Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, has exploded in popularity as a fun backyard game. With professional leagues and tournaments becoming more common, interest in cornhole has moved beyond casual play. More people want to set up regulation-sized cornhole courts and use tournament-approved equipment. However, the specific spacing and dimensions for boards and courts are not always common knowledge. Understanding the official measurements can help you create a professional cornhole setup right in your own backyard.
We’ll look at board size and spacing, standard court dimensions, proper foul line and pitch box placement, and more. With these cornhole specifications, you’ll have the know-how to set up a court ready for tournament-level play.
Cornhole Board Size and Specifications
Let’s start with the most important part of any cornhole setup – the boards themselves. According to American Cornhole Association standards, regulation cornhole boards should be 48 inches wide x 24 inches tall x 1/2 to 1 inch thick. This 4 foot by 2 foot size provides a large enough target area for gameplay. Thinner boards around 1/2 inch thick are common for portable cornhole sets, while thicker wood boards nearing 1 inch are more durable options.
Board Surface Area
With dimensions of 4 feet wide by 2 feet tall, each individual cornhole board offers 8 square feet of surface area. This provides players with sufficient target space for landing bean bags during play. More surface area allows for bags to bounce and slide unpredictably, adding complexity to the game. Smaller board sizes would leave less margin for error.
Board Weight Considerations
Traditional cornhole boards built from wood usually weigh between 25-40 pounds each. Heavier boards around 40 pounds have the advantage of staying put during play. Lighter boards under 30 pounds may shift more as bags hit the surface. Weight also impacts sliding – lighter boards make bags slide faster and farther. Bulkier wood materials slow down slides.
Standard Cornhole Court Measurements
In addition to board size, the dimensions of the complete cornhole court are also standardized. Regulation courts for tournament play measure 35 feet long x 8 feet wide. This length allows room for two full cornhole boards plus space in between them and behind for players to stand. The 8 foot width leaves adequate space for players to move freely and play from both sides.
Distance Between Boards
One of the most important cornhole dimensions is the distance between the two facing boards. The regulation measurement between the front edges of the two long sides of the boards is 27 feet. This spacing creates the optimal pitching distance and scoring challenge. If boards are positioned too close together, say 20 feet apart, gameplay is often too easy as bags easily slide in. Boards placed too far apart, like 30+ feet, make sinking bags very difficult.
For casual backyard play, some players opt for shorter distances between 18-25 feet. This allows for more scores while adapting for less outdoor space. Cornhole purists argue the 27 foot regulation spacing is integral to proper gameplay.
Board Hole Spacing
In addition to overall board spacing, pay close attention to the distance between the centered holes cut into each board. The holes should align precisely, with 33 feet of distance separating their middles. This 33 foot hole measurement ensures bags tossed directly at one hole have the chance to go straight through to the other side. Misaligned holes can disrupt play.
Marking Foul Lines and Boundaries
Clear boundaries are also key to a regulation cornhole court. Foul lines indicate the front edges of the boards and establish the closest point players can step to when pitching bean bags. Lines can be marked with tape, chalk, or paint. Opt for high visibility colors like white or yellow so the foul line is easy to see.
The lateral edges of the court at 8 feet wide should also be clearly marked as out of bounds. Again, use bright boundary markers that stand out against the playing surface. Keeping edges well-defined prevents confusion over which tosses stay in play.
Laying Out Pitching Boxes
Cornhole pitching boxes designate the area where players must stand when tossing bags. One 4 x 3 foot box extends perpendicularly from each board. The front edge of the pitching box must align with the foul line, with the boxes extending back 3 feet. Spacing between the boxes and boards depends on the overall court size.
For a regulation 27 foot court, leave around 13 feet of space from the front of each board to the front of each box. This gives players room to maneuver around the boxes which should remain clear of obstacles during play.
Adjusting for Outdoor Play
While official cornhole guidelines specify court and board measurements, minor adjustments may be necessary when playing outdoors. Uneven ground can make it tricky to position boards precisely 27 feet apart. Allow yourself a bit of leeway, like 26-28 feet, to compensate for slopes and maintain level boards. You may also need to allow extra margin around the sides of the court if bags tend to slide far on grass or gravel.
Paved surfaces offer the most control over slides and bounces. Be aware of potential obstacles like trees and fences near the court boundaries. While the official court size is 35 x 8 feet, an extra foot or two of clearance in each direction can prevent wayward bags from getting lost.
Helpful Tools and Templates
Carefully measuring out a regulation cornhole court does take precision. Laser measuring tapes and tools allow accurate distance readings between boards and foul lines. Printable court dimension diagrams can serve as guides. For a permanent backyard court, use CAD software to map out cornhole board placement to the inch.
Pre-made vinyl cornhole court templates are also available to accurately delineate all boundaries in one large sticker. These oversized decals stick to any flat surface and clearly mark all needed lines and boxes.
Common Cornhole Distance Errors
Without references handy, it’s easy to misremember exact cornhole specifications. One of the most common mistakes is positioning boards too close together below the 27 foot regulation distance. This seems to happen because 27 feet initially sounds quite far apart. Remember, longer board spacing enhances the challenge and strategy of play.
The other frequent issue is marking the foul line and pitching boxes in the wrong locations. Be sure to measure carefully and double check their alignment. Markings even a foot or two off can constrain room to maneuver during play. With the right tools and a methodical approach, you can avoid any layout errors.
Now that you’re armed with the official cornhole rule book dimensions, you have all the details needed to set up a regulation-worthy court. From board placement and spacing to foul lines and pitching boxes, every measurement is keyed to optimizing gameplay and fun. While you can certainly play casual cornhole with any cleared flat space, adhering to standardized specifications elevates the experience to be on par with tournament environments.
Precisely laying out a court does require care and attention to detail. But the effort pays off every time you and your family or friends enjoy a game with professional parameters. Knowing the correct cornhole distances and dimensions lets you recreate the competitive experience in your own backyard. With the right court and boards, you can play cornhole like the pros!
