Whether it is a tailgate party, a backyard game, or an official tournament, cornhole is an easy and accessible game that anyone can play regardless of skill, experience, and age.
When it comes to setting up cornhole boards, the ideal board distance can change depending on the player and the level of competition. Here are some general guidelines for the recommended distance between cornhole boards.
How Far Apart Can Cornhole Boards Sit?
The American Cornhole Organization states that cornhole boards should be positioned at a distance of 27 feet from each other. If you’re hosting an official tournament, you need to be careful with the measurements.
To ensure consistency, start measuring the distance from the front edge of the boards to the opposite end of other cornhole boards. It is imperative to understand the basic cornhole rules to implement them throughout a match. However, the total number will largely depend on the court size. If you’re short on space, there are variations for the distance.
Distance For Tailgate
A tailgate is a social event that is organized near the back end of a parked vehicle along with competitive games, food, and drinks. When you play cornhole at a tailgate party, it is common to have less space.
Due to the location of a tailgate party, most people will have to compromise and get accustomed to a shortened cornhole court. Hence, more so than often you’ll find smaller court sizes which translate to shorter distances between cornhole boards. Statistically, people at tailgate parties will shorten the distance to 24 feet to accommodate a 32 feet cornhole court.
Distance For Kids And Seniors
When playing with kids, it is advisable to set the boards 15 feet apart or even less. There are no hard and fast rules for young ones so you can adjust the length accordingly and even go less than 15 feet.
For older ones or young adults, you’ll want to increase the distance to 18ft or 21ft. Try the 3-inch increment rule to set the pace of the cornhole game. For senior citizens, regulation cornhole boards can range from 21ft to 25ft depending on their capacity. People with disabilities can adjust the cornhole board and indulge in the backyard game too.
Distance For Multiple Cornhole Boards
For multiple cornhole boards, you need to set up your cornhole boards in such a way that they do not interfere with other games. If you are playing on a large field, try keeping a distance of 10 to 12 feet so that other games do not break your concentration.
When you have multiple cornhole courts, you can either follow the 45 feet court playing length or adjust the space depending on the space allowance. You will also need to consider the size of the cornhole boards when you are demarcating measurements. Regulation cornhole boards should measure 4 feet by 2 feet and have a smooth surface for cornhole bags.
If you add the size of a regulation cornhole board (4 by 2 feet) along with the specified 27 feet distance, you’ll only need a court size of 32 feet. Depending on that size, you may need only 10 feet between two cornhole court games.
What Factors Affect A Cornhole Game?
Apart from the regulated court size and the distance between two cornhole boards, there are other factors to consider during a cornhole game. Some other specified guidelines are listed below to help you understand the game thoroughly.
Pitcher Boxes
Just like batter’s boxes in a baseball game, a pitcher’s box is essentially a specific rectangular area measuring 4 ft by 3ft at each end of the court. These boxes are used to outline an area where the player pitches their ball at the opposite ends of the court.
You are not allowed to step over the demarcated line when you release your corn bags. If you happen to overstep the “throwing line”, you may be called for a foul. This is also known as a “foul bag”.
Foul Line
According to the official rules of the American Cornhole Organization, a court should have two foul lines that enclose the front edge of a cornhole board. If you throw past this line, you will encounter a foul and gain no points for the shot.
Another scenario where you can be called for a foul is if you throw your cornhole bags from the wrong side of the pitcher’s box. Each player is assigned a primary position for pitching their bag. During a game of cornhole, you must stay on that side. If your bag hits the ground or any other object besides the one cornhole board then it will also be considered a foul bag.
Cornhole Bags
Cornhole bags are crucial for seamless performance. A cornhole bag should be durable and allow uninterrupted game play. To ensure that your throws are able to close the distance and land on the cornhole board, you need to know the proper sizes. According to the guidelines:
- Each bag should have 10-12 ounces of duck cloth
- It should have two fabric squares in the 7”x7” pattern
- Each bag should weigh around 15-16 ounces
There is a debate between corn and plastic resin as the preferred filler material but both work splendidly on their own. While corn-filled bags are used for traditional corn hole games, they produce a fine dust that invites critters over a long period of time. On the other hand, plastic resin pellets are weather-proof and are more durable than corn-filled bags.
Cornhole Surfaces
When it comes to a cornhole game, certain surfaces are easier to tackle than others. Grass and sand are two of the most commonly used surfaces for cornhole games. These surfaces allow for a comfortable playing experience and help with good throws!
Hard surfaces like asphalt are also used in cornhole games though they are more likely to wear and tear your cornhole bags over time.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, a cornhole game should be exciting and fun. The correct cornhole board distance should reflect the essence of your game, rather than kill the spirit.
The ultimate cornhole board distance will depend on the space and preference of the players.
