Looking to learn about the scoring rules for cornhole? We’ve got you covered.
This comprehensive guide will break down the rules and scoring intricacies of cornhole. You’ll discover the ideal distance between boards, what happens when you exceed 21 points, and more.
Don’t just toss those bags; understand the strategy, analyze your throws, and outscore your opponents.
Cornhole Rules
Cornhole can be played in singles or doubles, with each team pitching four bags per inning. The key is to pitch the bags in an underhand motion from the pitcher’s box next to each side of the board.
Each player takes turns tossing their cornhole bags towards the opposite board. You alternate with your opponent, creating a rhythm to the game that keeps both teams engaged. Once all eight bags have been pitched, it’s time to tally the score. Count the bags on the board and in the hole. Remember, bags that landed on the board are worth one point each, while those in the hole are worth three.
The team who scores in an inning gets the privilege to pitch first in the next inning. If there’s a tie, the team that led the previous round retains their lead. This rule keeps the game fair and engaging, ensuring that the advantage doesn’t always go to the same team.
Understanding these guidelines won’t only help you master the game but also increase your enjoyment and appreciation of it. Cornhole is a game of skill and strategy, where every toss counts and a single point can make the difference between victory and defeat. So, study these rules, practice your toss, and prepare to dominate your next cornhole match.
The Court
A proper court should be a level rectangular area ranging between 10-12 feet wide and at least 40-45 feet long. This court includes two cornhole boards, designated pitcher’s boxes, and foul lines.
The pitcher’s box, a rectangle of 4 feet by 3 feet, is situated at each end of the court, parallel with and on both sides of the boards. It’s essential to remember that all players must stay within the pitcher’s box while tossing a cornhole bag.
Foul lines are divided into two categories: adult and junior play, meant for children 12 and under. The adult foul line is an imaginary line drawn 27 feet between the front of each board. In contrast, the junior-play foul lines are set between 12-15 feet. Physically impaired adults or seniors can use the junior-play foul lines, given all players agree. These foul lines should run parallel to the front of the opposing board to meet ACA guidelines.
For indoor or covered games, your cornhole court should have a minimum 12-foot vertical clearance to avoid obstruction. If you’re setting up multiple courts, they should be at least 10 feet apart for safety and to avoid distractions, although a 12-foot distance is preferable.
Scoring Rules
Each bag you throw holds potential points. If you manage to skillfully land a bag through the hole, you’re awarded a solid 3 points.
However, if the bag doesn’t make it through the hole but remains on the board, you still earn a point. Be cautious though, as bags that fall off the board or bounce onto the board won’t add any points to your tally.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Cornhole uses ‘Cancellation Scoring’. In simpler terms, only one team can score per inning. The team with the higher score cancines out the opposing team’s points.
This style of scoring adds a layer of strategy to the game. For example, if you score 5 points and your opponent scores 2 in the same inning, you don’t both add these points to your total. Instead, you subtract their points from yours, leaving you with a net gain of 3 points for that inning.
The score is taken after all bags have been thrown for a round. The team with the highest round score adds the difference of the two scores to their game score. The winner of the round gets the honor of throwing first in the next round. If both teams have the same round score, the game score stays the same and the honor remains with the team who’d it the previous round.
Cornhole Distance Between Boards
The official cornhole board distance between boards is 27 feet, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other board. This distance is based on the standard rules of the American Cornhole Association, and it’s what you’ll find in most professional and serious amateur games.
However, not everyone plays at the same level or has the same physical abilities. For kids, seniors, or physically impaired adults, a distance of 27 feet may be too challenging. In these cases, the boards can be moved closer together, typically between 12 and 15 feet. This shorter distance makes the game more accessible, while still providing a fun and engaging challenge.
Here’s a quick breakdown of board distances:
- Standard distance: 27 feet from front edge to front edge
- Shortened distance for kids, seniors, or physically impaired adults: 12-15 feet
- If you’re making your own boards, remember to account for the 1-foot overhang at the front of each board
- Always measure from the front edges of the boards, not the back
Cornhole rules over 21
You might think that exceeding 21 points would secure a victory, but this isn’t the case. If your team’s score surpasses 21, you’re actually penalized, with your score dropping back to 13. This rule adds a layer of strategy and precision to the game, making it crucial to not just score, but to score smartly.
Now, let’s say your team pitches first and reaches 21 points. You might be ready to celebrate, but hold on. The game can’t end mid-inning. The opposing team must have their chance to pitch all of their corn bags and complete the inning. This rule ensures fairness and allows for potential comebacks, keeping the game exciting until the very end.
What happens if both teams are tied at 21 or more at the end of an inning? Well, the game doesn’t end in a draw. Play continues until one team achieves a higher score at the end of an inning, winning the match. This rule guarantees a clear winner, adding to the competitive spirit of Cornhole.
Cornhole Equipment Standards
When it comes to playing cornhole, having the right equipment is key.
You’ll want to ensure your cornhole boards and bags meet the official standards. This means boards that measure 2-ft. x 4-ft. and bags that are 6-in x 6-in and weigh roughly a pound.
Cornhole Boards
As you set up your cornhole game, remember that each board must be a precise 47½ to 48 inches long and 23½ to 24 inches wide, constructed of smooth plywood that’s at least ½-inch thick.
The hole should be 6 inches in diameter, with its center 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from the edges.
The front of the board should be 3-4 inches high, while the back should be about 12 inches off the ground.
Make sure the board finish is sanded to a very smooth texture, with no blemishes that could disrupt play.
Don’t apply non-permanent foreign substances like talc, resin, spray, or powders.
Following these standards ensures a fair and enjoyable game.
Cornhole Bags
Now that you’ve got your boards set up correctly, let’s turn our attention to the cornhole bags, a crucial part of your cornhole equipment.
These should be made from two 6¼ x 6¼ inch fabric squares with a ¼-inch stitched seam on all sides, ensuring robustness.
When lying flat, each bag should be about 1 inch thick, give or take ⅛ inch.
Fill these with plastic pellets or corn feed until they weigh between 14 and 16.25 ounces.
All bags in a set of four should be identical in color, design, and pattern.
Remember, you can’t switch bags during gameplay unless one breaks.
If that happens, you’re allowed to substitute an identical or equivalent set of 4 bags.
Foul Bag Rule Violations
Violations are categorized into impacting and non-impacting fouls. A court official or players are responsible for identifying these violations.
In a non-impacting bag violation, the bag in question doesn’t affect the gameplay or any other bag in play. It’s considered dead and is removed from play, scoring zero points for the inning.
Meanwhile, an impacting bag violation occurs when a bag affects the position of one or more bags in play. All affected bags remain in play until the end of the half-inning, at which point the offending team removes the highest-value bag from the scoring calculation.
Various actions can lead to a foul. Stepping over the foul line, stepping outside the pitcher’s box, failing to deliver within the 20-second limit, pitching from a different box, or not using an underhand release can all result in violations.
Also, never touch or move the board or bags before the score is agreed upon. If done so, it results in the non-offending team receiving three points for each prematurely removed bag.
Bags that have contacted the court or previously defined objects before resting on the board or those that have affected another bag are termed ‘dead bags’ and immediately removed from play. Understanding these rules will help you avoid penalties and improve your cornhole gameplay.
Cornhole Rules pdf
Often, you’ll find it handy to have a printable PDF of the cornhole rules for quick reference during games. This way, you’ll keep the competition fair and exciting, making sure everyone is on the same page.
The game is straightforward, but details matter in a competitive environment. Boards are placed 27ft apart, edge to edge. You score 1 point for a ‘woody,’ a bag that remains on the board, and 3 points for a ‘cornhole,’ a bag that goes through the hole. Remember, a bag touching both the ground and the board is a no-score.
Scoring is done by ‘cancellation,’ where points of one player cancel out the other’s. Only one player or team scores in each frame, ratcheting up the competitive tension. Stay in your designated lane and pitch with an underhand release. Your feet must stay behind the line at the front of the board when releasing the bag.
The game’s rhythm also has strategy. Start at board 1, alternate pitching bags, then walk to the end of the lane to take score and pitch back. The player or team who scored in the preceding frame gets the advantage of pitching first in the next frame. If no one scored, the first-pitch advantage is retained by the player who pitched first in the previous frame.
And here’s a pro tip: if bags pile up inside the hole and might interfere with the next pitch, you can request to ‘rake’ the bags. This strategic move can affect the trajectory of the game.
Conclusion
Mastering cornhole isn’t just about perfecting your toss. It’s about knowing the rules and scoring system inside out. Understanding the precise distance between boards, the rules for scoring over 21, and utilizing a comprehensive PDF guide can dramatically up your game.
So, don’t just play, strategize. Analyze your toss, adjust your tactics, and watch as your cornhole prowess soars. Remember, knowledge is power, and in cornhole, it’s the key to victory.