
Rules & Regulations
Objective of the Game
Cornhole is played by tossing fabric bags toward a raised platform (board) with a hole. Players score points by landing bags on the board or through the hole. The objective is to be the first team to reach 21 points or more using ACL cancellation scoring.
Equipment Standards
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Boards
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Regulation size: 48” long x 24” wide
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Hole: 6 inches in diameter, centered 9 inches from the top of the board
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Board Height
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Front edge: 3–4 inches off the ground
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Back edge: 12 inches off the ground
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Bags
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Eight identical bags total (four per team)
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ACL-approved resin-filled bags may be required for sanctioned events
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Court Setup Guidelines
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Distance Between Boards
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Boards are placed 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of each board (ACL regulation).
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Pitcher’s Box
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Standard pitcher’s box dimensions are 3 feet wide by 4 feet long.
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For non-sanctioned or recreational events, pitcher’s box dimensions may be adjusted at the discretion of Marana Baggers Cornhole.
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Foul Line
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The foul line is the front edge of the board.
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Players must remain completely behind the foul line while throwing and may not step on or cross the line during a throw.
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Court Spacing
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Adequate clearance must be maintained around each court for safe player movement.
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Teams & Match Format
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Games are typically played as doubles (two players per team).
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Teammates stand at opposite boards and must throw from the same side of the board directly across from their partner.
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Singles play follows the same rules, with one player per side.
Game Play Rules
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A coin toss may be used to determine which team throws first to start the game.
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Teams alternate throwing bags until all 8 bags have been thrown.
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All throws must be made underhand.
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Players must throw from within their assigned pitcher’s box.
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Players must remain behind the foul line during the throw.
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A round is complete once all bags have been thrown.
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Once the game has begun, the team that scored in the previous round throws first in the next round.
Scoring (ACL Cancellation Scoring)
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Bag in the hole (Cornhole): 3 points
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Bag on the board (Woody): 1 point
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Bag off the board or contacting the ground first: 0 points
Cancellation Scoring Explained
Only one team scores per round. The team with the higher total subtracts the lower total from their score.
Example:
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Team A scores 7 points
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Team B scores 5 points
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Team A earns 2 points for the round
Winning the Game
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The first team to reach 21 points or more at the conclusion of a round wins the game.
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There is no requirement to land exactly on 21.
Fouls & Violations
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Crossing or stepping on the foul line during a throw
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Throwing from the incorrect side of the board
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Throwing out of turn
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Bags that strike the ground before landing on the board do not count
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Intentionally distracting opponents
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Unsportsmanlike conduct
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Moving or adjusting boards during play
Tournament Rules & Conduct
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Certain events may require ACL-approved equipment.
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All rule interpretations, disputes, and enforcement decisions are handled by the
Marana Baggers Cornhole Tournament Director. -
The Tournament Director’s decision is final.
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All players are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect at all times.
Marana Baggers Cornhole
Delivering organized, competitive, and fun cornhole events for players of all skill levels.
