The Ultimate Guide to Cornhole: Rules, Strategy, and the Key to Playing Like a Pro

The Ultimate Guide to Cornhole: Rules, Strategy, and the Key to Playing Like a Pro

Cornhole, or "bags" as it’s sometimes called, is the game that brings together family, friends, and neighbors for a fun time in the backyard or at your favorite tailgate. It’s the perfect mix of skill, luck, and just the right amount of competition. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking to learn the ropes, this guide will walk you through the rules, strategies, scoring, and everything else you need to know to become a cornhole master!

The Basics: How to Play Cornhole

Cornhole is simple enough that even a complete beginner can jump in and have fun. Here's how it works:

1. Set up the Boards: Cornhole is played with two boards, each measuring 24" x 48" and placed 27 feet apart (yes, 27 feet – not for the faint of heart!). For those playing in a more relaxed setting, you can adjust the distance based on your group’s skill level or available space.

2. The Bags: Cornhole bags are typically made of durable fabric and filled with corn kernels or similar material. Most players prefer to use a bag thats filled with resin. Resin bags will not create a slick dust when they hit the boards, tend to be very water resistant (corn bags swell when they get wet), and are considered to be more hole friendly. You’ll need eight bags in total – four of one color and four of another.

3. The Objective: The goal of the game is simple – toss your bags onto the board and try to land them in the hole for 3 points. If your bag just rests on the board, it’s worth 1 point. But beware – your opponent can knock your bag off the board or into the hole if they land a bag nearby.

How Scoring Works in Cornhole

Now, let’s break down how scoring works because let’s face it—nothing ruins a fun game like getting confused about points.

• 3 Points: A bag that lands inside the hole.

• 1 Point: A bag that rests on the board without falling off.

• 0 Points: A bag that falls off the board or misses the board entirely.

Here’s where things get interesting: Cornhole uses cancellation scoring. This means that after each round, you subtract the points your opponent scored from your own. So if you score 4 points and your opponent scores 3, your net score for that round is 1 point. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game. We believe in going as far over 21 as possible. Thats how the pro's play so who can argue with that? In some instances you can handicap each team by making them hit 21 exactly or risk going "back" to a score of 13. We will leave it up to you, but like every sport on the planet, the more points the better!

The Strategy: Tossing Your Way to Victory

Cornhole may look like a simple game, but strategy plays a huge role, especially as you start getting more competitive. Here are some pro-level tips to up your game:

1. The Block Shot: Sometimes, it’s not about getting a bag in the hole; it’s about blocking your opponent’s path. By landing a bag in front of the hole, you make it harder for them to score points.

2. The Slide Shot: This is when you intentionally toss your bag so it slides into the hole—perfect for knocking an opponent’s bag off the board or into the hole.

3. The Push Shot: A great tactic when your opponent has a bag in the hole. You can throw your bag with enough force to push their bag into the hole without knocking it out.

4. The Air Mail: If you’re feeling bold, this is when you aim for the hole with your bag in mid-air, often sailing over other bags to land directly in the hole. It’s a tough shot, but nothing feels better than nailing it.

The Perfect Setup: Boards and Bags Matter

Just like you wouldn’t want to play basketball with a deflated ball, you don’t want to play cornhole with bad equipment. Here’s what to look for when setting up your game:

1. The Right Cornhole Boards:

• Material: Premium boards are made from baltic birch plywood, and they should be smooth but not slippery, with every edge rounded over. They should also be lightweight enough for easy transport but sturdy enough so that bags do not bounce when they hit the boards. The cheaper the boards, the more they bounce.

• Size and Height: Make sure the boards are 24" x 48", and the height of the board should be 12" from the ground at the back, tapering down to 0" at the front.

2. Quality Cornhole Bags:

• Fabric: Go for durable, weather-resistant fabric so that your bags last no matter what the weather throws at you. Remember, the dual-sided design—slick on one side and sticky on the other—helps with different playing surfaces and even helps keep the bags on the board if you are a heavy thrower (throw hard and fast). Most companies offer a "Pro" version of their bags. This is premium materials that have their own speeds. The "Pro" bags are perfect for someone who consistently plays.​

The Importance of Proper Distance Between Boards

We mentioned earlier that the boards should be placed 27 feet apart for regulation play, but this is key: the distance ensures that you’re really testing your throwing skills. If you’re just having fun with family, though, feel free to bring that distance down to a more manageable level (e.g., 20 feet for kids or beginners). But for the full cornhole experience, stick to those official measurements!

Final Thoughts: Cornhole is for Everyone!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just tossing bags for fun, cornhole is the ultimate backyard game that brings everyone together. Understanding the rules, scoring, and some basic strategy can help take your game to the next level. But at the end of the day, it’s all about having fun, relaxing with friends, and enjoying the simple joy of tossing bags!

Don’t forget—FanBags Cornhole has everything you need to make your cornhole experience top-notch. Premium boards, durable bags, and custom setups are just a click away!

So get your bags, find your boards, and let the fun begin—whether you’re playing for bragging rights or just a casual afternoon of tossing!