Reference

Cornhole Scoring — Cancellation Scoring Explained

Cornhole uses cancellation scoring: at the end of each frame, only the net differencebetween the two teams’ points goes on the scoreboard. It keeps games competitive and tight.

Point values

Cornhole (through the hole) — 3 points
Woody (lands and stays on board) — 1 point
Off-board / ground-hit / fouled bag — 0 points

The scoring sequence

1. Throw all 8 bags. Each team throws four bags per frame (one player at a time, alternating). All 8 bags must be on or near the board before scoring.
2. Count each team's gross points. Each bag through the hole = 3 points. Each bag that lands and stays on the board = 1 point. Bags on the ground (or that touched ground before the board) = 0 points.
3. Cancel matching points. Subtract the lower team's gross score from the higher team's gross score. Only the difference counts that frame. (Example: A scores 7, B scores 4 → A nets 3, B nets 0.)
4. Add to running total. Add the net frame score to the team's running total. Loser of the frame throws first in the next frame.
5. Play to 21. First team to exactly 21 points wins. Most leagues stop play at exactly 21 with no win-by-2 (ACL); ACO uses straight 21 as well. Some recreational variants enforce win-by-2 or knock-back to 15 on going over 21.

Worked examples

Team A: Team A: 1 hole + 2 woodies = 5

Team B: Team B: 0 holes + 3 woodies = 3

→ Team A nets 2 points (5 − 3). Team B nets 0.

Team A: Team A: 2 holes + 1 woody = 7

Team B: Team B: 2 holes + 1 woody = 7

→ Both teams net 0 — cancelled frame.

Team A: Team A: 3 holes + 1 woody = 10

Team B: Team B: 0 holes + 4 woodies = 4

→ Team A nets 6 points (10 − 4). Team B nets 0.

Common scoring variants

ACL / ACO / ACA tournament: straight 21, no win-by-2, cancellation scoring.
Bust-back rule: exceeding 21 sends you back to 15 (casual only).
Skunk: behind 11–0, you lose immediately (casual only — see the glossary).
Match play: first to 21, then best 2-of-3 matches.

FAQ

What is cancellation scoring?

After each frame, the lower team's points cancel an equal amount from the higher team. Only the difference goes to the winning team's total. It's the standard rule used by ACA, ACO, and ACL.

Does a bag on the board still count if it was knocked there by another bag?

Yes. As long as it ends the frame on the board surface (and didn't touch the ground first), it counts. A bag knocked off the board does not score.

What if both teams have the exact same score?

The frame is scoreless — both teams get 0 for that frame. The team that didn't have the hammer (last bag) in this frame throws first in the next.

Does going over 21 reset to 15?

In ACL and most pro play, no — you stop the moment you reach 21. In some casual rule sets a team that exceeds 21 is sent back to 15 for the next frame ('bust-back' rule).

Who throws first each frame?

Whichever team did NOT score net points last frame throws first. The other team has the 'hammer' (last bag of the frame).

More references

See the full rules for board setup and match play, the glossary for terms like woody, hammer, and ace, and the bracket builder to run a printable tournament.