Introduction: what is cornhole?
Cornhole is an accessible but surprisingly addictive throwing game with wooden boards and bags. Two players or teams try to throw fabric bags onto a slanted board or through a round hole to score points. In this ultimate beginner’s guide we explain step by step what cornhole is, how the game works, what basic equipment you need and why it’s so popular worldwide.
Want an even shorter overview? Then also check our page What is cornhole? – Basics & game overview for a compact summary, or read the more technical explanation on Cornhole overview: rules, setup and scoring.
Or visit our Cornhole HubThe objective of the cornhole game
The aim of cornhole is simple: throw your bags closer to the hole than your opponent and score more points per turn. You get:
- 3 points for a bag that goes through the hole;
- 1 point for a bag that stays on the board;
- 0 points for bags that slide off the board or touch the ground.
After each turn the points of both players are compared. Only the difference is added to the score: this is called cancellation scoring. Usually you play to 21 points.
What equipment do you need for cornhole?
To start with cornhole you only need two things:
- Cornhole boards – two slanted wooden boards with a round hole;
- Cornhole bags – eight fabric bags, four per team.
In our guide Cornhole basics: equipment, setup and playing field we explain exactly what dimensions the boards have and what to look for when buying a cornhole set.
This is what a standard cornhole setup looks like
The boards face each other with the front edges at a fixed distance:
- For adults: 8.23 meters (27 ft) between the front edges;
- For children and beginners: you can safely place the boards closer together.
Players stand next to the board in an imaginary box (the pitcher’s box) and throw underhand. During the throw you’re not allowed to step over the front of the board – if you do, it’s a foot fault.
Step by step: how do you play a turn of cornhole?
- Two players (or teams) take their places at the boards.
- Each player/team has four bags in their own color.
- Players alternately throw one bag toward the board on the opposite side.
- When all eight bags have been thrown, the points are counted.
- The points of both players are offset against each other (cancellation scoring).
- Then everyone walks to the other board and the next turn starts from there.
On our detailed page Official cornhole rules & scoring you’ll find all the details, including fouls and variants for singles and doubles.
Game formats: 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2 and more
You can play cornhole in several ways:
- Singles (1 vs 1) – ideal for practicing and improving yourself;
- Doubles (2 vs 2) – the most popular and official competitive format;
- Crew or party formats – multiple players per team, ideal for parties.
Want to know more about how many people can play at once? Then read How many people can play cornhole?.
Why is the cornhole game so popular?
Cornhole is growing rapidly in popularity, and for good reason:
- The rules are simple and can be explained in a minute;
- Anyone can join in, regardless of age or sports background;
- It’s a social game that fits perfectly with parties, barbecues and festivals;
- Those who want to go further discover a whole world of technique, tactics and competition.
On our pages Why cornhole is so popular and The psychology of cornhole: why it’s so addictive we go deeper into the charm and the mental aspect of the game.
How do you get started with cornhole?
- Choose a good cornhole set with sturdy boards and quality bags.
- Set up the boards at the correct distance and check the playing field.
- Agree on the basic rules and scoring system.
- Start with a few practice throws to get a feel for distance and height.
- Play short games to 11 or 15 points to get into the game.
After your first few games you can learn more about throwing technique and strategy via:
Frequently asked questions about what cornhole is
What is cornhole in short?
Cornhole is a throwing game in which players throw fabric bags at a slanted wooden board with a hole. You score points by getting bags onto the board or into the hole. The game is usually played to 21 points with cancellation scoring.
Is cornhole easy to learn for beginners?
Yes, cornhole is very easy to learn. The basic rules are simple and after a short explanation almost anyone can join in. If you want to understand the game quickly, check this beginner’s guide and the page What is cornhole?.
What equipment do I minimally need to play cornhole?
You need at least two cornhole boards and eight bags, four per team. For a better playing experience, choose boards and bags with regulation dimensions, like in our cornhole sets.
With how many players do you play a standard game of cornhole?
You play a standard game with 2 players (singles) or 4 players (doubles). With creative formats you can also play with larger groups, as we explain on How many people can play cornhole?.
Where can I read more about the official cornhole rules?
For a complete explanation of all the rules, such as fouls, scoring and distances, visit our page Official cornhole rules & scoring.
