When setting up cornhole boards, they should be set the correct distance apart from each other. The ideal cornhole board distance can vary based on those playing and the level of competition, but here are some simple guidelines.
Official Tournament Cornhole Board Distance
According to the American Cornhole Organization’s Official Rules, cornhole boards should be distanced 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of each board. The distance between cornhole boards should be 27 feet. If you’re hosting an official tournament it’s a good idea to measure this distance for each individual court to ensure consistency. Foul lines match up with the front edge of boards, so these should also be 27 feet apart along all points of their parallels.
Unofficial Cornhole Board Distances
If you’re just playing for fun or as a hobby, you obviously do not need to always abide by the official distancing rules set forth by the ACO. 27 feet is a rough 9 long paces apart, and a common method of measuring distance is by “walking it out.” Casual players may set boards 24 feet apart (roughly 8 paces) for a more casual, less competitive toss. When you’re playing cornhole for fun, don’t get too hung up on the distance; set your cornhole boards apart at a distance that’s most desirable (if there are little kids playing, bring ‘em in!).
You also may find yourself limited by your surroundings. When playing cornhole at a tailgate or in a small backyard, you might find your surroundings will limit the distance. You can use the 24-27 foot ranges as a guideline and set up the boards in a way that they fit.
Remember, at the end of the day cornhole is about have fun, so the distance between your cornhole boards should reflect that.
If you have more questions about how to set up your boards, see our pages on cornhole courts and official cornhole rules.