Ah, cornhole—America’s favorite backyard game, the ultimate tailgate companion, and a sport that somehow turns tossing a beanbag into a cutthroat competition. Whether you’re playing at a family barbecue, tailgate, or a “friendly” neighborhood showdown, there are rules. Sure, you could Google the official ones, but that’s not what this guide is about. We’re here to talk about the unwritten rules of cornhole—where pride is on the line, trash talk is required, and the beanbags may or may not be regulation size.
So, grab a cold beverage, lean back in your camping chair, and let’s go over the rules of cornhole (according to absolutely no official governing body).
Rule #1: Never Call It "Bags"
First things first: It’s cornhole, not “bags.” Calling it “bags” is a rookie mistake that will immediately get you side-eye from every seasoned player at the tailgate. You might as well show up wearing a Yankees cap to a Red Sox tailgate. Respect the name. Cornhole sounds fun, quirky, and slightly ridiculous—much like the game itself. Let’s keep it that way.
Rule #2: The Boards Must Be Perfectly Aligned
If you think you can just toss two boards down and start playing, think again. Before a single beanbag is thrown, there’s a sacred ritual of aligning the boards just so. They must be exactly 27 feet apart (or whatever distance feels right after a few beers). Expect at least 15 minutes of debate over the exact alignment. Pro tip: The more you squint at them, the more “precise” you’ll look.
Rule #3: The Beer Always Stays in Hand
A true cornhole master knows that one hand is for tossing beanbags, and the other is for holding a beverage. Cornhole is not just a game—it’s a balance test. If you’re playing with two free hands, congratulations, you’ve failed. Keeping your drink in hand isn’t just about refreshment, it’s about style. You’ll know you’ve hit cornhole pro status when you can make a perfect shot while sipping mid-throw.
Rule #4: Trash Talk Is Mandatory
Cornhole without trash talk is like barbecue without sauce—dry and disappointing. Good-natured jabs about your opponent’s aim, athletic ability, and general life choices are an integral part of the game. Here are a few classics to get you started:
- "Nice throw! You almost hit the board that time!"
- "Are you aiming for the hole or trying to hit the moon?"
- "Do you need me to move the board a little closer for you?"
Remember: the better the trash talk, the more you can get away with missing the board completely.
Rule #5: Every Bag That Misses the Board Is “So Close”
Even if your beanbag lands five feet away from the board, it was definitely "so close." Every shot that misses should be followed by a squinty-eyed stare at the board and a confident "Ah, I just overshot it a little." You must NEVER admit that you threw a terrible shot. Every miss was deliberate, and you were “just warming up.”
Rule #6: Cornhole Is Basically Math
Scorekeeping in cornhole requires the mathematical precision of a rocket scientist. You subtract, add, and cancel points with every throw, and there will always be that one guy who insists he’s right, despite no one else understanding how he got to that total. Pro tip: The more you confidently argue about the score, the more likely people will just nod and go along with it. Math is relative at the tailgate.
Rule #7: Celebrate Every Hole Like You Won the Super Bowl
Landing the bag in the hole deserves nothing short of a full-on victory celebration. We’re talking fist pumps, high-fives, and maybe even an impromptu dance. Even if it’s the first throw of the game, you act like you just nailed the game-winning shot. This is cornhole, and there are no small victories here.
Rule #8: Distraction Tactics Are Fair Game
Waving your arms, shouting random things, or dramatically coughing just as your opponent is about to throw? Totally acceptable. Cornhole is as much a mental game as it is physical, and part of your job as a competitor is to get inside your opponent’s head. Just remember: What goes around comes around, and they’ll be sure to distract you when it’s your turn to throw.
Rule #9: The Wind Is Always to Blame
Missed your shot? It was the wind. Beanbag didn’t slide like you thought? Definitely the wind. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing in a completely enclosed area, the wind is always to blame for any failed throw. Tailgate meteorology is a thing, and according to cornhole players, the wind is constantly shifting and conspiring against them.
Rule #10: The Game Never Ends in a Tie
Cornhole games can go on forever because nobody will admit defeat. You’ll hear “just one more game” multiple times throughout the tailgate. It’s not about winning or losing—it’s about never allowing the other team to have bragging rights. If the sun sets and you're still tossing bags under the glow of car headlights, you’re doing it right.
Rule #11: Everyone’s a Cornhole Expert
No matter how long you’ve been playing, everyone will give you unsolicited advice. Whether it’s about your stance, your throw, or even the way you hold the bag, someone will have a “pro tip” to offer. Nod politely, but remember: the only real rule of cornhole is to have fun—your way.
Cornhole may seem simple, but as you can see, it’s a game of nuance, strategy, and high-level social engineering. Follow these unwritten rules, and you’ll be the king or queen of the boards in no time. Now go out there, toss some bags, and remember—it’s all about the fun (and trash talk).
