Cornhole Equipment 101: Boards, Bags & Gear

You don't need much to play cornhole, two boards and eight bags, but the quality of your gear makes a real difference once you start taking it seriously. Here's what matters.

Boards

Recreational boards are fine for the backyard, but if you want to compete, practice on a regulation 2×4 board with a smooth, sealed playing surface. A slick, well-finished top is what lets bags slide and roll predictably, a rough or sticky surface will fight your throw.

Bags

Regulation bags are 6 inches square and weigh about 15.5 to 16 ounces. Modern competition bags are dual-sided, one slick "fast" side built for pushes and slides, one grippy "slow" side that grabs and stops the bag, and the good ones use a weatherproof resin fill so they play the same rain or shine. Look for ACL-approved bags if you plan to compete.

This is where the right gear pays off. Compare bags across every speed and feel, then shop bags and gear or browse ACL Pro stamped and ACL Comp stamped. Once you have a set, learn how to grip them .

The extras

Beyond the basics, a scoreboard, board lights for night play, and a carrying case make life easier, but they're comfort, not requirements. Get the boards and bags right first; everything else is a bonus.