Introduction
Cornhole is a simple-looking game with strict rules. It requires specific boards and bags to play the game. The American Cornhole Association has laid out the specifications of the boards and the regulations for the game.
The game comprises of two components – boards and toss bags. In a professional game, Cornhole boards are wooden and inclined at a certain angle. The wooden material ensures the smoothness of the top surface. The game setup includes having two Cornhole boards.
This article presents you with a buying guide that will help you determine the perfect lighted Cornhole board for your game. We also review two of the best-lighted Cornhole boards that you can lay your hands on. But first, let us answer the most basic yet critical question.
What is a Cornhole Board?
Cornhole is a game where players take a turn throwing corn bags weighing 16 ounces each through a hole on a raised platform. The platform with a hole on which the bags are being aimed is the cornhole board. The game is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. It is one of the most common games played in the backyards during summer breaks.
What is a Lighted Cornhole Board?
A lighted cornhole board has LED lights embedded on its periphery, typically powered by two AA batteries. These boards follow the same dimensions as a regular cornhole board.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Lighted Cornhole Board
You need to keep in mind several factors while choosing the cornhole board that assures you the best quality and durability. As per the American Cornhole Association (ACA), the following are the points of consideration:
Player’s Skill-Level
There is a different board arrangement for beginners and experienced players. For beginners, you need a basic board with a sturdy frame and good quality material. For the pro-players, you need to look for boards that meet all the technical specifications laid out by the ACA. The surface material and the dimensions become critical aspects.
Dimension, Distance & Size
An ideal cornhole board measures 4’ x 2’. The board inclines at a particular angle for which the front side needs to be 2.5 inches from the ground, and the backside should have a height of 12 inches. The hole’s diameter is 6 inches and should position 12 inches from both sides’ edges and 9 inches from the top.
Material
The standard board material needs to be plywood. However, there are few brands that produce plastic and other material boards. Still, these are not advisable due to the inconsistency they bring to the game.
Paint Requirement
The top of the board has a glossy latex patent. It allows the bags to slide conveniently on the surface. During the professional game, it is ideal for keeping the board white. Other colors can be permitted, too, as long as they are easily visible.
Board Side
ACA states that the cornhole boards should have a solid woodside. The only access to the underside should be via the actual cornhole. It helps in identifying whether the bag was pitched through the hole or it just fell through the open sides.
Kind of Light
Almost every lighted cornhole board uses LED lights. However, there are different colored lights available. Some boards use plain white light, whereas others have a multi-color display.
Product Review: Best Lighted Cornhole Boards
In this section, we review the two best-lighted cornhole boards that you can easily find.
Triumph LED Lighted Cornhole Board Set
The Triumph LED cornhole board set complies with the ACA’s size and dimension specifications. The body is made from sturdy and premium-quality melamine laminate.
The LED lights on the outlines help you focus on your aim. It also lets you play the game when there is less visibility outdoors. Since you need to get the bags through the small hole, visibility is of crucial importance.
The wooden legs, back, and sides of the board are coated with nautical paint to protect from moisture accumulation. The wooden legs are foldable, making it convenient to carry the board to places.
The package includes four blue toss bags, four red toss bags, and eight glow sticks. The batteries are not included.
- STURDY, COMPACT: Sturdy, melamine laminate compact bag toss game with LED lighted target and glow sticks for night time play
- FOR DAY AND NIGHTTIME PLAY: Two 35" L x 24" W x 2" H large game platforms with LED lights
- MOISTURE PROTECTION: Solid wood legs, sides and back are sealed with nautical paint for moisture protection
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDES: This set includes 8 toss bags (4 red, 4 blue) and 8 glow sticks. It requires 2- 9v batteries that are not included
- CONVENIENT AND PORTABLE: Legs fold up for convenient carry with the boards comfortable carry handles
Pros
- Meets all ACA specifications
- LED lights let you play in the dark
- Durable and premium-quality
- Foldable and collapsible
- Easy to store
- Easy portability due to rope handles
Cons
- Not water-proof
- Batteries not included
PartyPongTables.com Wooden Cornhole Board Set with Color-Changing LED Lights
The cornhole board set from PartyPongTables.com is made from superior quality wood, which promises longevity and high-performance. The dimensions of the boards are in parallel with the ACA regulations.
The overall look of the product is very aesthetically pleasing. The set includes two boards, eight duck canvas toss bags that are all weatherproof, and a nylon carrying bag. The LED lights on the board’s periphery help you concentrate on your target in a low-visibility situation.
- DESCRIPTION: Full Size - Made in USA - Wood Cornhole Boards w/ LED Lights & LED Hole Ring Light. These boards feature a high definition, grunge-style USA flag graphic and a sleek finish that adds a patriotic touch of style to your outdoor events. Every PartyToss cornhole set includes (8) 6-inch x 6-inch premium duck canvas all-weather Stars/Stripes throwing bags and a heavy-duty nylon carrying bag.
- SIZE: 4 foot x 2 foot boards. 6-inch diameter hole. Each board stands at a sturdy 12 inches from the ground to the top back of the boards. You'll enjoy true precision and authenticity in every throw. (ACTUAL SIZE = 47" x 23.5" to prevent waste material)
- MATERIALS: High quality 3/8 inch treated plywood and pine frame ensure both durability and longevity. Robust support with 1 1/2 inch pine legs ensure PartyToss boards stay firmly grounded, providing unbeatable stability during gameplay. The premium, reliable, and durable leg hardware keep your boards securely assembled, game after game, making them a durable investment for endless hours of fun.
- LED Lights: Color-Changing LED Lights are embedded around the edges of the boards, creating a mesmerizing glowing effect that adds excitement and flair to your evening events. With multiple color options and dynamic lighting effects, you can customize the ambiance to suit any occasion. Additionally, LED hole ring lights are equipped with 3 colors to choose from (red, blue, white). Each board requires (5) AA batteries to power both sets of LED Lights. *Batteries not included.
- FUN FOR ALL AGES: Each complete cornhole board set includes two 4-foot x 2-foot cornhole boards and a set of eight bean bags, so you're ready to play right out of the box. Cornhole is a game that everyone can enjoy, making it perfect for family gatherings, parties, and events. It's a fantastic way to bring people together and create lasting memories.
The LED lights emit 16 different colors, making the game interesting to watch. Each board needs 5 AA batteries that you will have to purchase separately.
Pros
- Complies with all ACA specifications
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Different color options of the LED lights
- Product package inclusive of a carry bag
- Toss bags are all weatherproof.
- Collapsible and foldable legs for easy portability
Cons
- Does not include batteries for the LEDs
Also see our Best Cornhole Boards Review article – we cover the best overall boards on the market!
Cornhole Boards – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let us look into some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to Cornhole boards.
What are the commonly used materials for making a Cornhole board?
Cornhole boards are made from wood/ plywood. A few brands make plastic and aluminum boards, but those are strictly for casual backyard games. For a professional game or tournament, the board needs to be wooden.
What should be the distance between the Cornhole boards?
The distance between a set of Cornhole boards should be 27 feet. This distance is measured from the front of one board to the front of the other board.
What is the standard size and weight of a Cornhole board?
A standard Cornhole board measures 4 feet by 2 feet. The thickness ranges from 0.5 to 0.75 inches. The standard board should not weigh less than 25 pounds.
What score do you need to win a Cornhole game?
According to the official tournament rules, the first player to score 21 points wins the game. The interesting fact is that if you accidentally score above 21, you get penalized, and your score reduces to 15.
What is the best surface to place your Cornhole board on?
Grass and sand are the most common surfaces on which people play the game. These surfaces are perfect for providing stability to the boards and prevent damage to the corn-filled toss bags. Sometimes the game is also played on a hard surface like Asphalt.
Lighted Cornhole Board Summary
Cornhole is an interesting game enjoyed by everyone. Kids enjoy playing it in their backyards, and often the game turns fiercely competitive. The specialized rules and regulations make the game challenging and interesting.
Overall, we recommend the PartyPongTables Cornhole board set. It is best suited for beginners and experienced players. The boards comply with all standard specifications. The product quality is incredible, and it promises excellent durability.
The multi-color LEDs let you make the game aesthetically interesting. However, if you are strict on your budget, you can purchase the Triumph LED Cornhole Board set as they are more budget-friendly.
Related Cornhole Posts:
If you need to find more cornhole bags, be sure to see our post about the best cornhole bags. Or if you want to play outside at night and make the game a bit more fun, we have a separate post about the best lighted cornhole boards. And finally learn some cornhole terminology and lingo to improve your game.
I’m Lia and I love playing games. I started this site to share things with friends and they encouraged me to post more and now I’m trying to share things with the world – indoor and outdoor sports, and board and bar games. I write about things like Bocce, Croquet, Billiards, Darts and other fun ways to enjoy time with your friends and family!
