Cornhole is one of the most popular outdoor games in America, often being played at events such as picnics or tailgating. Put simply, the objective of cornhole is to toss bean bags through an inclined board with a hole near the top.

Because of the accessible nature of the game, cornhole is enjoyed around the United States by people of all ages. Its popularity has even sparked a professional cornhole league that can be seen on TV.

Where Was Cornhole Invented?

The exact origins of cornhole are unknown. Some claim the game was invented in 14th century Germany, while others claim it has Native American roots. In modern times, its popularity can be attributed to the Midwestern United States, with ties to Cincinnati.

Not only is the origin of cornhole unknown, but it is also unknown why it is called cornhole! Common theories include that the bean bags were originally filled with corn, or that regional slang referred to the hole in the board as a cornhole.

How to Play Cornhole

The exact rules of cornhole will vary depending on regional preferences, event, or whose house you are playing at. However, there are some basic rules followed by the majority of players.

• Cornhole games are often made up of two teams of two players, though singles is a popular format as well.
• There are 8 bean bags (made up of 2 colors), with each team having 4 of the same color.
• There are 2 cornhole boards placed apart (regulation is 27 feet), facing front edge to front edge.
• Players stand behind or to the side of the cornhole board, with partners facing each other from opposite boards.
• One side of players will begin tossing their bean bags, with each team alternating who throws.
• After all 8 bean bags have been thrown, the other side of players will take their turn.
• Often, the team who goes first is the one who ended the round with a higher score.
• The game of cornhole continues until one team reaches 21 points or an agreed upon score.

How Far Apart Should Cornhole Boards Be

Cornhole boards should be placed 27 feet apart on a flat surface. The regulation size for a cornhole board is 2’x4’, though many people also play with portable 2’x3’ cornhole boards.

How to Score Cornhole

• A bag that lands on the board and remains there at the end of the round earns 1 point.
• A bag that goes through the hole earns 3 points.
• Only one team can score points each round because points cancel each other out. For example, if one team scores 4 points and the other scores 2 points, the first team earns 2 points for that round.
• The first team to reach or exceed 21 points at the conclusion of a round wins the game.
• Winning by 2 is not always required but is a common house rule.

Can You Bust in Cornhole?

Some people play with an alternate rule that exceeding 21 points results in a bust. For example, if a team has a score of 18 points and earns 4 points to bring their total to 22, they would "bust" and their score would be reset. Depending on the house rule, the reset will result in a lower score (such as 11), or resetting back to what they had at the beginning of the round.

Cornhole Fouls

• A bag that touches the ground before landing on the board or in the hole does not count.
• If a player steps over the front edge of the board during their throw, it's considered a foul, and the throw doesn't count.
• If a bag hits the ground and bounces onto the board or into the hole, it doesn't count.
• If a bag touches the ground after hitting the board and before coming to rest, it's removed from play.

A bag that is hanging off the edge but is not touching the ground is not considered a foul. It is also not a foul to hit another player’s bean bag off of the board and onto the ground.

Is Cornhole a Sport?

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of a sport is “an activity involving physical exertion and skill, esp. (particularly in modern use) one regulated by set rules or customs in which an individual or team competes against another or others.”

By that definition, cornhole is absolutely a sport! To add further proof, the American Cornhole League can be found on ESPN, and there are even movements to have cornhole added to the Olympics.

Where to Buy Cornhole

Cornhole Sets and Accessories can be bought directly from Grand New Flag. Our cornhole boards and bags are 100% Made in the USA with durable materials. We offer regulation sized cornhole boards, portable cornhole boards, replacement bean bag sets, and more.

Don’t go through the hassle of building your own cornhole set - we offer cornhole boards with a custom design.