1. Gather the necessary equipment: You will need two cornhole boards, eight cornhole bags (four of each color), and a level playing surface. Make sure your boards are regulation size, measuring approximately 4 feet by 2 feet.

2. Set up the playing area: Place the cornhole boards about 27 feet apart, facing each other. The front edges of the boards should be parallel and aligned with one another. This distance may be adjusted for younger players or casual games.

3. Divide into two teams: Cornhole can be played with two or four players, so divide accordingly. Try to balance the skills of players to keep the game fair and competitive.

4. Determine which team goes first: To decide who will throw first, flip a coin or use another method of your choice to determine which team starts the game.

5. Position yourself for gameplay: Each team should stand on opposite sides of the board that they are throwing towards. Players must stay behind the front edge of their respective board during play.

6. Choose your throwing style: Some people prefer underhand tosses, while others like a spinning toss to try and land their bag on the board or in the hole directly.

7. Aim for the hole: The goal is to land your bean bag either on the board or directly into the hole. Focusing on accuracy and consistency will help improve your chances of scoring points.

8. Take turns throwing: Each player takes turns tossing one bag at a time, alternating between teams after each throw.

9. Scoring system: A bag that lands and remains on the board is worth one point, while a bag that goes through the hole is worth three points.

10. Keep track of scores: It’s essential to keep track of both teams’ scores throughout the match. This can be done using a scoreboard or tally marks on paper.

11. Play to twenty-one points: The first team to reach or surpass twenty-one points wins the game. A team must win by at least two points, so if the score reaches 20-19, continue playing until one team has a two-point lead.

12. Fouls: If a player steps over the front edge of their board or their foot crosses the foul line, their throw is considered a foul and does not count towards scoring.

13. Dealing with interference: If a foreign object (like an animal or wind-blown debris) interferes with your throw, you can choose to take a rethrow or accept the outcome as-is.

14. Extra innings: In case of a tie at twenty-one points, continue playing extra innings until one team takes a clear lead and secures victory.

Now that you know how to play cornhole, gather your friends and family for an enjoyable afternoon of friendly competition and outdoor fun!