Cornhole is quickly taking over backyard barbeques and tailgating parties everywhere. Whether you are looking to take the game to the next level or are just getting to know the game, you should familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the cornhole game.
With so many different technicalities regarding cornhole game dimensions- boards, bags, and throwing- you may find that you have been playing incorrectly. And what’s the point of playing if you’re not going to do it right, right?
Cornhole Court Layout
Just like almost every other game, cornhole has its own “court.” The entire cornhole game dimensions should be 10 feet wide and at least 45 feet in length. We recommend setting up your field north to south (rather than east to west) to reduce sun interference. If your game is being played inside, or under a tent, there must be a 12 foot height clearance for tossing.
- Pitcher’s Zones: The pitching zones are basically the same size as the cornhole board, and are on both sides of the board. The zone is 4 feet by 3 feet; the player must stay inside of these dimensions to make the toss count.
- Foul Lines: The foul lines are the imaginary lines that run with the front of the cornhole board. The foul line should be 30 feet from the opponents’ hole in their cornhole board. If there are adolescents or children playing, their foul line is 21 feet from the opposing team’s hole in their cornhole board- it is best to mark this line for the younger players.
- More than One Cornhole Game: If there are multiple games of cornhole happening simultaneously, they should be at least 10, preferably 12, feet apart from each other.
Equipment Regulations
The court lengths aren’t the only specifics in this game; there are also cornhole bag dimensions and rules that apply to cornhole boards.
Cornhole Bags
This game is not played with your ordinary beanbags; cornhole bag dimensions are special! The end product should be a 6 inch square bag, weighing in at 14 to 16 ounces.
Start out with 12 inches of canvas, and cut into two identical squares (making sure the fabric color will be easy to spot in a game of cornhole). The bag should be filled with about two cups of corn feed and double stitched on all four sides.
Cornhole Boards
You can buy custom cornhole boards that are all finished and ready to go. Or, you can build your own. But if you choose to build your own, be sure to abide by the regulated cornhole board dimensions.
Additionally, the board should be sanded to a smooth finish, getting rid of any bumps or splinters that may interfere with a toss. When it comes to painting cornhole boards, you must cover the surface with a high gloss latex paint. This special type of paint will make the board smooth enough for the cornhole bags to slide, but won’t make them glide off of the board. White is the most common color for cornhole boards, but any non-distracting color that is easy to see is acceptable.
Though there are specific rules and dimensions for the game of cornhole, that doesn’t mean it has to be a serious, competitive sport! Cornhole is a laid back, family friendly game. These regulations are just to amplify the fun of the game!