Cancellation scoring is one of the most important parts of official cornhole rules. It determines how points within a round cancel each other out and makes the game more exciting, more strategic, and fairer. On this page you’ll learn exactly how cancellation scoring works, when it’s used, and how to avoid common mistakes. For the full overview of all official rules, you can always return to the main pillar Official Cornhole Rules & Scoring or the complete Cornhole Knowledge Center.
Are you new to the sport? Then start with What Is Cornhole? to better understand the game.
What is cancellation scoring?
Cancellation scoring means that the points of both players or teams within the same round cancel each other out. Only the difference between the scores is added to the total of the winner of that round.
This prevents extremely high scores in a single turn and ensures exciting, longer matches.
Do you first want to understand the basics of all scoring? Then check Cornhole Scoring Explained (With Examples).
This is how scoring works within cancellation scoring
- 1 point for each bag that is on the board (woody)
- 3 points for each bag that goes through the hole (cornhole)
- 0 points for foul bags
After that, each player or team adds up the points within the round and the difference is determined.
Examples of cancellation scoring
Example 1: Standard round
- Team A: 1 cornhole (3), 2 woodies (2) = 5 points
- Team B: 2 woodies (2) = 2 points
Cancellation: 5 – 2 = 3 points for Team A
Example 2: Both teams score the same
- Team A: 6 points
- Team B: 6 points
Cancellation: 6 – 6 = 0 → No points added
Example 3: Large score differences
- Team A: three cornholes (9), one woody (1) = 10 points
- Team B: one woody (1) = 1 point
Cancellation: 10 – 1 = 9 points for Team A
What happens to foul bags?
Foul bags play a major role in cancellation scoring. They yield 0 points and can completely change the round.
- Bags that hit the ground first
- Foot faults
- Throws outside the pitcher’s box
- Throwing out of turn
For all foul scenarios, read: Cornhole Foul Rules: Foot Faults, Illegal Throws & More.
How does cancellation scoring affect game strategy?
Precisely because points within each round are offset, cornhole is very much about tactics. Some key strategic insights:
- Blocking: a bag in front of the hole can limit your opponent’s scoring.
- Air-mails: throwing directly through the hole without hitting the blocker.
- Risk limitation: sometimes it’s better to take a certain woody than to try a risky cornhole.
What happens to foul bags?
Foul bags play a major role in cancellation scoring. They yield 0 points and can completely change the round.
- Bags that hit the ground first
- Foot faults
- Throws outside the pitcher’s box
- Throwing out of turn
For all foul scenarios, read: Cornhole Foul Rules: Foot Faults, Illegal Throws & More.
How does cancellation scoring affect game strategy?
Precisely because points within each round are offset, cornhole is very much about tactics. Some key strategic insights:
- Blocking: a bag in front of the hole can limit your opponent’s scoring.
- Air-mails: throwing directly through the hole without hitting the blocker.
- Risk limitation: sometimes it’s better to take a certain woody than to try a risky cornhole.
Common mistakes in cancellation scoring
- Adding points for both teams without offsetting
- Accidentally counting foul bags
- First adding the round score to the total, and only then offsetting (incorrect)
- Thinking that cornholes always score → not in case of fouls
For clarification: Common Rule Misunderstandings in Cornhole.
When does the game end?
After cancellation scoring, the round points are added to the total score. Most games go to 21 points, but variants such as win-by-2 are common.
Read more: Regulation Cornhole Game Length & Winning Score.
Learn more & apply directly
FAQ: Cancellation Scoring
What is cancellation scoring?
Points of both teams in the same round are compared. The lower score is subtracted from the higher one. Only the difference counts.
Why do official games use cancellation scoring?
It makes games fairer, more strategic, and prevents extremely large score fluctuations.
Can I play cornhole without cancellation scoring?
Yes, in casual games all points per round are sometimes added up. But tournaments almost always use cancellation scoring.
Does cancellation scoring change the strategy?
Definitely. Players use blockers, airmails, and risk assessment to neutralize their opponent’s points.
