Cornhole rules at a glance
Score after all eight bags have been thrown.
| Rule | Standard play |
|---|---|
| Board distance | 27 feet, front edge to front edge |
| Bags | 4 per side in a round |
| On the board | 1 point |
| Through the hole | 3 points |
| Scoring | Subtract the lower round total from the higher |
| Winning | At least 21 points after a completed round |
How cancellation scoring works
If one side totals 8 and the other totals 5, only 3 points are added for the leading side. Equal totals cancel completely.
Which bags do not count?
A bag that touches the ground before reaching the board is a foul bag. A bag resting on the board while touching the ground also scores zero. Follow the official rulebook for removing foul bags and handling interference.
Who throws first next round?
The side that last scored throws first. After a tied round, the starting order stays the same.
Post the rules alongside the matchups
For a casual league, tell players which rulebook you use and list any house variations before the season. Name one person to resolve disputes. Keep the same rules for every matchup.
See the tournament organizer checklistKeep improving your game
Check your court setup and work through a round’s score on Backyard Competitor.
Common questions
Do you have to score exactly 21 in cornhole?
No. Standard play allows 21 or more after a completed round. Going over does not reset your score.
Do you have to win by two?
No. The ACL's standard win condition does not require a two-point margin.
Are backyard rules always the same as tournament rules?
No. Hosts sometimes use house variations. Check the event's published rules rather than assuming a rule from another game applies.
Official rulebooks
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Add your teams and share the plan before game day.
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