Scoring a round
Each side pitches 4 bags per round. A bag resting on the board is worth 1 point and a bag that goes through the hole is worth 3, including bags knocked in by a later throw. Bags touching the ground score nothing, even if part of the bag is still on the board.
Cancellation scoring means the two totals for the round are subtracted from each other and only the higher side scores the difference. If one side has 7 and the other has 5, the round is worth 2 points to the leading side, and a tied round scores nothing for anyone.
| Bag result | Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Through the hole | 3 | Counts even if knocked in later by another bag |
| Resting on the board | 1 | Must not touch the ground |
| On the board but touching ground | 0 | Removed from play for the round |
| Landed on the ground | 0 | Removed before the next throw if in the way |
| Thrown past the foul line | 0 | Foul bag, removed from the board |
| Round tied | 0 to both | Cancellation leaves no score |
Winning the game
A game is won by reaching or exceeding 21 points at the end of a completed round. Rounds are always played out, so a side can pass 21 mid-round and still be caught if the opponent scores more in the same round.
Going over 21 is fine. There is no bust rule in the published ACL rules, so a side sitting on 20 that scores 3 wins at 23 rather than being sent back.
Fouls and the foul line
The front edge of the board is the foul line. Crossing it before the bag leaves your hand is a foul, and a foul bag is removed from the board and scores nothing for that round.
Other common fouls involve throwing out of turn and, in sanctioned play, throwing outside the 3 by 4 foot pitcher's box beside the board. In casual games, agreeing before the first throw on what counts as a foul prevents most arguments later.
Singles and doubles positioning
In singles, both players throw from the same end of the lane, then walk down and throw the next round from the other end. In doubles, partners stand at opposite ends of the same lane and each stays put for the whole game.
The side that scored in the previous round throws first in the next round. If a round is a wash, the side that threw first in that round throws first again.
How to Play Cornhole: Rules, Scoring & Strategy in 4 Minutes
A short guide to cornhole rules, cancellation scoring and shot choices.
A few common questions
Do you have to hit 21 exactly?
No. The published rule is to reach or exceed 21 at the end of a completed round, so finishing at 22 or 23 is a normal win.
Does a bag count if a teammate knocks it into the hole?
Yes. Bags are scored based on where they end up at the end of the round, so a bag pushed through the hole by a later throw is worth 3 points.