Cornhole may look simple – throw a bag, aim for the hole – but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Whether you’ve just bought your first set or you’re thinking about joining a tournament, here’s a complete guide on how to play cornhole and a few tips to improve your game.
The Basic Rules of Cornhole
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Setup: Two boards face each other, 8 cornhole bags (4 per team), and a flat playing area.
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Distance: The official distance between boards is 8.2 meters. For casual play, shorter is fine. We ourselves ususally play at 6 meters.
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Scoring:
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Bag in the hole = 3 points
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Bag on the board = 1 point
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Bags that touch the ground = 0 points
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Game goal: First team to reach 21 points wins.
Beginner-Friendly Adjustments
Not everyone wants to start with strict tournament rules. Many families set the boards closer or play to 15 points for a faster game. That’s the beauty of cornhole – it’s flexible.
Pro Tips to Improve Your Throw
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Grip matters – hold the bag flat and aim for a smooth release.
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Arc your throw – bags with a soft arc are more likely to land and stay.
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Stay consistent – pick one stance and repeat it every time.
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Practice slides – sometimes sliding the bag onto the board is smarter than aiming for the hole.
Why Learn the Rules?
Knowing the official rules makes it easier to join events, tournaments, or even just impress your friends at the next BBQ. And once you master the basics, you’ll quickly see why so many people fall in love with cornhole.
Ready to Play Like a Pro?
At playcornhole.eu, we’ve got everything you need – from starter sets to official tournament boards. Start practicing today and take your backyard games to the next level.
