If you’ve been shopping for cornhole equipment, you probably have a few questions. For example, “Why do I need regulation cornhole boards?”
What are Regulation Cornhole Boards?
Regulation cornhole boards (or sometimes referred to as official cornhole boards) are part of a cornhole game set that can be used for tournament play.
Why Do I Need Official Cornhole Boards?
Cornhole tournaments usually have rules and regulations regarding the equipment that can be used. This helps standardize play for everyone, making sure no one has an unfair advantage over other competitors.
Even if you aren’t buying cornhole boards with the intention of entering a tournament, you should still consider purchasing official cornhole boards. You might, at some point in your life, want to enter an official competition. It would be disappointing if you were excluded from play because your equipment wasn’t up to par.
What Makes a Set “Official?”
There are several organizations that govern official cornhole tournaments—like the American Cornhole Association and the American Cornhole Organization. Players can register with these groups to log their cornhole play and enter to win prizes.
For these types of tournaments, regulation cornhole boards must adhere to strict guidelines. For example:
- Cornhole boards must be made of wood (there is a notable difference between play on plastic cornhole boards and wood boards).
- The surface of the board must be constructed from half inch plywood.
- It is preferable to use boards that have solid wood sides (the only opening to the underside of the board is through the hole).
- The surface of the cornhole board must be totally smooth—free of any blemishes that could disrupt the bags’ slide.
- Cornhole boards must be painted with high-gloss, latex paint. This ensures a playing surface that is slippery enough for bags to slide, but not so slick that bags slide back down.
- Most cornhole boards used in officially sanctioned tournaments are painted a solid color (usually white). This reduces any optic malfunction. Boards with special designs, decals, etc. aren’t typically used.
If you won’t be playing in a tournament sanctioned by one of these organizations, the regulations are much less strict.
Local cornhole tournaments usually still enforce the use of official cornhole boards, but the regulations usually only extend to the construction of the boards. In these cases, your regulation cornhole boards must simply be in alignment with these cornhole board measurements that have become standard for almost all play.
While you’re at it, you had better check here to make sure you have regulation cornhole bags too.
The best cornhole boards are ones that are versatile—equipment that lets you play in your backyard and enter tournaments. In order to be prepared for any type of play, it is best to purchase regulation cornhole boards from the very beginning.