How Far Apart Should Cornhole Bags Be Placed? The Complete Guide

Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is a classic backyard game that has been growing in popularity over the recent years. This fun and easy-to-learn game involves tossing bean bags into a raised platform with a hole in the far end. Players take turns throwing their bags, aiming to get them to land on the platform or go through the hole to score points.

One of the most common questions for new cornhole players is how far apart the two platforms should be placed. The distance between the boards is an important factor that can affect gameplay and scoring. In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about proper cornhole board spacing and alignment for a regulation setup.

Overview of Cornhole Board Distance Regulations

The official rules of cornhole regulate the distance between the two boards to standardize gameplay for tournaments and competitions However, for casual backyard play, you can certainly modify the distances to suit your preferences and space constraints Here are the official specifications

• Front Edge to Front Edge: The two cornhole platforms should be 27 feet apart measured from front edge to front edge. This is the main regulation distance for gameplay.

• Hole to Hole: Measuring from the center of one hole to the other, the distance should be 33 feet.

• Pitching Distance: Players must stay behind the foul line while pitching their bags. The foul line is 27 feet from the front of the board, making the pitching distance approximately 30 feet depending on release point.

Factors to Consider for Distance

Setting up the right distance for your cornhole boards and bags depends on a few factors:

Age of Players

For younger kids or players with physical limitations, it’s common to use shorter distances between 12-15 feet. This makes it easier for them to reach the platforms. The wider 27 foot gap can be too challenging for some.

Skill Level

Beginners will appreciate a narrower setup as they develop their throwing skills. As players improve, they can gradually increase the distance between the boards. Highly skilled players generally prefer the full regulation spacing to enhance the challenge.

Available Space

If you have a smaller backyard or indoor play area you may need to place the boards closer together to make them fit. The 27 foot official distance may not be feasible in compact spaces. Get as close as you can to the standard measurements within your available room.

Tournament Play

For any kind of competitive play, it’s important to precisely follow the 27 foot front edge to front edge dimension. This ensures fair and equal gameplay across different venues and locations. Casual games can be more flexible.

Step-By-Step Guide to Proper Board and Bag Placement

Setting up regulation cornhole boards takes a bit of pre-planning and measurement. Here is a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Measure 27 Feet Between Front Corners

Use a tape measure to mark a distance of 27 feet between the front outside corners of the two platforms. This is the most important overall alignment.

Step 2: Align Front Edges at 27 Feet

Once the corners are positioned 27 feet apart, align the front edges of the two boards so they precisely face each other at 27 feet distance. This creates even gameplay from side to side.

Step 3: Mark Center Holes at 33 Feet

After aligning the fronts, measure from the center of one hole across to the center of the opposite hole. This distance should be 33 feet. Adjust board placement as needed.

Step 4: Mark Foul Lines

Measure and mark foul lines 27 feet from the front of each board. These designate the pitching zone players must stay behind. You can mark lines on the ground or lay down a rope barrier.

Step 5: Place Bags

Put an equal number of bags near each foul line for easy pitcher access during play. Bags not currently being pitched wait here.

Helpful Tips for Proper Board Placement

• Use a laser distance measure for fast and precise measurements between boards. Or run string lines at the 27 and 33 foot marks.

• The area in front of the boards should be flat and level. Avoid uneven ground that can cause bags to bounce or roll inconsistently.

• For outdoor setups, orient the boards so players don’t face directly into bright sun, which can impair pitching accuracy.

• Allow at least 6 feet of clearance behind the boards for easy bag retrieval and movement. Obstructions can disrupt games.

• Check measurements between multiple points on the boards, not just front edges. They should be parallel and aligned.

• If boards shift during play, pause after each inning to realign at proper distances before scoring and continuing.

Regulation Dimensions Summary

To summarize the official dimensional regulations:

• Front edge to front edge of boards: 27 feet
• Hole center to hole center: 33 feet
• Foul line to front of board: 27 feet
• Typical pitching distance from foul line: Approximately 30 feet

Now that you understand the complete specifications for proper cornhole setups, you can arrange your boards, bags, and foul lines with confidence. While casual backyard play can use any comfortable distances, following the official dimensions is key for fair, competitive tournament-style play.

Having the right spacing creates the ideal pitching challenge and allows players to showcase their skills. As Abraham Lincoln famously said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Like Abe, take the time to set up your boards and bags using these regulation distances. Your game will be sharper for it when the bags start flying!