Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, has been a popular backyard pastime for generations. Though rules can vary, most casual players don’t focus much on specifics like court dimensions or scoring. However, in organized tournament play, every detail matters – especially the regulation distance between cornhole boards.
The official distance for tournament cornhole is 27 feet between the front edges of the two boards. This carefully defined regulation size creates a standardized court for fair competitive play across different leagues and skill levels. When you’re playing just for fun, distance may not be a big deal. But understanding the impacts of the 27 foot regulation distance can give you a true edge in serious cornhole competition.
Cornhole Basics
Equipment Needed
Traditional cornhole equipment includes two wooden boards with angled holes cut out, and bags filled with dried corn or plastic resin beads. Official tournaments use regulation-size boards, which are 48 inches long by 24 inches wide, with a 6 inch hole centered 9 inches from the top. Backyard boards are often smaller for portability and storage.
Bags for tournament play typically measure 6 inches square and weigh between 14-16 ounces. Casual games allow more variety in bag design and filling.
Court Setup
Cornhole boards should sit on flat ground, with 27 feet of space between their leading edges. Foul lines are drawn perpendicular to each board, extending back around 4 feet. Players must not cross the foul line until releasing a bag.
Scoring
The standard scoring system awards 3 points for each bag that lands fully inside the hole. Bags cleanly landing on the board are worth 1 point. Any bags touching the ground do not count. Players take turns pitching bags until both have tossed all 4. Then scores are calculated based on bag placement.
Why the 27 ft Regulation Distance Matters
Consistency
Having an established distance for tournament cornhole boards creates consistent playing conditions. On a regulation court, players can rely on the fact that the board spacing and shot angles will be the same from one game to the next. This levels the playing field across leagues and helps emphasize player skill over equipment variations.
Strategy
The 27 foot distance affects cornhole strategy and shot selection. A longer toss requires more power and often influences the type of throw or release point used. Players may throw gentler loft shots with a high arc or flatter, faster shots that skip off the board. The regulation distance makes scoring in the hole more challenging than at shorter backyard distances.
Accuracy
Landing bags smoothly on the board and in the hole demands precision aiming and throwing. The regulation 27 feet between boards truly tests a player’s accuracy and control. Lesser skilled players may find their bags frequently missing the board altogether. The increased distance magnifies even small errors in throwing accuracy.
How to Measure and Mark the Regulation 27 ft
Tools Needed
Measuring and marking 27 feet starts with gathering a few supplies:
- Tape measure, yardstick, or pre-cut 27 ft rope
- Ground stakes, tent pegs, or weighted bags
- Hammer or mallet to drive stakes
Step-by-Step Process
To measure and mark regulation cornhole distance:
- Place the two boards front-edge to front-edge, perpendicular to the desired throwing direction.
- Take your measuring tape and pull it taut from the front edge of one board to the other.
- When you reach the 27 ft mark, place a stake or weighted bag on the ground next to each board.
- Carefully slide the boards apart until they bump the 27 ft markers, keeping them parallel.
Check Alignment
Before play, confirm the board spacing and alignments:
- Use a string tied between the stakes to double-check the distance.
- Ensure the foul lines are perpendicular to the board fronts.
- Verify that the ground is level beneath each board.
Regulation Length in Tournament Play
Elite Divisions
Serious competitive divisions mandate the 27 foot regulation distance. Tournament directors carefully measure and mark boards before each new matchup. Top players invest in laser measures or digital rangefinders to ensure perfectly precise board spacing.
Exceptions
Junior and amateur divisions sometimes use slightly shorter distances, like 20 feet, to accommodate less experienced players. Backyard cornhole leagues also tend to relax on strict measurements for a more casual game.
Penalties
Attempting to move the boards closer together or shift their alignment during a tournament match would result in penalties. At minimum, the boards would be reset to regulation position. More serious or repeated violations could lead to forfeiture or disqualification.
Maximize Your Game With the Regulation Distance
Consistent Practice
Practicing regularly with the boards set 27 feet apart will help you adjust to the regulation distance. Precisely mimic tournament setups in your backyard so you can hone shots and strategy for the longer toss.
Strategy Adjustments
At 27 feet, you may need to vary your throwing style and aim for higher scoring target areas. Consider more loft-style shots with a steep vertical arc to drop bags in the hole. Or perfect skipping shots low across the board to stop bags before they slide off.
Precision Throwing
Work on gentle, controlled throws and smooth release for accuracy. Drills repeating the same shot over and over again will help develop muscle memory for consistently sticking the landing at 27 feet.
The 27 foot regulation distance for tournament cornhole is much greater than what most backyard players are used to. But learning why this standardized measurement matters, and practicing shots tailored for it, can give you a true competitive edge. Consistently throwing with precision to stick the board or swish the hole from 27 feet away takes skill. Use regulation board spacing in your training to maximize your talent and dominate your next cornhole tournament.
The optimal distance between cornhole boards for outdoor environments with varying terrain is 25-30 feet. This allows for adjustments to be made based on the specific location, ensuring a fair game for all players.
For indoor environments, a shorter distance of 15-20 feet is recommended to accommodate smaller spaces. This distance can be further adjusted based on the size of the room or venue.
Some players prefer to use softer fill materials, such as foam pellets or cotton batting, for indoor or backyard games. These materials can prevent excessive noise and damage to indoor surfaces or outdoor grass.
To promote accessibility and inclusivity, some manufacturers offer adjustable legs for cornhole boards, allowing for customization of height and levelness.
In addition to traditional scoring methods, some players suggest implementing a “round robin” format for group games, where each player plays against every other player once before the top scorers advance to a final tournament.
To address concerns about the environment, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cornhole bags made from plastic or resin have been developed, such as bags made from recycled materials or biodegradable substances.