It’s summertime, and many families and friends are likely enjoying playing cornhole. If you’re one of them, then good for you! It’s no secret that cornhole is a fun summer game. This simple lawn game is also fondly referred to as the bean bag toss game or baggo.
It is still unclear how this game was invented, but it is widely believed that it has been around for decades. Some say that it was invented as early as the 12th century in Germany, while others say that it is an American game that came about in the 19th century.
What’s clear is the popularity of the game is due to its simplicity. You can make a DIY cornhole board game, although there are boards sold on the Internet. Plus, you don’t really have to be an A-plus athlete to be good at this game.
But do you know what would make it more fun? Getting the right cornhole board game dimensions!
When you build cornhole boards, you may think or dismiss that the measurements are arbitrary. But you’d want to get the dimensions of the cornhole board right as these can affect the angle of the boards and in turn, impact the way the boards absorb the throws.
Standard Cornhole Board Game Dimensions
The American Cornhole Association is the original and official governing body of cornhole. According to the American Cornhole Associate, the standard cornhole board should be 47.5 to 48 inches long. Its width should range from 23.5 to 24 inches. Therefore, if you see boards that are 3 feet long and 2 feet wide, then these are not up to the standard cornhole board dimensions. It should also be made of smooth plywood that’s at least 0.5 inches thick.
Meanwhile, the hole in each cornhole board game should measure six inches in diameter. The center should have a distance of 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from each side of the edges. The front should be 3 to 4 inches from bottom to top, while the back should be 12 inches from the ground to the highest point of the deck. Knowing the right distance from the ground will also impact the way you build the legs of the cornhole board.
Moreover, the cornhole tournaments sanctioned by the group should only be played with wooden cornhole boards because there is a significant difference in play between wooden cornhole boards and boards made of other materials, such as plastic.
The ACA adds that the board finish must be sanded to smooth texture. It also prohibits blemishes on the wooden surface, as this may disrupt or distort play. But it can be painted with semi-gloss latex paint so that its surface would allow the bags to slide.
Regulation Cornhole Game Court Dimensions
Cornhole is played on a court that can be set up just about anywhere. This is yet another reason why cornhole is highly popular. You don’t need a court to play it like in basketball, or a field like in football.
However, there are also standard dimensions of a regulation cornhole court. For one, the standard cornhole game court should have a level surface. It must also be a large rectangular area. According to the ACA, it should be at least 45 feet long and 10 feet wide. In cornhole game tournaments where multiple courts are laid out side-by-side, the distance between each cornhole is between 10 and 12 feet. If the court is set up inside, the vertical clearance should be 12 feet.
Before the start of the game, all players are required to evaluate the condition of the court. All obstacles should be removed. Once the game begins, there shall be no changes made in the court.
It is also encouraged that players avoid playing in courts aligned east to west to reduce the impact of the sun.
The pitcher’s box is found parallel to each cornhole board, extending three feet from either side of the board. It is from this area where all pitches must be made. Players must also remain in the same box for the duration of an inning.
On the other hand, the foul line extends parallel from the top edge of each cornhole board. Twenty-seven feet is the official or standard distance between the front edge of one cornhole board to another. Meanwhile, the foul line will differ according to the level of players. For junior play, it will be 21 feet from the front edge of the cornhole to the front edge of the opposite board. For adult play, the standard distance is 27 feet.
Why Is the Cornhole Game So Popular?
It was mentioned earlier that the simplicity of the game is the primary reason why it’s so popular. But other underlying factors make cornhole a favorite game of many Americans.
One reason is that it can be played just about anywhere. Unlike basketball, you don’t need to have a court to play it. You don’t even need to be in a field to play cornhole. The portability of the game makes it well-loved by many people.
Speaking of the bags, the equipment needed in the cornhole is simple and easy to store. The boards can be easily hauled from one place to another. The bags, meanwhile, take up minimal space.
These are just some of the reasons why cornhole has become a staple activity during family reunions, BBQ parties, or just about any outdoor activity, especially during the summer.
Conclusion
To sum things up, the standard cornhole board is 47.5-48 inches long, 23.5-24 inches wide, and 0.5 inches thick. Remember these standard cornhole board game dimensions so that you can have a level playing field, so to speak, the next time you find yourself and your family members playing this well-loved outdoor game.
If you like to know the cornhole board dimensions, check out the horseshoe pit dimensions as well.
