If you’ve always just played cornhole for fun, you might not realize that there is a designated cornhole board distance to properly set the game up for play. While the rules you play by in your own backyard aren’t as important to get just right, it’s still a good idea to be familiar with the actual rules, especially if you plan to play in a league or tournament in the future.
In this guide, we will break down the exact distance and setup for your cornhole game. We will also share some tips for modifying setup if you’re short on space or have a player struggling to go the distance.
Official Rules for Cornhole Board Distance
There is a set distance that the cornhole boards should be apart for a good game of cornhole. The official rules of the game are governed by the American Cornhole Association. This is the best resource to truly understand what is required.
There are also many best practices that come alongside the rules. The best practices are meant to help you have the best setup for the best game play.
For example, in a moment, we will share the cornhole board distance regulations. But something that might also be helpful with setup is ensuring you are on mostly level ground and hard ground is even recommended when possible. Although, the perfect mix of hard and soft might help with any bounce that you’re hoping to get with a toss.
As far as space needed for the game, you will need approximately 45 feet of length to set up the cornhole boards properly. In addition to the length, plan to have somewhere between 8 and 10 feet of width surrounding the boards as well.
These rules do vary slightly for junior players so here’s the difference for your reference. Take note that the total width surrounding the boards should still be the same for both adults and junior players.
Adult Player Distances
Adults are expected to throw slightly farther, which makes sense. In the distance between the boards, there should be 27 feet from end to end of the cornhole boards. In other words, the boards should be facing each and the front ends should be 27 feet apart, or very close to that number.
Around each side’s cornhole board, there needs to be about 10 feet surrounding it. This should be split on both sides so about 3 feet on each side. The cornhole board takes up a portion of the 10 feet. This provides a pitcher’s box space on each side of the boards for you to stand in for the toss.
When you go to a tournament or play in a league, there are often multiple boards set up for multiple teams or games. Typically, the boards should be a minimum of 12 feet away from each other and in a straight line.
Junior Player Distances
Junior players are younger and typically have a little less strength behind their toss. They are still developing and honing their skills. For that reason, these players are allowed to shorten the distance between the boards by 6 foot. It’s not a huge difference but it certainly could impact their play results.
For junior players, the distance from the front side of one cornhole board to the front side of the other, should be 21 feet, instead of 27 feet. This makes a really great toss more attainable for the junior players.
Just like the adult setup, there should be 8-10 feet of width surrounding the cornhole boards. This space provides the pitcher’s box. When several games are set up, they should be approximately 12 feet apart.
The reason these numbers stay the same is because the regulation cornhole boards are the same size for juniors and adults. The only difference is the distance of the toss between the boards.
Cornhole Game Setup Basics
Once you have the boards measured out and set up appropriately, you can start preparing for game play. We recommend using a tape measure to measure out the distance. Do your best to set the boards up straight from each other. A chalk line might be helpful for this process.
Now, here’s the rest of the story for setup. Your cornhole boards are going to be facing each other. The far end or top end of the boards should be slightly elevated at an angle. The boards are naturally made to stand this way with legs that produce the angle on the top end.
You can play with 2-4 players. This defines whether you are playing as singles or teams. Even with teams, you only need 2 boards and 2 sets of beanbags. It is recommended that each team have a different color of beanbags to easily keep them separated from each other.
Every bean bag set should have 4 bags, and that is how many you will toss each round.
Gameplay and Scoring
Each player will step up to their pitcher’s box. They must remain in that box for the entire toss. They can use either side to toss from. They simply can’t cross out of the pitcher’s box, or it’s a foul toss.
The goal is to land on the board or make it through the hole of the opposing cornhole board. For every bag that lands on the board and stays there, you make 1 point. For every bag that goes through the hole, you make 3 points. This counts even for bags that slide through the hole. Points are totaled after all 4 bags are thrown.
If the bag is touching the ground in any way, it’s zero points. This includes bags hanging halfway off the board as well.
Enjoy the Game!
Now that you’ve got all the basics of gameplay and you know how to go the distance, it’s time to simply enjoy the game! If you need quality cornhole boards or custom-designed boards, Skips Garage can hook you up. We have a variety of options and use high-quality handmade procedures for every board.