Casual play: keep the setup simple
For a backyard tournament, family gathering or social game night, start with a complete board-and-bag set. An MDF set can suit occasional casual play. Check storage and weather-care instructions, and agree on your house rules before players arrive.
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GoSports 4 × 2 ft MDF cornhole set
Full-size MDF boards with eight bags and a carrying case for backyard games.
Before buying: Confirm the 4 × 2 ft option and follow the maker's storage and weather-care instructions.
Competitive and professional play
For regular practice and organized competition, compare board construction, stability and bag feel. Regulation size does not guarantee event approval: sanctioned events follow their current ACL or ACO equipment requirements and organizer policies.
- Find out whether the organizer supplies boards or players bring their own bags.
- Use the same board setup across courts and check for wobble or loose hardware before play.
GoSports Commercial Grade 4 × 2 ft boards, Natural
A 3/4-inch birch playing surface, pine frame and eight dual-sided bags for regular practice or independently run competitions.
Before buying: Confirm event eligibility with your organizer.
ACL PRO Slide-Rite Flex bags, set of four
A competitive bag option sold in sets of four; buy two distinguishable sets if supplying both sides of a court.
Before buying: Match the bag model and approval stamp to your event's organization and season.
The equipment checklist, court by court
One active court uses two boards and two sets of four bags, with each set a different color or design. Four courts need eight boards and 32 bags when the host provides all equipment. Multiply the court kit by the number of matches you want to run at once.
| Pack | What to check |
|---|---|
| Two boards per court | Matching setup, stable legs and an undamaged playing surface. |
| Two sets of four bags | Easy-to-distinguish sets; event approval where required. |
| Tape measure and court markers | Measure 27 feet between front edges for standard adult play. Leave clear throwing and walking space. |
| Scoreboard or score sheet | One way for both sides to check the score after each round. |
| Court numbers and match list | Clearly label each board set and assign courts separately from the bracket. |
| Dry towels and storage | Follow the maker's care instructions and have a plan for rain or wet surfaces. |
Optional: GoSports All Weather Metal ScoreCaddy tables, set of two
Two white scorekeeping tables for players to check the score between rounds.
Before buying: A paper score sheet works too if you do not need a dedicated display.
Optional: STANLEY FATMAX 35 ft tape measure, 33-735
A 35-foot tape can measure the standard 27-foot gap between the fronts of the boards in one span.
Before buying: A 30-foot or longer tape you already own works too.
For Tailgates & Bar Nights
These optional extras help with drinks, shade and check-in. Use what your venue already provides, and keep tables and gathering areas clear of the courts.
YETI Roadie 48 wheeled cooler, Navy
A wheeled cooler for bringing cold drinks to an outdoor game night or tailgate.
Before buying: Choose a size that fits your group and transport space.
Coleman Oasis canopy
A canopy for an outdoor check-in or resting area beside your cornhole courts.
Before buying: Confirm the canopy size and follow its anchoring and weather instructions.
Lifetime 4 ft adjustable table
A table for check-in sheets, your bracket display or spare equipment.
Before buying: Check the table dimensions and height settings for your available space.
Pack a small organizer kit
Keep check-in and results in one place so players know where to go. You do not need a separate purchase for every item; a clipboard, printed sheets and a charged phone can cover a casual event.
- Entry list, pens, printed rules and a contact for score questions.
- A shared bracket or schedule, plus a paper backup.
- Charged phone or tablet and a power bank if you will update results online.
- Drinking water, first-aid supplies and a weather plan appropriate to your venue.
Set the matchups before game day
Use a single-elimination bracket for a short knockout competition, or round-robin matchups for a group that wants more games. Enter each doubles pair as one team. Keep your court assignments alongside the match list and let both sides confirm scores before you update results.
Make round-robin matchups →Common questions
What equipment do I need for a casual cornhole tournament?
For each active court, provide two boards and two distinguishable sets of four bags. Bring a tape measure, a way to record scores, court labels and a match list. Add drinking water, first-aid supplies and a weather plan for your venue.
Can I use equipment I already own?
For casual play, a stable pair of boards, two distinguishable sets of four bags and a way to keep score cover the game itself. A 30-foot or longer tape, a clipboard and your phone can cover setup and organization.
How far apart should I set the boards?
For standard adult play, measure 27 feet between the front edges of the boards. Leave clear space beside the boards for throwing and around the courts for walking.
How many board sets should I buy for 16 teams?
Choose based on simultaneous matches, available space and time. One board set runs one match at a time. Four sets allow four matches at once, so the eight opening matches of a 16-team single-elimination bracket need at least two waves.
Official rulebooks
Ready to set the matchups?
Add your teams and share the plan before game day.
Build your cornhole bracket →