kernels, which is why the game was called “corn bag toss” or “cornhole.”
The game has roots in ancient history, with variations of it played across different cultures. However, the version of cornhole we know today, with its signature board and bag setup, became popular in the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s. The name “cornhole” stuck due to the association with the corn kernels inside the bags.
Over time, the game’s name remained the same, despite some people questioning the oddity of the term. As the game grew in popularity, the name became ingrained in American culture, and cornhole tournaments began to flourish across the country.
In fact, today, cornhole is a staple at summer gatherings, tailgate parties, and barbecues, with leagues and competitions held nationwide. The name might seem odd to some, but it’s a part of the game’s charm and history.
Who Goes First in Cornhole?
The rules of who goes first in cornhole are relatively straightforward. Typically, players or teams alternate turns, with each player throwing their bags one at a time. But how do you determine who throws first?
Before the game starts, the players usually engage in a coin toss or some other method of random selection to decide who goes first. This method ensures that the game starts fairly and that neither team has an advantage based on who throws first. The winner of the toss has the option to choose whether to throw first or second. The loser of the coin toss is then required to take the remaining option.
Once the first player throws, the other player or team will throw their bags, and the game continues in a back-and-forth fashion until the round ends.
The Rules of Cornhole
While the focus here is on some of the most common questions about cornhole, it’s also helpful to touch on the basic rules that govern the game:
- Teams and Players: Cornhole can be played with either two players (singles) or four players (doubles). In doubles, each team consists of two players, and each player throws from one side of the board.
- Bags: Each player or team has four bags. The bags are usually filled with either corn kernels or synthetic pellets and come in two colors to distinguish between players.
- Scoring: As mentioned earlier, players score 3 points for bags that land in the hole and 1 point for bags that land on the board.
- Cancellation Scoring: Cornhole uses a cancellation scoring system, meaning that if both players or teams land bags on the board or in the hole, the points are cancelled out. For example, if one player scores 3 points and the other scores 1 point, the final score for that round is 2 points for the first player/team.
Tips for Winning at Cornhole
- Focus on Accuracy: Aim for the hole, but if you’re unable to land a bag in the hole, focus on placing your bags on the board to block your opponent.
- Use the Right Throwing Technique: A controlled toss is often more effective than trying to throw the bag too hard. Keep your hand steady and aim for the target.
- Practice Consistently: As with any game, practice is key. The more you play, the more you’ll improve your accuracy and consistency in throwing the bags.
Conclusion
Cornhole is a simple yet exciting game that offers plenty of opportunities for fun and competition. Whether you’re playing in your backyard with friends or participating in a serious ACL tournament, understanding the rules and setup is essential for enjoying the game. From the correct distance between cornhole boards to the fun facts about the game’s name, cornhole is a game that brings people together, creating lasting memories and friendly rivalries. Whether you’re aiming for that elusive 21-point win or simply enjoying a casual game, cornhole is sure to be a hit wherever you play.