A comprehensive high school unit on cornhole covering its history, rules, equipment, and advanced strategies through an informational packet, review questions, and a crossword puzzle.
Pro bags use resin pellets and dual-sided fabric (slick/stick). Weight is exactly 16 ounces.
Official Rules
The Inning Sequence
Matches consist of innings where each player throws 4 bags.
Throws are alternated between opponents (A, B, A, B).
Partners stand at opposite boards in doubles play.
The previous inning's scorer throws first in the next.
Throws must be delivered underhand within 20 seconds.
Point Values
3
Cornhole
1
Woody
0
Dead
Cancellation Scoring
Only the net difference counts per round.
Ex: A scores 7, B scores 5 -> A gains 2 pts.
Winning the Match
Victory is achieved by reaching exactly 21 points at the conclusion of an inning.
Fouls & Play
The Foul Line
The front edge of the board defines the foul line. Crossing this line before the bag is released results in a dead bag. Foul bags must be removed from play immediately.
FOUL LINE
Common Fouls
• Foot Foul: Crossing the line during delivery.
• Out of Turn: Pitching before bag stops.
• Ground Strike: Hits ground then board.
• Over Time: Taking 20+ seconds to throw.
Sportsmanship
"Silence must be maintained while an opponent is pitching. Distractive behavior leads to warning or technical foul."
The Glossary
Airmail
A high-arc throw that enters the hole directly without touching the board surface.
Blocker
A strategic bag landing intentionally in front of the hole to obstruct opponents.
Slide
The most common scoring technique where a bag glides into the hole from the board surface.
Woody
Slang term for any bag that rests on the wooden surface of the board at round's end.
Push Shot
A tactical throw designed to hit and "push" existing bags into the hole.
Dirt Bag
Any foul bag that has touched the ground before reaching the board; worth 0 points.
Pro Strategy
The Flat Spin
Elite performance is built on the flat-spin release. By releasing the bag with a subtle finger flick, the player imparts horizontal rotation. This stabilizes the bag against wind and ensures it lands flat, allowing for a predictable slide into the hole.
Offensive
• Ghost Mode: Aiming for clean slide-ins.
• The Push: Clearing opponent blockers.
• Airmail: Bypassing defensive walls.
Defensive
• The Block: Placing bags in front of the hole.
• Matching: Cancelling opponent scores.
• The Drag: Pulling opponent bags into dead zone.
The Mental Game
Adaptability is key. Boards change with humidity. Pro players develop consistent routines—breath, aim, release—to maintain focus under pressure.
