So you've got your cornhole boards and bean bags ready, but now you're staring at your backyard wondering - how far apart should these things actually go? Trust me, I've been there. When I first set up my boards years ago, I just eyeballed it and ended up with a lopsided game where one side had a huge advantage. Not cool.
The Golden Standard: Regulation Distance
If you want to play by official rules, here's the deal: the front edges of your cornhole boards should be exactly 27 feet apart. That's the magic number used in tournaments from the American Cornhole Association (ACA) and most competitive leagues. But let's break down why this matters.
Funny story - at my first neighborhood tournament, we measured board-to-board but forgot the boards face different directions. Ended up with 29 feet between fronts! Got some confused looks when players kept overshooting. Lesson learned: always measure from front edge to front edge.
Now, don't get thrown if someone says "30 feet apart." They're probably measuring from the back of one board to the back of the other, since standard boards are 4 feet long. Both methods are technically correct - just different reference points.
| Measurement Type | Distance | Used By | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front edge to front edge | 27 feet | ACA, ACO, NCAA tournaments | Actual throwing distance players experience |
| Back edge to back edge | 35 feet | Some local leagues | Easier to measure on uneven ground |
| Board center to center | 31 feet | Rarely used | Not recommended - inconsistent results |
Why 27 Feet? The Science Behind the Distance
Ever wonder why it's not 25 or 30 feet? There's actual physics here. At 27 feet, you get that perfect arc where bags float just right before dropping into the hole. Any closer and it becomes too easy for adults - like that time my nephew scored 12 straight points at 20 feet. Any farther and even pros struggle. The distance creates that sweet spot between skill and luck.
Measuring Like a Pro: Step-by-Step
Don't have a tape measure? No sweat. Here's how we do it at our weekly games:
- Use sidewalk chalk to mark board positions before moving them into place
- Laser rangefinders (borrowed from golf buddies) work great if you're obsessive about precision
- Footstep method: Average adult stride is about 2.5 feet. Need roughly 11 full steps between board fronts
- String trick - cut a 27-foot nylon cord to keep in your cornhole kit
Critical tip: Always measure on level ground. I learned this the hard way during a beach game where downhill boards played 3 feet shorter than they measured. Total chaos.
Special Situations: When to Bend the Rules
The 27-foot standard isn't set in stone for every situation. Here's when adjustments make sense:
| Situation | Recommended Distance | Why Adjust? |
|---|---|---|
| Kids under 12 | 15-20 feet | Develops skills without frustration |
| Small backyards | 21-24 feet | Better than not playing at all! |
| Senior players | 25 feet | Reduces strain while keeping challenge |
| Competitive practice | 28-30 feet | Makes regulation distance feel easier |
Personally, I keep painter's tape marks at multiple distances in my driveway - saves arguments when different groups come over.
Beyond Distance: Critical Setup Factors
Getting the distance right is crucial, but these other elements trip up beginners:
Board Placement Nuances
Place both boards facing the same direction? Big mistake. They should face each other with holes toward opponents. And that slight front-end lift (3-4 inches)? Not optional - it makes bags slide into holes instead of bouncing off.
Pro tip: If playing on grass, push boards down until they stop rocking. We once had a board flip onto someone's foot mid-game because it wasn't settled properly. Safety first!
The Forgotten Foul Line
How far apart should cornhole boards be from player lines? Probably the second most common question I get. Regulation says pitchers must stand behind board fronts - meaning you'll typically have 33 feet between throwing zones. But for backyard play, just draw lines in the dirt with a stick.
Cornhole Distance FAQs
Here are answers to what people actually ask when figuring board spacing:
Can I use different distances for different skill levels in the same game?
Absolutely - we do "handicap rounds" where beginners throw from 24 feet while pros stay at 27. Just agree on rules beforehand to avoid debates.
Does board material affect ideal distance?
Surprisingly, yes. Cheap plywood boards grab bags more - might need 26 feet. Professional poly-coated surfaces? Stick to 27.
How far apart should cornhole boards be on concrete vs grass?
Same distance - but concrete makes bags slide more. Add 1 foot if switching surfaces mid-tournament.
Is there an official tolerance range?
ACA allows ±6 inches in tournaments - but I wouldn't push it. More than 3 inches difference affects gameplay noticeably.
Competition vs Casual Play: What Really Matters
Look, if you're hosting the family picnic, don't stress measuring to the inch. But if money's on the line? Break out that tape measure. Our local pub league disqualified a team last summer for having boards at 26 feet 8 inches - seriously.
For casual games, consider these distance variations:
- Drinking games: Shorten distance by 1 foot per drink (kidding... mostly)
- Night games: Add 1 foot - depth perception gets tricky in low light
- Mixed age groups: Set adult boards at 27ft, kids at 20ft with colored bags
Storage and Transportation Considerations
Not directly about distance, but worth mentioning: collapsible boards often lose alignment during transport. Always re-measure after unfolding. My buddy's "portable" set gained 2 inches after bouncing in his trunk for a month.
Practice Drills for Distance Mastery
Want to dominate at regulation distance? Try these drills we use:
| Drill Name | How To | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ladder Drills | Place boards at 20ft, 23ft, 25ft, 27ft - throw 5 bags at each | Builds muscle memory for different arcs |
| Blind Tosses | Set boards at regulation distance, throw with closed eyes | Develops instinctual distance feel |
| Wind Simulation | Use fan to create crosswinds at 27 feet | Prepares for outdoor conditions |
Seriously, the ladder drill changed my game - discovered my natural throw suits 25 feet better, so I adjusted my stance at regulation distance.
Tournament Requirements vs Backyard Reality
Just between us? Most home players set boards too close. I've seen supposed "regulation" setups at 24 feet more times than I can count. But here's the breakdown of actual tournament specs:
ACA Official Rule 3.1.2: "Board platforms shall be spaced 27 feet from front edge to front edge and aligned facing each other..." They take spacing seriously - tolerance is just half an inch!
If you aspire to competitive play, invest in these:
- Collapsible measuring stick ($15-25)
- Non-slip board pads ($12/pair)
- Tournament-grade bean bags ($30-50/set)
Final Thoughts: Making It Work For You
At the end of the day, how far apart should the corn hole boards be depends entirely on your situation. For serious players? Lock in that 27-foot front-to-front distance. Family fun with kids? Bring them closer so everyone scores. The best distance is the one where you're having fun while still feeling challenged.
What drives me nuts though? People who insist on exact tournament specs for a casual barbecue. Relax, folks - unless you're playing for cash, close enough really is close enough. Just set them up and toss some bags!
One last pro tip: Take photos of your perfect setup once measured. Saves so much time for next game night. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to settle a dispute - my brother insists 26 feet "feels better." Wish me luck!