The turn order — also called turn order — determines which player or which team may take the first throw of a round. This seems simple, but in official cornhole rules the turn order has a major impact on strategy, game tempo, and fairness. In this guide we explain exactly how turn order works, both in casual play and in tournament conditions. For all official rules you can go back to the main pillar Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring or learn more in the Cornhole Knowledge Center. New to the game? Start at What Is Cornhole?.
What does “turn order” mean in cornhole?
Turn order determines who starts the round and in what sequence players throw their bags. The player who starts has a small advantage because he or she has the first opportunity to control the round — for example by throwing a blocker.
Turn order is fully connected to cornhole scoring, because at the end of each round you determine again who may start.
How is the first turn determined?
For the first round, simple methods are usually used to decide who starts:
- Coin flip – most commonly used method in tournaments.
- Shootout – both players throw one bag, the one closest to the hole starts.
- House rules – in casual play people often choose randomly.
From that moment on, the round score determines who starts the next round.
Who starts the next round?
In official tournaments there is a fixed rule:
The team that wins the round starts the next round.
Examples:
- Team A scores 5 points, Team B scores 3 → Team A starts.
- Tied score (e.g. 4–4) → The player or team that started the previous round starts again.
Because cancellation scoring is used in tournaments, it is possible for a team to win by just 1 or 2 points. That is why turn order is so strategically important. More about this: Cancellation Scoring.
Turn order within a round
Regardless of singles or doubles, the following always applies within a round:
- One throw per turn
- Players alternate
- A total of four bags per player per round
Turn order within a round
Regardless of singles or doubles, the following always applies within a round:
- One throw per turn
- Players alternate
- A total of four bags per player per round
Common mistakes with turn order
- Thinking that the loser has to start → incorrect.
- Accidentally switching the starting player after a tied round.
- Forgetting who won the previous round.
- Using a casual “who feels like it” start during a competitive game.
Many of these mistakes stem from misunderstandings about scoring and fouls. See Common Rule Misunderstandings in Cornhole for more explanation.
How turn order affects strategy
The player who starts can immediately apply pressure. The player who throws second often gets the chance to respond. Both have advantages:
Advantages of starting
- You determine the initial shape of the round
- You can place a blocker
- You set the tone of the attack
Advantages of throwing second
- Reactive play: respond to the situation
- Safely counter or play aggressively for cornholes
- Better assessment of risk per throw
For more strategic explanation you can look at our pages on Cornhole Technique and Cornhole Strategy.
Turn order in tournaments
Tournaments and leagues follow the official rules very precisely:
- Starting player is recorded in writing
- Referee can intervene in case of mistakes
- Foot faults and fouls sometimes affect the turn order
- Game duration is strictly defined
You can find more about this in How to Judge a Cornhole Game (Referee Guidelines).
Frequently asked questions about turn order
Who starts a cornhole game?
Usually a coin flip, shootout throw, or agreed house rule determines who takes the first throw of the game.
Who starts the next round?
Always the winner of the previous round. After a tied round, the starting player stays the same.
Is the turn order different in singles than in doubles?
The logic is the same, but doubles has two playing ends. See Singles vs Doubles.
What happens if someone accidentally throws even though it’s not their turn?
That is usually considered a foul and can result in 0 points. See Cornhole Foul Rules for details.
Next steps
Now that you know exactly how turn order works, you can improve your own playing style and avoid misunderstandings. For all official rules go back to Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring. For more depth on scoring and round structure you can continue reading Cornhole Scoring Explained and Cancellation Scoring. Be sure to keep exploring in our Cornhole Knowledge Center!
