How to Play Corn Toss — Complete Rules Guide
Everything you need to know to play corn toss (also known as cornhole): from setting up the boards to tournament scoring rules.
What Is Corn Toss?
Corn toss (also called cornhole, bean bag toss, or baggo) is a lawn game where players take turns throwing small bags filled with corn kernels at a raised platform with a hole in it. The goal is to land bags on the board or through the hole to score points.
It's one of the most popular outdoor games in the United States, especially for tailgating, backyard parties, camping, and barbecues. The game is simple to learn but offers enough strategy to keep competitive players engaged for years.
Equipment You'll Need
| Item | Specification |
|---|
| Cornhole Boards | 2 boards, each 2' × 4' (24" × 48") with a 6" hole centered 9" from the top |
| Corn Bags | 8 bags total (4 per team), each 6" × 6", weighing 14-16 oz |
| Playing Surface | Flat area at least 45' × 10' |
Official boards should be regulation size, but casual play can use any flat surface with a hole cut into it.
How to Set Up the Court
- Place the boards 27 feet apart (from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other).
- Face the boards toward each other on a flat, level surface.
- Set the pitcher's box — each board has a designated area to the left and right for the throwing player.
- Divide into teams — corn toss is typically played 2 vs 2 (doubles) or 1 vs 1 (singles).
💡 Pro Tip: For casual backyard play, the 27-foot distance can feel long for beginners. Feel free to shorten it to 20-24 feet while learning.
Basic Rules of Corn Toss
Game Play
- Each team has 4 bags of the same color.
- Players take turns throwing bags at the opposite board.
- In doubles play, partners stand at opposite boards — one throws from each end.
- All 8 bags are thrown in a single frame (4 per team), then scoring is tallied.
- The team that scored in the previous frame throws first in the next frame.
Throwing Rules
- The thrower must release the bag within 20 seconds.
- The player's foot must remain behind the front edge of the board.
- Bags may be thrown underhand or sidearm — overhand is not allowed in official play.
- A bag that hits the ground before landing on the board does not count and must be removed.
Scoring System
| Result | Points | Description |
|---|
| 🔴 Hole (Cornhole) | 3 points | Bag passes completely through the hole |
| 🟢 Board (Woody) | 1 point | Bag lands and stays on the board surface |
| ⚪ Foul Bag | 0 points | Bag hits ground, bounces off player, or touches ground first |
Cancellation Scoring
Corn toss uses cancellation scoring — only one team scores per frame. Here's how it works:
Example:
Team A scores 2 hole-in-ones (6 pts) + 1 board (1 pt) = 7 pts
Team B scores 1 hole-in-one (3 pts) + 2 boards (2 pts) = 5 pts
→ Team A nets 2 points for the frame (7-5)
The simple way to remember: subtract the lower score from the higher score. Only the difference counts.
Winning the Game
- Standard play: First team to 21 points wins.
- The winning team must win by at least 2 points (some tournament formats).
- If both teams reach 21 in the same frame, the team with more points after the full frame wins.
Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Aim for the hole, but don't force it. A bag on the board is worth 1 point; a missed bag is worth 0. Consistency beats hero shots.
- Develop a consistent toss. Use the same grip, stance, and release every time. Muscle memory is everything.
- Learn to block. If your opponent has bags on the board, try to knock them off with a well-placed toss.
- Use the bounce. Some players prefer "air mail" (directly into the hole), others use a slide approach. Try both and see what works.
- Watch the wind. Outdoor games are affected by wind. Adjust your aim accordingly.
- Practice at different distances. Start closer, then move back to the full 27 feet as you improve.
Common Variations
| Variant | How It Works |
|---|
| Pro / 21 | Standard rules to 21 points |
| 15 | Faster game — first to 15 wins |
| Round-the-Clock | Each bag must go on the board or through the hole before the next bag can be thrown |
| Horse | Players must match each other's shots; miss a shot and get a letter |
| 4-Player Teams | Two teams of 2, partners at opposite boards |
Try the Browser Game
Practice your corn toss skills with our interactive browser game — no equipment needed! Drag to aim and toss virtual corn bags.
🎮 Play Corn Toss Online →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is corn toss the same as cornhole?
Yes. Corn toss, cornhole, bean bag toss, bag toss, and baggo all refer to the same game. "Corn toss" emphasizes the throwing action, while "cornhole" refers to the goal of getting the bag through the hole.
How far apart are cornhole boards?
Official regulation distance is 27 feet from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other. For casual play or beginners, 20-24 feet is common.
How many points to win at corn toss?
Standard games go to 21 points. Some tournament formats require the winner to lead by 2 or more points.
What's a cornhole worth?
A bag that goes through the hole (a "cornhole") is worth 3 points. A bag that lands and stays on the board (a "woody") is worth 1 point.
Can you play corn toss indoors?
Yes! You can play indoors with lighter bags or soft practice bags. Just ensure enough space for the 27-foot (or shorter) court.