Key Takeaways 

• Cornhole boards should be placed 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge for regulation play.

• For kids, seniors, beginners, or players who need a shorter setup, you can move the boards closer, usually around 12 to 15 feet apart. 

• Ollie’s has everything you need to make this summer a memorable one. 

It’s the backyard debate nobody wants during a cookout: how far apart should cornhole boards be? Before anyone starts measuring with flip-flops or declaring “house rules,” it helps to know the official setup.

Below, we’ll cover regulation cornhole distance, basic cornhole dimensions, simple scoring, backyard bag toss setup tips, and ways to make the game fun for every player.

What Is Cornhole?

Before we even get into the nitty-gritty of cornhole distance, let’s get to the basics. What exactly is the game, and why are cornhole measurements important for setting up the game properly?

Cornhole is a very popular lawn game where players take turns throwing fabric bean bags toward angled boards with holes at one end. The game is popular at cookouts and in breweries. It is easy to set up and learn, and it’s flexible, as it can be played with up to eight players. 

• Cornhole Equipment 

The official bean bag toss board dimensions are 2 feet by 4 feet; the hole of the board should be positioned at 9 inches from the top of the board with a 6-inch diameter. Cornhole bags should be in contrasting colors, and each team should have four. The bags are 6 inches by 6 inches and should weigh about a pound. The size of cornhole boards and bags is important to ensure you are playing by regulations. 

• Cornhole Setup

Here is where we clear up any confusion about cornhole spacing! The official cornhole distance is 27 feet from front edge to front edge of the boards. It is important to note that this is from the front edge of the boards. There can be confusion about where to begin measuring for 27 feet. 

Now, these are for the regulation cornhole distance. The boards can be shifted for children, seniors, those with physical disabilities, or those who simply want an easier game! For this setup, the boards can be placed 12-15 feet apart from the front edge to the front edge. 

• Cornhole Rules
  

• Cornhole is usually played with two players or four players divided into two teams. For casual backyard games, you can adjust teams so everyone gets a turn. 

• Players must throw their bags in an underhand motion from the side of the board. This makes cornhole distance very important. If the game is improperly set up, certain players can have an advantage. 

• Players alternate throwing their bags with the other team. 

• The score is counted after all eight bags have been thrown in an inning. 

• The team that has the higher score in the inning gets to pitch first next inning. 

• Cornhole Scoring
  

• A bag that lands on the board is one point.

• A bag that goes through the board hole is three points. 

• A bag that lands on the ground is worth zero points. 

• Players can either total up scores, play where only the winning team from each inning gets to keep their points, or play where the higher scoring team earns the difference in points. 

• Most games are played to 21 points. 

These are the official cornhole setup rules and regulations but, of course, you can always shift these rules, like the cornhole distance, to meet the needs of your individual players. The point is to have fun, and cornhole spacing and dimensions can all be adjusted to make sure everyone enjoys the game. 

How To Measure Cornhole Distance Correctly

If you do want to keep things regulation, we are here to help you set up your cornhole game perfectly. We went over the official corn toss board dimensions and rules for playing cornhole. But here are some tips for making sure your setup is ready for the game. 

• Set up on an Even Surface

First things first, we need an even surface to be able to play cornhole. You don’t want your opponent claiming that you had some sort of unfair advantage when you totally wipe the floor with them! Find a spot of level land with enough space for the right cornhole distance. Grab a level if it’ll stop any bad sportsmanship; heck, most people have an app on their phone! The surface being level is almost as important as the bag toss board distance. 

• Use a Measuring Tape 

Take a measuring tape and measure 27 feet from front edge to front edge between the boards. This is crucial to make sure that the cornhole spacing is even and fair for both teams. It’ll help to have someone hold the measuring tape against the front edge of one board so that you can measure out to the front edge of another. 

• Measure Twice

It’s the old sewing adage: measure twice and cut once. Measuring the cornhole distance twice and getting someone else, maybe from the opposite team, to confirm the distance is the best way to ensure that the game is played fairly. 

Other Backyard Cornhole Setup Tips

Beyond the measurements and dimensions, we have a few more tips for setting up backyard cornhole. 

• Be Flexible With Players Who Need More Help

It’s not worth it to harp on the question of “how many feet apart for cornhole?” when you are playing with much younger players, older players, or players who need a little help. Adjust the distance to what works for these players and let them get in on the fun!

• Get Help With the Setup 

Getting multiple eyes on the setup has multiple benefits: many hands make light work, and many eyes prevent cousin Jared from complaining that the cornhole distance isn’t fair when he loses. You helped set it up, Jared!

• Remember to Have Fun

Again, this is a game. Some competitive spirit is always fun, but it is not worth it to get upset with the people you love! Enjoy the sun, enjoy the game, and go kick some cornhole butt (in a fun way!)

Get All Your Summer Essentials In One Place

Whether you’re planning a backyard game day, cookout, tailgate, or summer get-together, Ollie’s is a great place to hunt for rotating seasonal finds. You may spot outdoor games, snacks, patio items, condiments, summer essentials, and other Good Stuff Cheap® to help make the day more fun. 

Check out our current flyer to see what is going on in our ever-changing aisles. Join Ollie’s Army to earn points on every purchase, and use our store locator to find an Ollie’s near you. 

Ollie’s is your go-to spot to find Good Stuff Cheap all summer long.