The terms woody and cornhole form the basis of cornhole scoring. Although they seem simple, they are often misunderstood by new players. In this guide we explain exactly what these terms mean, how they score, and how they are used in official cornhole rules. For the full rules you can go back to Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring or continue learning in our Cornhole Knowledge Center. New to the game? Start at What Is Cornhole?.
What is a “woody”?
A woody (also called a “board bag” or “on the board”) is a bag that legally lands on the board and remains there at the end of the round.
Point value of a woody:
1 point
A bag counts as a woody when:
- the bag is on the board without having touched the ground
- the bag was officially thrown
- the bag did not end up on the board as the result of a foul or illegal throw
- the bag remains on the board during the round
Bags that bounce up from the ground are considered a foul bag, not a woody.
What is a “cornhole”?
A cornhole is a bag that legally goes through the hole, or falls in as a result of another bag hitting the board.
Point value of a cornhole:
3 points
A bag counts as a cornhole when:
- the bag goes directly through the hole
- the bag hits the board and then falls into the hole
- another bag legally pushes yours into the hole
- an opponent’s bag pushes your bag into the hole (this still counts)
Note: a bag that first hits the ground and then bounces into the hole does not count.
Examples of Woody & Cornhole situations
Example 1: simple round
- Player A: 2 woodies, 1 cornhole → 5 points
- Player B: 1 woody → 1 point
Net score (cancellation scoring): A wins the round by 4 points.
Example 2: complex round
- Player A: 1 woody, 2 cornholes → 7 points
- Player B: 3 woodies, 1 cornhole → 6 points
Net score: A wins the round by 1 point.
You can find full scoring in Cornhole Scoring Explained and more detail in Cancellation Scoring.
Common misunderstandings
“A woody is less important.”
Incorrect! Woodies are essential for putting pressure on your opponent or placing blockers.
“Cornholes don’t count if an opponent pushes them in.”
They absolutely do. Every legal bag in the hole always counts as a cornhole, no matter who pushed it in.
“If a bag is half hanging, it already counts as a woody.”
A bag that touches the board but also touches the ground does not count. It must remain completely above the ground.
“A bag that ends up on the board via the ground counts.”
No, that is a foul bag and is removed.
“Woodies don’t count if they are moved at the end of the round.”
Woodies still count as long as they were not moved due to a foul.
Strategic importance of woodies and cornholes
One throw is worth more points than the other, but both are essential:
Woodies as strategy
- building pressure
- placing blockers
- forcing opponents to throw airmails
- scoring in small steps
Cornholes as power score
- most valuable throws
- can decide rounds
- counter a good blocker
- essential in comeback situations
Role in official tournaments
The terms are used by referees and scorekeepers to clearly record the round. Accuracy is important, especially with cancellation scoring.
See also:
Frequently asked questions
Does a bag that just hits the edge of the hole count as a cornhole?
Only when it actually falls through the hole. Otherwise it is a woody.
Does a bag that falls into the hole after being pushed by another bag count?
Yes, as long as the bag itself was legally thrown.
What happens if a bag is half on the board and half on the ground?
It does not count. The bag must remain completely above the ground.
Do woodies still count if the board shifts?
Yes, unless the board was moved due to a foul, interference, or illegal action.
What is more important for beginners: woodies or cornholes?
Both! Woodies give control, cornholes give points. A good player masters both.
Next steps
Now that you know what woody and cornhole mean, you can better understand how scoring works. Dive deeper into Cornhole Scoring Explained, or learn about strategic situations via Cancellation Scoring. For all official rules go back to Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring or discover more in our Cornhole Knowledge Center.
