A fair court starts with two boards that face each other squarely, sit at the same elevation, and do not rock. Measure once, mark the pitching lanes, and every game that follows becomes easier to run.
Start with the regulation footprint
The American Cornhole Organization defines a regulation court as 8 feet wide by 40 feet long, with the front edges of the boards 27 feet apart. Each pitching box is 4 feet by 3 feet beside a board, and the front edge of the board is the foul line. A clear vertical height of 12 feet is recommended.
Build the court in this order
- Choose a level, stable surface with no cross traffic through the throwing lane.
- Place the first board and confirm that it sits flat without sliding or rocking.
- Measure 27 feet from its front edge to the front edge of the second board.
- Square the boards so their centerlines point directly at each other.
- Mark the left and right pitching boxes and make the foul line visible.
- Walk the full lane for overhead hazards, curbs, doors, vehicle paths, and spectator conflicts.
For multiple courts
Keep every pair of boards parallel and every foul line aligned. Leave a clearly understood circulation zone outside the active pitching boxes so players walking to the opposite end do not cut through a neighboring throw. Scoreboards and bag storage belong outside the throwing lane.
When regulation distance does not fit
A shortened court can still be a good Gameday house setup. Move the boards closer while keeping them square, level, and equally spaced for every player using that line. Mark the shorter foul line so nobody changes distance midgame, and describe the layout as recreational rather than regulation.
Dimensions and equipment reference: American Cornhole Organization Official Rules.
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