Cornhole is a fun yet competitive game enjoyed at family gatherings and professional tournaments. It is one of the most popular lawn games that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.
The rules of this game are easy enough for everyone, but one detail often confuses new and casual players. How far apart are cornhole boards supposed to be?
The distance between the cornhole boards plays a key role in fairness, difficulty, and overall gameplay. This guide will help you with that aspect of the cornhole board game.
In this guide, we will explain how far apart the corn hole boards should be. It will include cornhole distance, including official measurements, backyard adjustments, and some common mistakes to avoid.
How Far Apart Are Cornhole Boards – Official Regulation Cornhole Distance
If you’re wondering how far apart are cornhole boards in regulation play, the answer is easy to understand.
Regulation Cornhole Distance: According to the American Cornhole Association (ACA) and the American Cornhole Organization (ACO), the official distance from the front edge to the front edge of each board is 27 feet.
This measurement is used in professional tournaments and competitive games.
Key Measurement Details
- The official distance is measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other board.
- It is not measured from the hole or the back edge.
- The boards must face each other directly.
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Cornhole Distance for Casual & Backyard Play
How far apart are the cornhole boards supposed to be in casual and backyard play? We know that not everyone has the space or skill level, for that matter, to play at full regulation distance. Precisely why casual gamers often adjust the distance between the boards to accommodate their needs.
The recommended distance for adults and beginners is 24 to 27 feet and 20 to 24 respectively. Kids can play around 12 to 15 to make it entertaining. Casual gamers should reduce the distance to make the game more enjoyable.
One thing to note is consistency. Once you choose a distance, stick to it for the rest of the game.
How to Measure the Distance Between Cornhole Boards
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the answer to “how far apart are corhole boards,” you need to measure it effectively. Setting up accurate boards is required for fair play. Incorrect measuring is one of the most common mistakes in the cornhole game.
Here is your step-by-step guide to measuring the distance on corn hole boards.
- Start by placing the first cornhole board on a flat surface.
- Now, you need to measure 27 feet from the front edge of the board.
- After that, mark the spot clearly.
- Now, place the front edge of the other corn hole board at the marked point.
- You need to align the boards so they face each other directly.
Cornhole Board Dimensions
Understanding board dimensions helps clarify why the distance between cornhole boards matters. Here is a quick overview of cornhole board dimensions.
Standard Cornhole Board Dimensions
- Length: 48 inches
- Width: 24 inches
- Hole Diameter: 6 inches
- Hole Center: 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from each side
- Front Height: 3–4 inches
- Back Height: 12 inches
The standard cornhole boards are designed in a way that the 27-foot distance creates the intended difficulty level for regulation play.
Tips for Setting Up Cornhole Games
Now that you know “how far apart are cornhole boards,” it’s time to learn about tips for setting up cornhole games. Let’s have a look.
- Search for Flat Ground – If you want a fair game filled with fun elements, choose a flat ground to rest your cornhole board. A slope or slant can affect the way you play the game.
- Must Pick a Spacious Spot – For a comfortable, fun-filled evening, try to play in a spacious spot. It should be about 10 feet by 45 feet for players to move freely in the space.
- Beware of Obstacles – Make sure that the path between both boards is clear. It would not be feasible for the teams to toss the bags if their path is obstructed.
- Consider Using Cornhole Mats – These mats lie under the boards and define the throwing area. You can use these if you want. These can also add a decorative touch to the playing area.
- Lighting – If you are trying this game at night, consider using lights to properly illuminate the area and make sure there is no hindrance to the game.
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Conclusion
So, how far apart are cornhole boards?
According to the official regulation, the distance between the cornhole boards should be 27 feet from front edge to front edge. However, there is no hard and fast rule for a casual game. They can easily adjust the distance based on the available space and skill level of the players.
Whether you just want to enjoy a casual cornhole game or play competitively, getting the distance right should be your priority. It improves fun, fairness, and overall gameplay.
With the right setup, a cornhole setup in the backyard is the perfect place you would want to spend your weekends.
FAQs
1. How far apart are cornhole boards supposed to be?
Ans: For regulation play, cornhole boards should be 27 feet apart, measured from front edge to front edge.
2. Is cornhole distance measured hole-to-hole?
Ans: No. The official measurement is front edge to front edge, not hole-to-hole.
3. How far apart should cornhole boards be for kids?
Ans: For children, a distance of 12 to 15 feet is recommended.
4. Can I change the distance mid-game?
Ans: No. Once a game starts, the distance should remain consistent for fairness.
