Introduction
Cornhole is a fun and competitive game played in backyards, tailgating events, and professional tournaments. To ensure fair play and consistency, it’s essential to follow official cornhole court dimensions and setup rules. In this guide, we’ll cover standard cornhole board placement, court layout, and game rules to help you create the perfect playing area.
Official Cornhole Court Dimensions (ACL & ACO Standards)
1. Cornhole Court Size
- Length: 12.19 – 13.72 meters (40-45 feet, from end to end, including player areas).
- Width: 3.05 meters (10 feet, allows enough space for movement).
2. Cornhole Board Distance (Regulation Play)
- Distance between boards: 8.23 meters (27 feet, measured from front edge to front edge).
- Distance for Junior or Recreational Play: 6.40 meters (21 feet).
3. Cornhole Board Dimensions
- Length: 1.22 meters (48 inches or 4 feet).
- Width: 0.61 meters (24 inches or 2 feet).
- Hole Diameter: 15.24 cm (6 inches, placed 22.86 cm (9 inches) from the top edge and centered).
- Board Height:
- Front: 7.62 – 10.16 cm (3-4 inches) off the ground.
- Back: 30.48 cm (12 inches) off the ground.
4. Player’s Pitching Box
- Each player must stand within a 1.22 meters × 0.91 meters (4-foot by 3-foot) area on each side of the board.
- Players cannot step past the front of the board while throwing.
5. Foul Line & Pitching Distance
- Regulation Foul Line: 8.23 meters (27 feet) from the opposite board’s front edge.
- Junior/Beginner Foul Line: 6.40 meters (21 feet) from the opposite board’s front edge.
Setting Up a Cornhole Court
1. Marking the Playing Area
- Use chalk, tape, or painted lines to mark the court boundary and foul lines.
- Ensure there’s enough space (at least 3.05 meters (10 feet) wide) for safe throwing and movement.
2. Positioning the Cornhole Boards
- Place the boards exactly 8.23 meters (27 feet) apart (or 6.40 meters (21 feet) for casual play).
- Ensure the boards are level and stable to avoid bounce or movement.
3. Setting Up Lighting for Night Play
- If playing at night, add LED lights or floodlights near the boards.
- Some cornhole boards come with built-in hole lighting for visibility.
Basic Cornhole Rules (American Cornhole League – ACL Rules)
1. Scoring System (Cancellation Scoring)
- In the Hole (Cornhole): 3 points
- On the Board (Woody): 1 point
- Off the Board: 0 points
- Cancellation Rule: Opponents’ points cancel each other (e.g., if Team A scores 5 and Team B scores 3, Team A gets 2 points).
- Winning Score: First team to 21 points (without going over).
2. Throwing Rules
- Each player throws 4 bags per round, alternating turns.
- Players must throw from within the pitching box without stepping past the foul line.
- If a player steps over the line, the throw does not count.
3. Game Format
- Singles: 1 player vs. 1 player (both throw from the same board).
- Doubles: 2 players per team (one player on each side).
- Players switch sides after every round.
Cornhole Court Surface Options
1. Grass or Turf (Best for Backyard Play)
- Provides a soft landing for the bags.
- Ensure the ground is level to prevent board movement.
2. Concrete or Pavement (Best for Public Areas & Driveways)
- Works well for long-term setups but can cause bags to slide more.
3. Indoor Cornhole Setup (Gyms, Community Centers)
- Wooden or rubber flooring works best for indoor cornhole courts.
FAQs About Cornhole Courts
1. How far apart should cornhole boards be?
- Regulation Distance: 8.23 meters (27 feet) (front edge to front edge).
- Casual Play or Juniors: 6.40 meters (21 feet).
2. Can I play cornhole in a small backyard?
Yes! Reduce the board distance to 4.57 – 6.10 meters (15-20 feet) for smaller spaces.
3. What is the best surface for a cornhole court?
- Grass or turf for backyard play.
- Concrete or pavement for stability.
- Indoor wooden floors for a smooth experience.
4. What happens if a bag bounces onto the board?
- If a bag touches the ground before landing on the board, it does not count and must be removed.
Conclusion
Creating a regulation cornhole court ensures fair and enjoyable gameplay for all skill levels. Whether setting up a casual backyard cornhole setup or a professional cornhole court, following the correct court dimensions, board distance, and scoring rules will enhance the experience.