When it comes to mastering your cornhole game, leveling your board plays a bigger role than you might think. A wobbly or uneven board can send even your most perfect toss veering off course. Thankfully, there's no need to worry. You don’t need a degree in engineering to get your board straightened out. With a few easy tips and tricks, you can level your cornhole board and get the better accuracy and sturdiness you need for competitive matches!

Start on Flat Ground

The first step in achieving a perfectly level cornhole board is finding flat, even ground to set it up. Grass, driveways, or patios are ideal choices because they provide a stable and predictable surface. Be sure to inspect the area closely for things that can throw off your adjustments, including dips, slopes, and uneven spots. Avoid soft surfaces like sand, loose soil, or muddy areas, as they won't provide the support needed to keep the board steady during play.

Find the Right Distance

Before you level your board, you’ll want to make sure you place the boards the proper distance apart. Even spacing is essential for consistency, ensuring both teams have the same challenge. Use a tape measure for accuracy, and double-check that you’ve aligned both boards straight. If you’re playing casually, feel free to adapt the distance to suit your space. For regulation play, the distance should be 27 feet from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other.

Check With a Level Tool

Accuracy is everything when leveling a cornhole board, and a leveling tool is your best friend here. Grab a simple spirit level—the kind with a bubble in the middle—and rest it on your board. Test multiple areas by placing it along both the length and width of the board. If you can’t get the bubble in the middle, you need to keep adjusting the board.

Adjust the Leg Height

If your board has adjustable legs, you’re already ahead of the game! Adjust the legs slightly to lift or lower the board until it sits level from side to side and front to back. This phase might take a bit of trial and error, so don’t rush. Adjusting the legs is like fine-tuning the board for optimal performance, ensuring that every toss is fair and consistent.

Shim It Up

If your board doesn’t have adjustable legs, don’t worry—you can still get things perfectly level. Use shims, wooden wedges, or even folded cardboard to make small, precise adjustments. Slide the shim under the feet of the board’s legs until it balances properly.

You can purchase shims from any hardware store, but in a pinch, even items like books or thin pieces of wood can work. Once you’ve found the perfect fit, keep the shims handy for future games in case the ground shifts or you need to set up on a different surface.

Keep It Sturdy

A shaky board can ruin the game and lead to frustration. Once your board is set up, press down firmly on the surface to check for any wobbling or instability. If it moves or rocks, revisit your adjustments and ensure the ground is solid. Stability is key not only for smooth gameplay but also for preventing accidents or damage to the board.

Use Anti-Slip Pads

If you’re setting up on a slick surface like concrete or tile, you might notice the board sliding out of place during play. To prevent this, add anti-slip pads or rubber grips under the legs. These inexpensive additions can make a big difference by keeping the board firmly in place, no matter how intense the game gets. They’re also great for protecting delicate surfaces from scratches.

Account for Surface Slope

Sometimes, the ground you’re working with isn’t perfectly flat, especially in outdoor spaces like yards or driveways. In these cases, slightly tilting the legs to compensate for small slopes can make all the difference. The goal is to keep the top surface of the board as flat and even as possible so the bags land predictably.

Avoid Soft or Uneven Grass

Grass can be a convenient setup spot, but it’s not always the most stable option. Soft patches can cause the legs to sink during gameplay, throwing off the balance of the board. To avoid this, place a sturdy, flat base, such as a piece of plywood, under the legs to create a more stable surface.

Keep the Board Top Smooth

Leveling isn’t just about adjusting the legs or the ground. The surface of the board itself needs to be smooth and flat. Warped wood, raised edges, or uneven finishes can interfere with gameplay by causing bags to bounce or slide unpredictably. Inspect the board top closely before starting and sand down any imperfections if needed. A smooth surface makes a huge difference in the overall playing experience.

Watch the Bag Rebound

To ensure your board is perfectly aligned, take a few test tosses and watch how the bags react. If the bags bounce too much or slide uncontrollably, it could mean the board angle is off, or the surface isn’t level enough. Adjust the legs or add shims until the bags land and stay in place as they should. This simple test is a great way to fine-tune your setup.

Account for Weather

Outdoor setups can be tricky, especially when weather conditions come into play. Wet or damp ground can make the board unstable, while strong winds can affect gameplay. If you’re playing on damp ground, double-check the board’s stability throughout the game, as the legs may sink or shift while playing. For windy conditions, consider adding weights to the legs to keep the board anchored.

Avoid Overthinking

While leveling your board is important, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing perfection. Unless you’re preparing for a professional tournament, slight imperfections won’t ruin the fun. The key is to make the board as stable and level as possible without stressing over every minor detail. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game!

Test It With Friends

Before declaring your board ready for action, invite a friend to play a quick round. This step not only helps you confirm that the setup feels fair and consistent for both players but also adds an extra layer of fun to the process. If everyone’s happy with how the game feels, you can rest assured that you’ve done the job right. Let the games begin!

Leveling a cornhole board for better accuracy doesn’t have to involve sweat, tears, or a construction crew. A few minutes of prep goes a long way in setting the stage for great games and better accuracy. Plus, you’ll look like a total pro every time you set it up. Now grab some friends, pick up your professional cornhole board from us at Slick Woody’s, toss those bags, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your board won’t sabotage your perfect throw!