Measure front edge to front edge
The American Cornhole League specifies 27 feet between board front edges. Measure the open gap directly; using a hole or back edge as an endpoint gives a different distance.
Run a tape measure along the ground between the two front edges rather than diagonally across the grass. If the boards are not square to each other, the lane will play long on one side and short on the other, which shows up as consistent left or right misses once you start throwing.
| Setup | Front edge to front edge | Back edge to back edge | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACL adult regulation | 27 ft | 35 ft | Published rule |
| Common backyard short lane | 24 ft | 32 ft | Recreational adaptation |
| Small yard or patio | 20 ft | 28 ft | Recreational adaptation |
| Frequently cited junior distance | 21 ft | 29 ft | Recreational adaptation, not a universal rule |
| Single-board practice | 27 ft to the one board | Not applicable | Practice setup |
Allow 35 feet for the boards and gap
Two 48-inch boards add eight feet to the 27-foot gap, for 35 feet from back edge to back edge. Allow extra clear space around the court for players to move and collect bags.
The foul line and the pitcher's box
You throw from beside the board, not from behind it. ACL rules describe a pitcher's box 3 feet wide by 4 feet long alongside each board, and the front edge of the board serves as the foul line. Stepping past that line before the bag leaves your hand is a foul.
In a backyard, mark the foul line with a length of rope, a garden hose, or two small cones set level with the board's front edge. Without a visible line, most players creep forward over the course of a game and lose the distance calibration they have been building. The backyard setup guide covers ground conditions, room beside the lane and lighting.
Shorter distances for kids and tight yards
Any distance under 27 feet is a recreational adaptation rather than an official rule. The commonly repeated 21-foot junior distance is a convention used by some leagues and events, and it is not a universal published standard, so treat it as a starting point you can adjust rather than a requirement.
A practical approach for mixed-age games is to keep the boards at 27 feet and let younger players throw from a forward mark. That keeps one lane, one set of scoring rules, and one board position while still giving shorter arms a reachable target.
A few common questions
Is the 27 feet measured to the hole or to the front of the board?
To the front of the board. The ACL rule specifies front edge to front edge, and the hole sits 9 inches from the back edge, so measuring to the hole would add roughly 3 feet of error.
Do I have to move the boards for younger players?
No. Leaving the boards at 27 feet and letting younger players throw from a forward mark keeps the scoring and lane setup identical, and there is no published universal junior distance to match anyway.