cornhole rules pdf

2.1. Objective of the Game

The primary objective in Cornhole is to score points by throwing bags onto or through the hole of the opponent’s board. Players aim to land their bags in the hole or on the board to accumulate points. The cancellation scoring system means that points scored by one player cancel out the opponent’s points for that round. The goal is to have the highest remaining points after cancellations. Proper technique and strategy are essential to outscore opponents. Each player takes turns pitching their bags, and the game continues until a winner is determined based on the scoring criteria. The objective is straightforward, focusing on accuracy and consistency in bag placement.

2.2. Court Dimensions and Setup

A regulation Cornhole court measures 40 feet in length and 8 feet in width. The playing area includes two pitcher’s boxes, each 4 feet by 3 feet, positioned at the far ends of the court. Players must stand within their designated pitcher’s box when throwing. The front edge of each Cornhole board is placed 27 feet apart, measured from the center of the hole. The boards are positioned at a 3- to 4-inch height from the ground to ensure proper bag entry. The court should have a vertical clearance of at least 12 feet to prevent obstructed throws. The setup ensures a fair and standardized playing field, adhering to ACA guidelines for both casual and competitive games. Proper court dimensions are essential for maintaining the integrity and consistency of gameplay.

2.3. Equipment Standards

Official Cornhole equipment must meet specific standards for gameplay. The Cornhole boards are constructed from wood, measuring 24 inches wide and 48 inches long. The hole, or “cornhole,” has a diameter of 6 inches and is centered 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from each side. Bags are made of durable duck canvas, weighing between 14 and 16 ounces, with a size of 6 inches by 6 inches. ACA-approved bags are required for tournaments, ensuring consistency and fairness. Players must use only one bag per throw, and the equipment must not be altered in any way. Compliance with these standards is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring a level playing field for all participants.

2.4. Official Rules for ACA Tournaments

ACA tournaments adhere to strict rules to ensure fair and competitive gameplay. Players must follow all official guidelines, including equipment standards, court dimensions, and gameplay procedures. Any violation of these rules may result in penalties or disqualification. Teams or players are required to use ACA-approved equipment, and all bags must meet the specified weight, size, and material requirements. The ACA enforces these rules to maintain consistency and integrity across all tournaments.

Players are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, with no unsportsmanlike behavior tolerated. Timeouts may be granted under specific conditions, such as equipment issues, but must be approved by officials. The ACA governs all aspects of tournament play, ensuring adherence to the rules and promoting a fair environment for all participants. These regulations are essential for maintaining the integrity of the game at the competitive level.

Gameplay Overview

Cornhole involves tossing bags onto a board with a hole, scoring points based on placement. Players alternate turns, with each team pitching all bags before scoring. The game continues until a winner is determined by reaching the required points, following ACA rules for fair and structured play.

3.1. How to Start the Game

The game begins with a coin toss to determine which team or player will throw first. The winner of the toss chooses the order of play. Teams alternate turns, with players staying in their designated lanes throughout the game. Before starting, practice pitches are allowed unless both teams agree to waive them. The game officially starts when the first bag is pitched. Players take turns tossing their bags until all four bags per player are thrown. The order of play must be maintained, and no practice is allowed once the game has commenced. Proper lane assignments and adherence to the order ensure fair play according to ACA rules. The game proceeds with alternating throws, maintaining the sequence established at the start.

3.2. Player Positions and Lanes

Players must stand within their designated throwing lanes during the game. Each lane is clearly marked, and players must remain within these boundaries when pitching bags. The lanes are assigned to ensure fair play, and switching lanes during the game is not allowed. Teams or players alternate turns, with each player staying in their assigned lane for the entire game. Proper positioning ensures adherence to the rules and prevents fouls. Players must not cross into the opponent’s lane or move outside their designated area while pitching. The throwing order is determined at the start of the game, and players must follow this sequence. Maintaining correct lane positions is essential for maintaining fair play and ensuring accurate scoring. Any violation of lane rules may result in penalties or fouls, as outlined in the official ACA guidelines. Proper lane etiquette is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable game.

3.3. Taking Turns and Pitching Bags

Players take turns pitching their bags onto the Cornhole board. The order of pitching is determined at the start of the game, typically by a coin toss. Each player must pitch from their designated lane and behind the front edge of the board. The bag must be tossed underhand with an arc, and players are not allowed to slide their foot past the front of the board during the pitch. If a bag lands outside the board or fails to meet the scoring criteria, it does not count. Players alternate turns until all bags have been pitched. Proper pitching technique and adherence to lane rules are essential to ensure fair play. Any violation of pitching rules may result in a foul or penalty. The game continues until all bags are thrown, and the scores are calculated accordingly. Maintaining the correct order and pitching method is crucial for a fair game.

3.4. Alternating Between Players

Players alternate turns based on the order determined at the start of the game, typically decided by a coin toss. Each player must stay in their designated lane throughout the game. The player who wins the coin toss chooses whether to go first or second. Teams or individual players take turns pitching all their bags before switching sides. The order of pitching remains consistent throughout the game to ensure fairness. If a player throws out of turn, it may result in a foul or penalty. The alternation continues until all bags are pitched, and the scores are tallied. Proper alternation ensures a structured and fair gameplay experience. Players must adhere to the established order to avoid disrupting the flow of the game. This system promotes balance and ensures that each player has equal opportunities to score. The alternation process is a key component of maintaining fair play in Cornhole.

Scoring and Winning the Game

Scoring is based on bags in the hole or on the board, with cancellation rules applying. The first player to reach 21 points wins, using the cancellation scoring system. Winning requires a two-point lead, and the ACA governs all scoring rules to ensure fair play.

4;1. Scoring Criteria

In Cornhole, scoring is determined by the placement of bags on the board or in the hole. Bags in the hole score points, while bags on the board score based on their position relative to the hole. The official ACA rules specify that only bags entirely within the hole count toward a player’s score. Bags that hang off the edge or touch the ground do not score. The cancellation scoring system is used, where the difference in points between players determines the score for that round. If a player scores 3 points and their opponent scores 2, the player is awarded 1 point for the round. This system ensures competitive balance and fair play. Proper bag placement and adherence to these criteria are essential for accurate scoring.

4.2. Cancellation Scoring System

The cancellation scoring system is a core aspect of Cornhole, where the difference in points between players determines the score for each round. This system ensures that only the net points are awarded, promoting competitive balance. For example, if Player A scores 3 points and Player B scores 2 points in a round, Player A is awarded 1 point for that round. This method prevents high scores and keeps the game focused on precision and strategy. The cancellation system applies to both bags on the board and bags in the hole, ensuring fairness. Proper tracking of points is essential, as the game progresses until a player or team reaches the winning score. This system is a key component of official ACA rules, designed to maintain fair play and excitement in the game.

4.3. Tracking Points

Tracking points in Cornhole is a systematic process that ensures accurate scoring throughout the game. After each round, both players count and agree on the number of bags each has on the board and in the hole. Points are tallied based on the cancellation scoring system, where only the difference between the two players’ scores is recorded. For example, if Player A has 3 bags on the board and Player B has 2, Player A scores 1 point for that round. This method ensures that scoring remains fair and competitive. All bags must be measured and verified to determine their placement. The points are recorded after each round, and the cumulative score is tracked until a player or team reaches the winning total. This clear tracking system is essential for maintaining the integrity and flow of the game, as outlined in the official ACA rules.

4.4. Winning Conditions

The objective of Cornhole is to be the first player or team to reach a score of 21 points, with a minimum lead of two points. Games continue until this condition is met, ensuring no ties. The official ACA rules state that a player must win by at least two points, adding an extra layer of strategy and competition. If a player reaches exactly 21 points while their opponent has fewer points, the game ends immediately. If both players exceed 21 points in the same round, the higher score wins. The cancellation scoring system, where only the difference in points is counted, adds complexity to tracking progress. Winning conditions are strictly governed by the ACA to ensure fair and standardized gameplay across all levels of competition. This clear endpoint keeps players focused and ensures a definitive conclusion to each match.

Fouls and Penalties

Fouls in Cornhole include any interference with bags or boards. Common penalties include loss of a throw or points. Adherence to rules ensures fair play.