Addicted to that airmail feeling? You know, the “swish” feeling when your bag doesn’t even hit the board and goes right in. Airmail practice cornhole boards are the training partner to perfect your airmail. Here’s how it works: The boards give you the exact angle and hole dimensions as your professional cornhole
board, but with less runway. The 18” x 18” reduced playing surface gives little room for error and will help you zone-in on the target and start dropping airmail on your opponents. For regulation distance, the foul line is 30 feet from the front of the opposite board.
Ghost Cornhole a one-player cornhole practice game that will help you improve your game. Here’s how to play: First, choose a starting difficulty level from 1 (very easy) to 11 (very difficult). This number will represent how many points the “ghost” scores in each round of your cornhole game. Set up your cornhole boards and toss your 4 bags as you would in a typical cornhole game. Once you’ve thrown all of your bags, take score for that round. Use cancellation scoring for your points against the selected level of “ghost” points. Repeat this, playing to a normal 21 game. Once you’ve beaten the ghost a few times at your level, then continue to increase the ghost score as high as you can!
Ready to hit the shots like the pros? ACA Official Professional Training Boards lay out the road map to strategize your shots and perfect your game plan. These boards use marked areas to help you know what your next best shot is help you to become a cornhole master. See the Training Board Guide for a breakdown of all the areas of the training board and some examples of cornhole shots.
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Blue = Cornhole; Red = Bags
Note: Map may be delayed in updating by up to 24 hours
The ACA recommends an indoor venue, if possible, over any outdoor venues. This takes away the issues of weather. It can, however, create the issue of space. We recommend finding a venue that can hold six indoor courts and can be played with optimal space in between courts. For indoor venues, we recommend ceilings to be at least 13 feet high to operate.
Site selection for venues must consider amenities. It is highly recommended that the venue selected for any tournament has an adequate indoor bathroom and beverages. Alcoholic beverages and food sales are not required but a plus. We encourage you to find a venue that is family friendly so kids and family may come watch.
Event organizers may or may not have to pay for a venue. Venues should have a beneficial agreement between you and them. They receive the business you provide, and they allow you to operate at their establishment.
A venue agreement is sometimes needed for events. It will state intentions, uses, times of use, schedules, roles and responsibilities of both parties, canceling terms, and any contract termination penalties. Exceptions come with outdoor venues and weather permittable situations.
Scoreholio is the preferred and recommended software for tournament operations with the ACA. This app will simplify score-keeping, brackets, and communication before and during the event.
There are several types of tournaments to operate. Singles, set doubles, blind draw doubles, round robin singles, round robin doubles, single elimination, and double elimination tournaments. See the next section of the guide for more information on gameplay rules for all these formats.
Local sponsors are a great way to help bring in extra money for your cornhole events. Sponsorships should be contracted by the event organizer can add an additional $200 to $2,000 for a local cornhole event organizer.
In addition to the primary cornhole tournament or league event, you may choose to host additional raffles, drawings, or side competitions. This could also provide added income for the tournament organizer by selling raffle tickets or hosting a 50/50 drawing. We recommend finding a local charity to support with a 50/50 drawing at your event. Item raffles (Such as bags, boards, or sponsors items) are another great way to draw additional ticket sales. Finally, Airmail or skills-based challenges are a great way to earn money. These challenges require players to buy in to a skills-challenge with the winner taking 75-80% of prize money, while the event organizer keeps the rest as profit.
Event organizers should aim to maintain professional composure throughout the event. This includes appropriate dress, language, and behavior at the event.
All cornhole boards for the event should be provided by the event organizer. Enough sets of bags for all boards should also be provided. However, players may choose to bring their own bags, which is permitted.
Cornhole events should use professional-level cornhole boards and bags. See the ACA official rules page for professional board and bag specifications.
Pitching pads and scoring towers are recommended but not required.
Most importantly, have fun! Cornhole events should be a fun, family-friendly event that makes new memories for all involved. Planning a successful event can take lots of hard work, but is extremely rewarding. If you ever have questions about hosting your event, please email us at tournaments@playcornhole.org where we’ll be happy to answer any questions.
Players enter individually, and all matches are played 1 versus 1
Players enter with a partner and all matches are played 2 versus 2
Players enter individually, and partners are randomly selected. Matches are played 2 versus 2
All teams are placed in a single-elimination bracket. Match-ups can be set by tournament organizer or randomly generated by a coin flip. The winning team advances until the final team is crowned champion.
Similar to single-elimination, but a team must lose two times before they are eliminated. Again, match-ups can be set by tournament organizer, or randomly generated. Once a team loses, they move to the “Loser’s Bracket”. The loser’s bracket champion must beat the winner’s bracket champion two times in order to win the tournament.
Each team plays each other one time. Once all games are complete, the team with the most total wins is the winner of the tournament.
Similar to round robin, all teams play each other one time. Once round robin play is finished, teams are seeded according to record and point-differential. All teams are then entered into a single-elimination bracket. In the bracket, the highest-seed plays the lowest-seed and so forth down the line until the bracket is filled
Very similar to round robin with tournament, but ideal for very large groups (30+ teams). Teams are grouped into pools and play round robin format within their pool. Top 1-2 teams from each pool advance to a single or double elimination tournament
]]>The main distinction in professional cornhole bags is that they are made of two different materials, which adds another level of gameplay to the bags.
SYNERGY PRO CORNHOLE BAGS have a fast side and a slow side. The fast side uses a turbo weave fabric to help the bag slide across the board, while the slow side is made of a microsuede material that is softer and causes the bag to stick to the board instead of slide.
By using dual-sided bags, players can be more strategic with their cornhole shots, as they offer more control and precision than traditional duck-cloth canvas bags.
SYNERGY TOURING PRO CORNHOLE BAGS feature a patent-pending EDGE technology. This extra side of the bag allows for more blocking and pushing, and helps the bag land more flatly on the board.
CORN-FILLED An oldie, but goodie is the classic corn-filled bag. The duck canvas is filled with approximately one cup of whole-kernel corn. Over time, the corn inside the bag may start to break down and create corn-dust. This dust will make the bag slide on the board easier. Corn-filled bags are not all-weather and shouldn’t be exposed to rain or left outdoors. Too much water may cause the corn to rot and mold. Leaving these bags outdoors could attract wildlife who may chew a hole in the bag. Be sure to always store your corn-filled bag in a cool, dry place away from animals.
ALL-WEATHER resin-filled cornhole bags are a step above the classic corn bag. These bags are filled with plastic pellets that will alleviate some of the concerns of the corn bags. With all-weather cornhole bags, there are no worries of corn rotting or squirrels playing with the bags. These bags will also not create any of corn dust you may see with the corn-filled bags.
ACA’s Daily 44x Recreational Cornhole Bags are built like a classic cornhole bag but shrunk to four inches to pair with ACA’s 1x2 KG Recreational Cornhole Boards. A variety of colors are available to match nearly any board graphic. They are filled with all-weather resin pellets to keep the games going, rain or shine!
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What was your winner?
]]>When a player tosses a bag and it goes directly into the hole without touching the cornhole board.
A bag that comes to rest directly behind the hole which stops other bags from sliding off the back.
A bag that comes to rest directly in front of the hole and obstructs another bags from sliding into the hole.
The approved scoring method for cornhole games in which each team’s points “cancel” each other out.
When players can’t agree on a scoring or rules decision, this causes cornfusion.
A tossed bag that goes into the hole. This is worth 3 points.
A bag that hits the ground and bounces or rolls onto the board. This bag should be removed and is worth 0 points.
Any of a number of violations that occur while playing. See the rules page for a full list of foul violations.
When a player makes all four bags into the hole in one inning.
A bag that is on the board, but partially hanging into the hole.
Each round in which all players toss all four of their bags.
When a bag pushes another bag that was already on the board, into the hole.
A bag that lands on the bottom of the board and slides all the way up the board into the hole.
A tossed bag that comes to rest on the top of the board. A woody is worth 1 point.
]]>Introducing ACA Team Match Play Cornhole.
Gather your squad and get ready to build your best cornhole lineup. In this groundbreaking new set of official rules, two teams of eight compete head-to-head to earn match points as they race towards 21.
With a team atmosphere and an exciting final Airmail Shootout round, these new rules will bring a new level of engagement and camaraderie to your next cornhole outing. The team format of the new game makes it simple to organize a local cornhole league or season-long schedule at your community parks department or favorite local hangout.
Finally, it’s easy to learn and start playing today. Get the game started and be among the first to play the new format using your existing equipment, or grab the latest cornhole boards and bags from the official ACA cornhole shop.
With the introduction of Team Match Play Rules, you can help spread the fun of playing cornhole in an all new way. Team Match Play Cornhole Rules are available now for you to download and start playing today.
For additional questions and inquiries, please contact tournaments@playcornhole.org
]]>Last month, we traveled to Loveland, Colorado and teamed up with our friends at Tailgating Challenge for a world-record setting event.
Luke Lorick, the creator of Tailgating Challenge, set the first official world record for the longest backward cornhole shot. At 36 feet 7 inches, this is the longest official backward shot to be verified by a professional surveyor, representatives from the American Cornhole Association, and the necessary footage and witnesses present.
Luke approached the ACA several months back and invited us to be a part of this memorable event. As the original and official governing body of cornhole, our role was to verify the standards and equipment used for the event.
A custom set of ACA official regulation cornhole boards and bags was sent to Luke to practice on weeks before the event. When the big moment came to make the shot official, Luke was ready. It took about 15 minutes until finally he hit the shot. And it was an absolute Airmail.
Now, having submitted all the needed videos, documentation, and photos. all that's left is to make the world-record Guiness certified.
Custom cornhole boards and bags were sent to represent the ACA and Tailgating Challenge
A certified surveyor was present to verify the exact distance of the record-setting shot
Luke takes a shot as a small crowd gathers around to witness the world-record taking place
It only took a total of about 15 minutes for Luke to finally make the shot - an airmail from 36-ft. 7-in.
A celebration fit for a king!
Josh attended the event as the ACA representative - here he poses with Luke as the celebration takes place.
]]>Learn how to throw different cornhole shots with The American Cornhole Association. Use these tips to help you dominate the game like a pro.
We'll walk you through the following cornhole shots & throws:
The 2 Sides of the cornhole bag
How to throw a flat cornhole bag
Slide
Blocker
Airmail
Push
Roll
Bully
Synergy Pro and Synergy Touring Pro cornhole bags are constructed with two different materials that help you make strategic cornhole shots
Turbo weave is a fast, woven material that allows your shot to slide quickly across the cornhole board and into the hole.
Microsuede is a soft, fuzzy-like material that will help you stick your bag on the board and allow for strategic placement of your shot.
Hold the cornhole bag perfectly flat in your hand. Your thumb should be on top of the bag and your other fingers holding the bottom of the bag.
To throw a flat cornhole bag, your arm motion will be similar to a motion of bowling. When you release the bag, the wrist motion is like that of throwing a frisbee. This will create rotation and generate spin while the bag flies flat in the air.
One of the most basic shots is cornhole is the slide shot. This is when the bag lands on the bottom 2/3rd of the board and slides up and into the hole.
Flip the bag so the turbo-weave side is facing down. Release the bag using a normal throwing motion and trajectory. Ideally, you are aiming for the center of the board and in the lower 2/3rd. This gives the bag enough space to slide up the board and into the hole for 3 points.
A blocker is when the bag is placed so that it obstructs your opponent’s path to the hole. A successful blocker forces your opponent into taking more difficult shots.
First, flip the bag so the micro-suede is facing down. Release the bag using a normal throwing motion and but a high trajectory. The combination of the slow side and high trajectory will allow the bag to “stick” where you are aiming to block
Everyone’s favorite shot is the airmail. This is when the bag goes directly into the hole without touching the board at all. It’s a difficult shot to master, but with massive payoffs for anyone who can consistently hit this shot.
With this shot, the side of the bag shouldn’t matter. The key is to use a high trajectory angle and aim directly at the hole. This will give your bag the best percentage of going in the hole.
When your bag is blocking the hole and it is your turn to throw, the push shot will help you score maximum points. This shot is similar to a slide shot, but pushes the blocker bag, as well as the thrown bag, into the hole.
To throw this shot, first flip the bag so the turbo-weave side is facing down. You’ll want to use a low trajectory and a put some extra power into the throw. Aim between 4-12 inches in front of the bag you are trying to push in. A successful push shot will let you score 2 cornholes on the same throw.
If your opponent has thrown a bag and it is slightly to either side of the hole, you can execute a bully shot. This is when you can throw a sliding shot that pushes or “bullies” your opponent’s bag out of the danger zone.
Flip the bag so the turbo-weave is facing down. You also may want to take a step to the outside of the pitcher’s box to give you a better angle. Once you have the correct angle, release the bag with a normal trajectory and aim for the side of their bag closest to the hole. If executed correctly, you should push their bag out of the way while also sliding your bag into the hole.
One of the most technically difficult shots in cornhole is a rolling shot. This unorthodox shot is used to “rollover” your opponent’s bag when it is blocking the hole.
To throw this bag, you will grip the bag in your first with the bag on its side. The goal when releasing this bag is to make it topple, end over end so that when it contacts the board it flips over your opponent’s blocker. We recommend experimenting for yourself a grip and throw that works best for you.
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Ready to go beyond the basics of cornhole? Trying to learn how to improve your cornhole game? Learn key tips and tricks for mastering the cornhole board with the American Cornhole Association.
In this post, we'll highlight the 7 different zones of the cornhole board:
We’ll also cover the basic strategy behind each zone, the ideal areas for bag placement, and other tips to help you dominate your backyard games like a pro!
No-Man’s-Land is the bottom third of the board.
There is a low percent chance of pushing a bag into the hole from this zone (also called Push-Shots).
It is best to throw over any bags that have landed in this zone.
Although, you may want to push in very particular circumstances. For example, you need to push an opponent’s bag off the board to keep them from winning the game.
The Parking Zone is the middle third of the board.
Bags that land in this zone have a medium percent chance of being a Push-Shot.
Inside the Parking Zone are three additional zones, a 100% Block Zone in the center and 50% Block Zones on each side of the board.
Landing a bag in the 100% Block Zone creates a 100% blocked straight path to the hole.
Aim for this area if you wish to block your opponent from sliding their bag into the hole.
The outer two zones are 50% Block Zones and create a 50% blocked path to the hole.
Aim for this area on your opponent’s side to block their side lane into the hole if a bag is already in the 100% Block Zone
The High Percent Push-Shot Zone is the space starting at the top third of the board to the bottom of the hole.
If you or your opponent’s bag lands in this area, there is a high probability of making a Push-Shot.
Bully Zones are the left and right thirds of the board. Use these zones to “bully” a bag out of the way and push yours into the hole.
The Back Board starts just above the hole and ends at the top of the board. Use it as a stopper for your bag, like in basketball.
The three-inch outer ring of the hole. If your bag lands in the Danger Zone, it is highly likely to push it into the hole.
There are three Path Shot Zones that act as a guide to sliding your bag into the hole. The center path shot, right path shot, and left path shot.
The left path is used in a step out angle shot on the left side. (Used to push or get around bags to get into the hole.)
The middle path is a straight shot path to the hole.
The right path is used in a step out angle shot on the right side. (Used to push or get around bags to get into the hole.)
Learn how to play cornhole with the official rules and regulations set forth by the American Cornhole Association®, the Original and Official Governing Body of Cornhole since 2003.
The following dimensions and measurements will serve to determine standards and specifications for cornhole boards.
Each cornhole board shall be 47½ to 48 inches in length and 23½ to 24 inches wide, made of smooth plywood that measures at least ½-inch in thickness. ACA sanctioned cornhole tournaments should only be played with wooden cornhole boards, as there is significant variance in play between wooden, plastic, and other surfaces.
The following dimensions and measurements will serve to determine standards and specifications for cornhole bags.
The cornhole bags shall be made from two fabric squares 6¼" x 6¼" with a ¼-inch stitched seam on all four sides. Bags should be made from durable fabric.
Each bag shall be filled with approximately 2 cups of feed corn and finished bags should be roughly 6 square inches and weigh 14-16 ounces. ACA will allow the use of plastic pellets (All Weather Cornhole Bags) in lieu of feed corn. ACA offers both Corn-Filled and All Weather cornhole bags.
The following dimensions and measurements will serve to determine how far apart to place cornhole boards as well as positioning of players during game play.
A cornhole court shall be a level rectangular area 8-10 feet wide and a minimum of 40-45 feet long. The court should consist of two cornhole boards, designated pitcher’s boxes, and foul lines
The pitcher’s box is the rectangle 4 feet by 3 feet at each end of the court, parallel with, and on both sides of the boards. Each player must remain in the pitcher’s box while pitching a cornhole bag.
There are two sets of foul lines: open adult-play and junior-play for children 12 and under. The adult foul lines shall be defined as an imaginary line 27 feet between the front of each board. The junior-play foul lines are defined as an imaginary line 12-15 feet between the front of each board. The foul line should be parallel to the front of the opposite board to meet ACA guidelines.
Every match is broken down into innings of play. During an inning of play, each player must pitch all four of his/her bags. An inning is never completed until all players pitch all four of his/her bags.
Two single players compete against one another until a single winner is determined.
Both players stay in their designated lane for the whole game.
Players start the game at the headboard and will alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all four of his/her bags.
Players then walk to the end of their lane to the other court, take score, and resume pitching back to the other board.
The top of an inning is completed when the first player pitches all four bags; the bottom of the inning is completed when the remaining player pitches all four bags.
Two teams, consisting of two players, compete against one another until a winning team is determined.
Each team will stay in their designated lane for the whole game.
Players at the headboard will alternate pitching bags until each player has pitched all four of his/her bags.
Players at the footboard will take score and resume pitching back to the other board.
The top of an inning is completed when both players pitching from the headboard pitch all four bags; the bottom of the inning is completed when the remaining players pitching from the footboard pitch all four bags.
The approved method of scoring for the sport of cornhole is “cancellation” scoring. In cancellation scoring, the points of one player cancel out the points of their opponent. Using this method, only one player/team can score in each inning.
Bag In-The-Count (Woody) : Any bag which comes to rest anywhere on top of the board. Each is worth one (1) point.
Bag In-The-Hole (Cornhole) : Any bag which is thrown through the hole or knocked through the hole by another bag. Each is worth three (3) points.
Foul Bag: Refers to any bag that has not been determined as Bag In-The-Count or Bag In-The Hole or was designated a foul bag as the result of rules violation
The player or team who scored in the preceding inning has honor pitching first in the next inning. If neither player or team scores, the player or team who pitched first in the preceding frame shall retain first pitch in the next frame.
The following are rule violations that must be spotted and called by a player or assigned judge. The penalty is to declare the bag a foul bag, which requires the bags to be removed from the court prior to resuming play.
Protests – If a player desires to make a protest, the protest shall be made to the judge or official at the time the problem occurs. The judge shall make the final ruling on all protests.
The game shall be played to the predetermined number of twenty-one points. The first player/team to reach (or exceed) that amount at the conclusion of an inning is the winner.