Cornhole 101: Understanding the Rules and Terminology

Welcome to Cornhole 101! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, this guide will break down the basic rules and key terminology to help you get started and play like a pro.

The Basic Rules of Cornhole

Cornhole is a competitive lawn game that’s great for tailgates, barbecues, family gatherings or tournament play. The objective is simple: toss bean bags at a board with a hole in it, and score points based on where your bags land. Let’s break down the rules.

• Players: The game is played with 4 players, 2 on each team. Players face each other, with team members standing at opposite boards.
• Distance: Boards are set up 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other.
• Foul Line: Players must not cross the foul line, which is an imaginary line at the front edge of the board . Stepping over or on the foul line results in a foul.
• Alternating Turns: Players alternate throws until all bags are tossed.
• Objective: The first team to reach 21 points or more wins.
• Scoring:
• Lands on the board: 1 point
• Goes into the hole: 3 points
• Foul bag: 0 points (a bag that lands on the ground or rolls off the board)

The official method of scoring in cornhole is cancellation scoring, which means that the points of one player/team cancel out the points of their opponent. Only one team can score in each inning (round).

Key Terminology in Cornhole

To really get into the game, it helps to understand some of the unique terminology. Here are the terms you’ll hear most often:

• Airmail: When a player tosses a bag that goes directly into the hole without touching the board.
• Backstop: A bag that comes to rest directly behind the hole, preventing other bags from sliding off the back.
• Blocker: A bag that comes to rest directly in front of the hole, obstructing other bags from going in.
• Cancellation: The official scoring method, where one team’s points cancel out the opponent’s. Only one team can score in each inning.
• Corn-Fusion: The playful confusion that arises when players can’t agree on scoring or a rules decision.
• Cornhole: A bag that lands in the hole, worth 3 points.
• Dirty Bag: A bag that hits the ground before landing on the board. It’s worth 0 points and should be removed.
• Foul: A violation of the game rules. Examples include stepping on the foul line or throwing a dirty bag.
• Four Bagger: When a player gets all four of their bags into the hole during one inning.
• Hanger: A bag that rests on the board but is partially hanging into the hole.
• Inning: A round where each player throws all four of their bags.
• Push Bag: When a player’s bag pushes another bag into the hole.
• Slick Woody: A bag that slides all the way up the board and lands in the hole.
• Woody: A bag that lands on the top of the board, worth 1 point.

Now you’ve got a solid foundation in both the rules and terminology of cornhole! Grab your bags, set up the boards, and get ready to have some fun with friends and family. Whether you’re playing casually or competing seriously, understanding these basics will help you enjoy the game to its fullest.

Happy tossing!