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How Far Apart Are Cornhole Boards Supposed to Be
If you’ve ever played cornhole or seen it at a backyard BBQ, you know it’s more than just tossing bean bags—it’s about skill, accuracy, and yes, the right distance between those boards.
After doing a bit of digging into the official rules and the history of the game, I’ve put together this guide to answer the question that’s been asked by both newbies and seasoned players alike: How far apart are cornhole boards supposed to be?
Quick Answer for the Curious.
How far apart are cornhole boards supposed to be: Cornhole boards should be placed 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge for regulation play. This distance ensures fair gameplay and is part of the official rules. Keep reading below for more details on how this affects your game and why it’s so important.
Introduction to Cornhole: A Game of Precision and Fun
Cornhole is one of those games that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master. Whether you’re at a tailgate, a family gathering, or just having fun in your backyard, cornhole brings people together. But as simple as it seems, there’s a lot more to the game than meets the eye, especially when it comes to setting up the boards.
So, why does the distance between cornhole boards matter so much? Well, after trying different setups and researching the rules, I found that the distance not only affects how you play but also how much fun you’ll have. Let’s dive into why this is and how you can ensure your setup is spot-on.
The Official Cornhole Board Distance: What You Need to Know
When it comes to cornhole, the magic number is 27 feet. According to the American Cornhole Association (ACA), the boards should be exactly 27 feet apart from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other. This distance is designed to balance the challenge with the fun, making sure that every toss requires skill without being impossible.
But here’s the kicker: if you’re playing casually, this distance can be adjusted. For kids or beginners, you might want to shorten the distance to make the game more approachable. However, if you’re planning to compete or just want to play by the official rules, stick to the 27 feet.
Pro Tip: Use a measuring tape to get the distance just right. Eyeballing it can lead to frustration when the game feels off.
Why the Distance Matters: The Impact on Your Game
You might wonder why 27 feet is the sweet spot. I wondered too, so I looked into it. The distance between cornhole boards affects several aspects of the game:
- Difficulty Level: At 27 feet, the game requires just the right amount of skill. It’s not too easy, where every throw lands perfectly, but it’s not so hard that you’re missing every shot.
- Fairness: When the boards are the correct distance apart, the game is fair for all players. Everyone is working with the same challenge, which levels the playing field.
- Consistency: Whether you’re playing in your backyard or at a cornhole tournament, having a consistent distance means you can practice effectively and know what to expect.
I set the boards closer together when I first started playing because I thought it would be easier. But what I found was that it made the game less exciting and, honestly, a bit boring. Once I moved them to the correct distance, the game became more challenging and fun.
How to Set Up Cornhole Boards: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the importance of distance, let’s talk about how to set up your boards. Trust me, it’s worth taking the time to do this right.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
- Measuring tape (at least 30 feet long)
- Chalk or markers to outline the position
- Level to ensure the boards are even
Step 2: Find the Perfect Spot Look for a flat area with enough space. Ideally, you’ll want at least 10 feet of space around the boards so players can move freely.
Step 3: Measure the Distance Using your measuring tape, measure 27 feet from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other. Mark the spots with chalk or another marker.
Step 4: Position the Boards Place the boards on the marked spots. Use a level to make sure they’re even—uneven boards can seriously mess with your throws.
Step 5: Check and Adjust Step back and make sure everything looks right. Adjust the boards if necessary and then get ready to play!
Bonus Tip: If you’re setting up on grass, consider placing a piece of plywood under each board to keep them stable.
Variations in Cornhole Board Placement: Adjusting for Different Players
While the 27-foot distance is standard, it’s not set in stone for every situation. Here are some variations you might want to consider:
For Kids: Shorten the distance to about 15-20 feet. This makes it easier for them to participate and enjoy the game without feeling frustrated.
For Casual Play: If you’re just having a relaxed game, you can set the boards 20-25 feet apart. This still keeps the game challenging but a bit less intense than the full 27 feet.
For Smaller Spaces: If you’re playing indoors or in a smaller yard, you can adjust the distance to fit your space. Just be aware that this will change the dynamics of the game.
When I play with friends who are new to cornhole, I often start with the boards closer together. It makes the game more welcoming, and once everyone gets the hang of it, we move them to the official distance.
How Far Apart Are Cornhole Boards: Common Mistakes
Even though setting up cornhole boards seems simple, there are some common mistakes that can throw off your game:
- Not Measuring the Distance: Guessing how far apart are cornhole boards supposed to be often leads to boards being too close or too far apart, which can make the game less enjoyable.
- Uneven Ground: If your boards aren’t level, it can cause the bags to slide in unexpected ways, making the game frustrating.
- Not Securing the Boards: If the boards move when a bag hits them, it can mess up the game. Make sure they’re stable before you start playing.
FAQ Section: All Your Cornhole Questions Answered
How far apart are cornhole boards supposed to be?
The official distance is 27 feet from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other. This distance is standard for regulation play and ensures that the game is both challenging and fair.
What happens if you go over 21 in cornhole?
In traditional cornhole rules, if a team scores more than 21 points, their score is reduced to 15, and the game continues. This rule keeps the game competitive and adds an extra layer of strategy.
Why is it called cornhole?
The game is called cornhole because the bags were originally filled with dried corn kernels. The objective is to toss the corn-filled bags into the hole on the board, hence “cornhole.”
How do you score cornhole?
Scoring in cornhole is straightforward: 3 points for a bag that goes through the hole, and 1 point for a bag that lands on the board. The first team to reach or exceed 21 points wins, unless the “going over 21” rule applies.