Bridge City Cornhole

Rules or Cornhole 101

Objective

Aim to be the first team to achieve a score of 21 points or more by the end of an inning.

Cornhole Equipment

• Cornhole Boards: Standard boards measure 2 feet x 4 feet. The hole is positioned 9 inches from the top edge, with a 6-inch diameter.
• Cornhole Bags: Each team gets four bags of contrasting colors. These bags should measure 6 inches x 6 inches and weigh about 1 pound each.

Cornhole Board Distance

• The standard distance between the front edges of the cornhole boards is 27 feet.
• For younger players, seniors, or those with physical limitations, the distance can be shortened to 12-15 feet.

Cornhole Rules

• The game is played by two teams, with either one player (singles) or two players (doubles) per team.
• Players throw their bags using an underhand motion from the pitcher’s box next to each side of the board.
• Teams take turns tossing their bags toward the opposite board.
• Once all players have tossed their four bags, scores are tallied, and play continues from the opposite board.
• The team that scores in the previous inning throws first in the next inning. If no points were scored, the team that went first in the previous inning starts again.

Cornhole Scoring

• A bag that goes through the hole scores 3 points.
• A bag that lands and remains on the board scores 1 point.
• A bag that lands on the ground or bounces onto the board scores 0 points.
• Cancellation Scoring: Only one team scores in each inning. The team with the higher score cancels out the opposing team’s points for that inning.
• Points Calculation: The team with the higher score in an inning earns the difference in points. For example, if Team A scores 5 points and Team B scores 2, Team A earns 3 points for that inning.

Winning the Game

• The first player or team to reach or surpass 21 points at the end of an inning wins the game.

🎯 Game Start Guidelines

To keep things fair and consistent, here’s how every match begins:

Bag Spin to Decide First Advantage

• Spin a bag on the board. Whichever team the seam points to wins the spin.

Winning Team’s Choice

• The winning team chooses either:
• Which lane to throw from, or
• Whether to throw first in the first inning.

Losing Team Gets the Remaining Option

• Whichever option the winning team doesn’t choose, the other team gets.

Throwing Rotation

• After the first inning, the team that scores last throws first (standard cornhole rule).

MOST Important

• Start with a fist pump.

🤝 In-Game Respect & Etiquette

Our league runs on good vibes and great games. Here’s how we show respect on the boards:

Respect the Throw

• No talking, chirping, or moving when someone is throwing.
• Give every player their time to focus.

Stay Behind the Foul Line

• Don’t crowd the boards or stand too close to someone lining up a shot.

No Mid-Throw Coaching

• Let teammates play their shot — save the advice for after the inning.

Be a Good Sport

• Celebrate your shots, not your opponent’s misses.
• 4 baggers deserve a fist pump!
• Keep it fun and competitive — not cocky or sarcastic.

Play at a Steady Pace

• Don’t rush, but don’t stall.
• Keep the game flowing for everyone’s sake.

Handle Disputes Respectfully

• Talk it out calmly.
• If needed, call in a neutral player or league organizer to help sort it.

🏆 Let’s keep it competitive, respectful, and fun

— the Bridge City way.