Do you usually play cornhole 1 vs 1, but now also want to play with teams? Or are you wondering why tournaments often use doubles? On this page we clearly explain the difference between singles and doubles in cornhole: player positions, turn order, cornhole rules and basic strategy. For the full overview of official cornhole rules you can always go back to the main pillar Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring or continue reading in the Cornhole Knowledge Center.
Are you completely new to the game? Then start with What Is Cornhole? for the basics of the cornhole game.
What is singles cornhole?
In singles cornhole you play 1 vs 1. This is the simplest form for learning cornhole rules and cornhole scoring, because you only have to focus on yourself.
- Number of players: 2 (one player per side).
- Positions: Each player stands at one board, directly opposite each other.
- Throws: Both players throw alternately, four bags per round.
Singles is often used to help new players become familiar with the basics of cornhole scoring and the official cornhole rules.
What is doubles cornhole?
In doubles cornhole you play 2 vs 2. This is the most commonly used format in leagues and tournaments, because it’s more social and allows for more team strategy.
- Number of players: 4 (two teams of two).
- Positions: Teammates stand diagonally opposite each other at the different boards.
- Role division: One player from each team forms the “home pair” on one side, the partners form the “away pair” on the other side.
Because teammates stand opposite each other, you can coach each other, give feedback and use a shared strategy. You can read more about this in the general explanation of Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring.
Differences in player positions
The biggest visible differences between singles and doubles are in where players stand around the cornhole boards.
Positions in singles
- Both players start on the same side of the court, each in their own lane.
- After throwing they walk together to the other side to score and collect bags.
- After that, players can switch sides, depending on the agreed cornhole rules.
Positions in doubles
- Player A1 and B1 stand at board 1, player A2 and B2 at board 2.
- Teammates (A1 and A2, B1 and B2) therefore stand diagonally opposite each other.
- This means that one teammate is always “with you”, while the other plays at the other board.
If you want to know exactly how stance and board position rules work, check Board Positioning & Player Stance Rules.
Positions in singles
- Both players start on the same side of the court, each in their own lane.
- After throwing they walk together to the other side to score and collect bags.
- After that, players can switch sides, depending on the agreed cornhole rules.
Positions in doubles
- Player A1 and B1 stand at board 1, player A2 and B2 at board 2.
- Teammates (A1 and A2, B1 and B2) therefore stand diagonally opposite each other.
- This means that one teammate is always “with you”, while the other plays at the other board.
If you want to know exactly how stance and board position rules work, check Board Positioning & Player Stance Rules.
Turn order in singles vs doubles
In both singles and doubles the following applies: players or teams throw alternately, one bag at a time. But the turn order and who throws on which side differs per format.
Turn order in singles
- The starting player is usually determined by a coin flip or short practice throw.
- Player 1 throws one bag, then player 2, until both have thrown four bags.
- The winner of the round may start the next round.
Turn order in doubles
- On each side of the court two players (one from each team) throw alternately.
- For example: A1 and B1 throw alternately at board 1, A2 and B2 at board 2.
- Just like in singles, the team that wins the round gets the first throw in the next round on that side.
For a deeper explanation of who starts when, including examples and diagrams, see How Turn Order Works in Cornhole Matches. That also makes clear how turn order relates to Regulation Cornhole Game Length & Winning Score.
Scoring in singles vs doubles
The scoring in cornhole remains the same in singles and doubles:
- 1 point per woody (bag on the board)
- 3 points per cornhole (bag through the hole)
- 0 points for foul bags
In both formats, cancellation scoring is usually used: the points from both sides in a round cancel each other out and only the difference is added to the score. If you want to see this step by step with calculation examples, read Cornhole Scoring Explained (With Examples) and the in-depth page Understanding Cancellation Scoring in Cornhole.
Game length and winning score
Whether you play singles or doubles, most official matches go to 21 points. In tournaments, game length and winning conditions can be slightly adjusted, for example:
- Win-by-2 rules (you must win by at least 2 points)
- Maximum score to prevent extremely long games
- Special tiebreaker or overtime rules in case of a tie
The precise arrangements can be found in Regulation Cornhole Game Length & Winning Score and are often laid down in tournament rules or ACL-inspired rules, as described in American Cornhole League Official Rulebook Breakdown.
Advantages of singles cornhole
Singles is ideal for players who want to refine their own technique and cornhole strategy.
- Full focus on yourself: You are solely responsible for all throws and cornhole scoring.
- Faster learning curve: Mistakes and successes can be linked directly to your own throw.
- Perfect for training: Ideal in combination with tips from our guides on cornhole technique and cornhole strategy.
Advantages of doubles cornhole
Doubles makes cornhole more social and often more tactical, especially in competition or corporate events.
- More fun together: You play and celebrate together with a teammate.
- Strategic division of roles: One player can focus more on blockers, the other on aggressive cornholes.
- Ideal for tournaments: Doubles is the standard format in many leagues and cornhole tournaments.
When should you choose singles or doubles?
Which format fits best depends on your situation and goal:
- Training & technique: Singles is perfect for refining your throw.
- Corporate events & parties: Doubles creates more interaction and team spirit.
- Competitive players: Alternate singles and doubles to become skilled in both formats.
For larger events, you can use adapted cornhole rules and house rules, but preferably base them on the official guidelines from Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring and the comparison in Rule Differences Between Casual & Tournament Cornhole.
Common misunderstandings about singles vs doubles
- “Scoring is different in doubles” → incorrect, the scoring system remains the same.
- “In doubles everyone throws fewer bags” → incorrect, each player still throws four bags per round.
- “Turn order hardly matters” → incorrect, especially in doubles the order is crucial for strategy.
We discuss more misunderstandings about cornhole rules and cornhole scoring in Common Rule Misunderstandings in Cornhole.
Next steps: your ideal cornhole format
Whether you prefer to play 1 vs 1 or in teams of two: good knowledge of the differences between singles and doubles makes the cornhole game fairer, more fun and more strategically interesting. Use this page as a reference when you plan an event or set up your league night.
For a complete overview of the official rules and scoring you can always return to Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring. If you want to dive even deeper into cornhole scoring, read Cornhole Scoring Explained (With Examples) and Understanding Cancellation Scoring in Cornhole. For extra background and inspiration, keep exploring the Cornhole Knowledge Center.
FAQ: Cornhole singles vs doubles
What is the main difference between singles and doubles cornhole?
In singles you play 1 vs 1, in doubles 2 vs 2. In doubles, teammates stand diagonally opposite each other at the boards and you work together on your cornhole scoring. The basic rules and scoring system remain otherwise the same.
Is scoring different in doubles than in singles?
No. In both formats you use the same cornhole scoring: 1 point for a woody, 3 points for a cornhole and usually cancellation scoring per round. For calculation examples you can check Cornhole Scoring Explained (With Examples).
What is better for beginners: singles or doubles?
For technical practice singles is ideal, because you make all your own throws. For a fun first introduction to the game, doubles is often more enjoyable, especially at parties or corporate events. In both cases the official guidelines in Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring help.
Do the official cornhole rules change between singles and doubles?
The core rules stay the same, but the positions and turn order differ. In doubles you have to take both sides of the court and the division of roles within your team into account. Game length and winning score are often expressed in both formats as playing to 21 points, as explained in Regulation Cornhole Game Length & Winning Score.
