Have you been thinking about hosting a backyard cornhole tournament but aren’t quite sure where to start? No worries—we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned cornhole enthusiast, a backyard gamer, or the unofficial neighborhood event planner, hosting a cornhole tournament is the perfect way to bring people together.

While organizing your own tournament might sound intimidating, it’s easier than it might seem. With a little planning, the right setup, and plenty of enthusiasm, you’ll be ready to throw an event everyone will remember. Here’s your step-by-step guide to hosting the ultimate backyard cornhole tournament.

Decide on the Type of Tournament

First things first—decide what kind of tournament you want to host. Are you thinking of something super chill where players casually pair up and see what happens, or are you envisioning a bracket-style competition that mimics what the pros do? Either way, the vibe of your event will determine how much structure you’ll need to put in place.

For something low-key, you can keep the rules simple and play a few games just for fun. If you’re looking for more serious competition, consider single or double-elimination brackets. A double-elimination setup is great because it means everyone gets at least two games. Nobody likes being knocked out and stuck on the sidelines after just one match. Whether your tournament is friendly, fierce, or a little bit of both, a clear format makes sure everyone knows how the games will flow—and avoids “who plays next” chaos.

Find a Good Place To Play

Once you get the tournament type figured out, you’ll need to find the right spot to set things up. Ideally, you’ll want a flat, open area where players can toss without interference, and spectators can cheer them on (or heckle) while being able to see all the action.

Make sure there’s enough room for at least one full-size cornhole court, which requires 27 feet between each board’s front edges. If you’re setting up multiple courts, leave some room between them to avoid accidental beanbag crossfire. Flat driveways, wide-open backyards, or even a nearby park can all work beautifully. Just keep an eye out for tree roots, sprinkler heads, or any other sneaky obstacles that might trip someone up mid-game.

If possible, pick a spot with some shade or set up a canopy for players and spectators to escape the sun when needed. Trust us—no one wants to deal with heat stroke or get too exhausted on a hot summer day.

Pick Out the Right Equipment

If you’re going to host a proper cornhole tournament, you’ve got to make sure you have the right gear. Subpar boards and bags can turn even the most competitive players into grumpy spectators. Invest in regulation-sized boards (2 feet by 4 feet) and standard cornhole bags filled with good ol’ corn kernels or resin pellets. Bonus points if your boards are personalized with a cool design or even a custom logo! There’s nothing quite like playing on a Coors Lite cornhole board while simultaneously enjoying that beer with your teammate.

It’s also a good idea to inspect your boards for wear and tear beforehand, especially if they’ve been through a few backyard battles already. A wobbly board or uneven surface can ruin the game—and your host credibility—real fast. If you’re purchasing new equipment for this event, make sure you buy from a trusted supplier who only sells the best.

Determine How You’ll Keep Score

Keeping track of scores might not sound like the hot topic of your cornhole tournament, but trust us—clear scoring rules can save lives (OK, maybe just arguments). Decide on a scoring method upfront and make sure all players are on the same page before they toss the first bag.

The standard cornhole scoring system works like this:

• 3 points for a bag that goes through the hole.
• 1 point for a bag that lands and stays on the board.
• Cancel out scores for opposing teams in a single round. For example, if Team A scores 7 and Team B scores 5, the net score is 2 points for Team A.

Games typically go up to 21 points. And yes, you can go over! None of that “score exactly 21” nonsense—this isn’t darts. Use a scoreboard or designate a person who’s not playing at the moment to keep track of points for each game (preferably someone who won’t wander to the snack table).

Try To Balance the Teams Fairly

Choosing teams shouldn’t feel like a high school gym class. If your tournament is more casual, letting players pair up however they want is perfectly fine. But if you’re hosting a higher-stakes event—or just want to keep things balanced—consider random pairings or setting a system to ensure teams are evenly matched.

One easy option is to separate players into two skill levels (beginners and advanced players) and then randomly pair someone from each category. This keeps the competition fair and prevents instances of two cornhole pros teaming up to steamroll the entire tournament.

Provide Plenty of Food and Drinks

No backyard tournament is complete without snacks and drinks—this is non-negotiable! Whether you’re grilling burgers and dogs or setting out a buffet of finger foods, your players will need fuel to keep the games (and the fun) going.

Make sure there are plenty of options to keep everyone happy—chips, dips, and sliders are always a hit. Don’t forget some kid-friendly options if your tournament is a family affair. And for drinks, provide a range of choices, from sparkling waters and sodas to beer or fancier adult beverages. A cooler stocked with ice-cold refreshments strategically placed near the games will score you extra hosting points. If you want to win MVP of the hosting game, though, be sure to set up a small coffee table or sidebar for a few sweet treats and celebratory goodies. Who doesn’t love a victory cupcake?

Remember To Have Fun

When determining how to host your perfect backyard cornhole tournament, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect. Don’t forget that the whole point of this event is to have fun! Cheer for good shots, laugh at the epic misses, and enjoy the time spent with friends and neighbors. Be sure to make time for the casual chatter between games—those are often the moments that everyone remembers the most. And what if an enthusiastic participant wants to belt out their team’s victory anthem mid-match? Well, that sounds like the kind of energy we’re here for.

Ultimately, even though everyone wants to win, your cornhole tournament should be about connection and camaraderie. As long as you can achieve that, you will have succeeded as a host.