Errors play a major role in cornhole. A small violation can cause a throw to be declared invalid and score no points. In this guide, we cover the complete list of official cornhole fouls, including foot faults, illegal throws, interference, and violations during matches. For the full overview of all rules, you can always go back to Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring or continue learning in the Cornhole Knowledge Center. New to the game? Start with What Is Cornhole?.
What is a foul in cornhole?
A foul is a violation of the official rules that causes a throw to be ruled invalid. The associated bag is called a foul bag and always scores 0 points.
A foul bag is removed from the board when it lands on the board due to interference or an incorrect throw.
You can find more about legal throws in What Constitutes a Legal Throw?.
Foot faults
A foot fault occurs when a player crosses the foul line or leaves the pitcher’s box during the release of the bag.
A foot fault applies when:
- the foot crosses the foul line during the release
- the player steps outside the pitcher’s box before or during the throw
- the body leans too far forward during the release
- the player bends over the board during the throw
A foot fault automatically invalidates the throw.
Want to know how to stand correctly? Read Board Setup & Player Position Rules.
Illegal throws
Certain throws are automatically ruled invalid, regardless of the result.
These are illegal throws:
- throws that are made overhand
- throws where the bag is not thrown in one smooth motion
- throws that occur out of turn
- throws from outside the pitcher’s box
- throws in which the player intentionally hinders the board or the opponent
You can find full instructions for legal throws in Legal Cornhole Throws.
Bags that hit the ground (foul bags)
When a bag hits the ground before it reaches the board, it is always a foul bag, even if the bag then lands on the board.
These bags:
- score 0 points
- must be removed from the board
- can affect the position of other bags (the referee decides)
This also applies to bags that hit an object (such as a chair, wall, or person) before they hit the board.
Interference & hindering play
Any form of physical or verbal interference during the throw can lead to a foul or even greater penalties in tournaments.
Interference includes:
- a player touching an opponent’s bag while it is in the air
- moving or touching a board during active throws
- distracting actions such as shouting, gesturing, or deliberate deception
- preventing the opponent from taking their stance
These types of violations are judged strictly in tournaments, see Penalties & Violations.
Incorrect order: throwing out of turn
A throw is invalid when a player throws while it is not their turn.
This counts as a foul when:
- a player throws before the opponent has made their throw
- a player accidentally throws an extra bag
- a player throws too early on the other side of the court (in doubles)
You can read more about this in How Turn Order Works in Cornhole.
Time violations (shot clock fouls)
In official tournaments, a player must make their throw within a set time limit—usually 20 seconds after it becomes their turn.
When a player waits too long:
- the referee may issue a warning
- the throw may be declared invalid
- the team may receive a penalty in strict tournament settings
Official guidelines can be found in Cornhole Referee Guidelines.
Multiple violations
When multiple fouls occur during a single throw, the bag remains invalid. In some cases a referee may impose additional sanctions, such as deducting points or restoring affected bags.
Common mistakes (summary)
- stepping over the foul line = foot fault
- throwing from outside the pitcher’s box
- throwing overhand
- ignoring the turn order
- bag hits the ground first → always a foul
- interference with the opponent or board
Many of these errors stem from misinterpretation of the rules. See Common Rule Misunderstandings.
Frequently asked questions about fouls
What happens if my foot crosses the foul line?
Then it is a foot fault and the throw is declared invalid. The bag counts as a foul bag.
May I throw overhand?
No, only underhand throwing is allowed in cornhole.
Is a bag valid if it hits the ground and then bounces onto the board?
No, bags that hit the ground first are always invalid.
What if I accidentally throw when it’s not my turn?
The throw does not count and is considered a foul. In tournaments, extra penalties may apply.
Are fouls enforced more strictly in tournaments?
Yes. Tournaments enforce fouls very strictly and may impose additional sanctions. See Penalties & Violations in Tournaments.
Next steps
Now that you know how fouls work, you better understand why some throws are invalid. Learn more about correct stance in Board Setup & Player Position, or discover how throws must be performed officially via Legal Throws. For the complete overview, go back to Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring or continue reading in the Cornhole Knowledge Center.
