At its core, cornhole is simple: throw a bag, aim for the hole, score points. But once you’ve played a few times, you realize every group has their own twist. We thought it would be fun to share the house rules we play with friends – the little variations that make our games even more exciting.
Exact 21 – or Back to 15
In official cornhole rules, the game ends when the first team reaches 21 or more. Simple, right? But in our backyard, we like to make it harder: you have to land on exactly 21 points. If you go over… sorry, you drop all the way back to 15.
This rule completely changes the final rounds. Suddenly, you’re aiming for just 1 point instead of risking 3, or you deliberately “block” your opponent. It adds strategy, tension, and plenty of laughter when someone overshoots and tumbles back to 15.
Who Throws First Next Game?
Officially, the winner of the previous game starts the next one. But we like to switch it up: the player or team with the highest score in a game gets to decide who throws first next time. It’s a small twist, but it makes the ending even more strategic. Sometimes it’s even worth losing… if it means you set up the next round on your terms.
Other Fun Twists
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Short distance: when kids play, we move the boards closer.
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Mini games: play to 15 points instead of 21 if time is short.
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Winner stays on: at parties, we rotate challengers in – whoever loses makes space for the next team.
Why We Love House Rules
Cornhole is special because it’s flexible. Sure, tournaments have official rules, but at home? It’s all about what makes the game more fun for your group. Our version – with the “exact 21” rule – has created so many legendary moments with friends, and honestly, that’s what cornhole is all about.
Ready to Start Your Own Tradition?
Get your own set and invent your house rules. Whether you play official style or with backyard twists, it all starts with quality boards and bags.
