How Far Apart Are Cornhole Boards? Full Distance Guide for Beginners
Cornhole is one of the most fun, relaxing, and friendly outdoor games enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re at a family barbecue, hanging out at the park, camping with friends, or joining a local tournament, cornhole brings everyone together for some light-hearted competition. It’s simple to learn and doesn’t need much equipment, which makes it perfect for both kids and adults. However, one common question many beginners ask is, how far apart are cornhole boards? This small detail is actually very important. The correct board distance helps keep the game fair, balanced, and exciting, whether you’re playing just for fun or aiming to get better at your throws.
What Is Cornhole and Why Does Distance Matter?
Cornhole is a simple lawn game where players throw bean bags toward a hole in a wooden board. The aim is to get the bag into the hole or land it on the board for points. It sounds easy, but to play properly, you need to follow some rules—especially about board placement.
If you’re not sure how far apart are cornhole boards, it can make the game too easy or too hard. The right distance helps all players have a fair and fun experience, whether they are beginners or experts.
Official Cornhole Board Distance Explained
The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) has clear rules for official play. They recommend that cornhole boards be placed 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge. This is the same distance used in professional tournaments.
Here’s a helpful table for different play styles:
| Play Style | Distance Between Boards |
|---|---|
| Official Tournament | 27 feet (8.23 meters) |
| Backyard / Casual Play | 20 to 24 feet |
| Kids / Beginners | 12 to 15 feet |
So, when someone asks, how far apart are cornhole boards? the right answer for serious play is always 27 feet. But for casual games, feel free to adjust the distance to fit your needs.
Why the Distance of 27 Feet?
This exact distance isn’t random. 27 feet is the perfect challenge level for adult players. It gives enough room to test your aim, skill, and consistency. If the boards are placed closer, the game becomes too easy. If too far, it becomes frustrating.
Knowing how far apart are cornhole boards? is also helpful when practicing for a tournament. Practicing at the correct distance helps build muscle memory and improves throwing accuracy.
How to Set Up Cornhole Boards Correctly
Setting up the boards the right way is very simple. All you need is a measuring tape or rope and a flat surface like grass or pavement.
Follow these easy steps:
- Place the boards facing each other
- Measure 27 feet from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other
- Make sure both boards are on flat ground so they don’t wobble
- Ensure they are lined up straight, not crooked
Now you know how far apart are cornhole boards, and you’re ready to enjoy the game the right way!
Board Size and Layout Rule
The boards used in cornhole have standard sizes that match the throwing distance perfectly. A typical cornhole board is 48 inches long and 24 inches wide. The hole in the board is 6 inches in diameter and is placed 9 inches from the top edge, right in the center. The board stands 12 inches tall at the back and 3 inches tall at the front, giving it a smooth slope. Using boards with the right size is just as important as knowing how far apart are cornhole boards? because even small changes in size can affect how the bean bag slides or lands.
Adjusting Distance for Beginners and Kid
When children or beginners play, it’s okay to shorten the board distance. You can set the boards 12 to 20 feet apart depending on the players’ age and skill level.
But once someone gets used to the game, it’s better to slowly increase the distance. Practicing regularly with the official 27 feet will make anyone a better player.
If you’re just starting out and wondering how far apart are cornhole boards? start with a shorter distance and grow from there.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, the answer to how far apart are cornhole boards, is 27 feet from front edge to front edge. This is the official distance for tournaments and serious play. However, you can adjust it for casual games or for young kids. A good setup makes the game more fun and fair. So, always measure properly, play smart, and enjoy every throw!
FAQs
Can I place boards less than 27 feet apart?
Yes, if you’re playing casually or with kids, you can reduce the distance to make the game easier.
Do both boards need to be the same size?
Yes, both boards must match the official dimensions for fair play.
How do I measure the board distance correctly?
Use a measuring tape to measure 27 feet from front edge to front edge of the boards.
Is the distance the same for tournaments and home games?
Tournament games always use 27 feet. Home games can be adjusted as needed.
Does board height matter?
Yes, the front should be about 3 inches tall, and the back 12 inches tall to ensure the right slope.
