Best Cornhole Scoreboards and Score Towers: Buying Guide
Published July 2026
The best cornhole scoreboard is easy to see, simple to update and stable on the surface where you play. A compact flip-card scoreboard is often best for tailgates and travel, while a freestanding score tower provides better visibility for backyard courts, leagues and organized events.
For most dedicated cornhole setups, a freestanding score tower is the strongest overall choice. Players who prioritize portability may prefer a folding tabletop scoreboard, while hosts who want drink holders, device storage or custom graphics should consider a multifunction tower.
Browse the current Cornhole Scoreboards and Stands collection to compare available products.
Quick Answer: Best Cornhole Scoreboards and Score Towers
| Recommendation | Product | Best for | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall score tower | Elakai Portable Scoring Tower | Backyards, leagues and dedicated courts | Freestanding design, score tracking to 99, cup holders, stakes, rubber feet and storage backpack |
| Best compact scoreboard | Elakai Portable Scoreboard | Tailgates, travel and casual games | Compact folding design, two-team flip cards and visibility across the court |
| Best multifunction and custom tower | Blast Cornhole Score Tower | Personalized setups, events and device-assisted scoring | Score clips, two cup holders, tablet or phone shelf and custom graphics |
These are research-based recommendations using current manufacturer specifications. CornholeBags.com does not claim hands-on testing unless a product has been evaluated through a documented testing process.
Best Overall Score Tower: Elakai Portable Scoring Tower
The Elakai Portable Scoring Tower is our research-based best overall choice for players who want a substantial freestanding tower that can serve a backyard court, league night or organized gathering.
According to the official Elakai product specifications, the tower includes:
- A solid-wood and mahogany-framed scoring structure
- Score tracking up to 99 points
- A durable storage and transportation backpack
- No-tool setup
- Three stakes for soft surfaces
- Rubber feet for harder surfaces
- Three larger cup holders
- Nine smaller cup holders
- Weather-resistant hardware and exterior-grade finishes
The combination of ground stakes and rubber feet makes it adaptable to grass, sand, patios and pavement, provided the surface is level and the tower is set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Best for:
- Permanent or semi-permanent backyard courts
- League nights
- Family gatherings
- Parties and outdoor events
- Players who want high score visibility
- Hosts who want integrated drink storage
Consider another scoreboard when:
- You want the smallest possible travel option
- You do not need cup holders
- You prefer a personalized graphic or team design
- You have very limited storage space
Best Compact Scoreboard: Elakai Portable Scoreboard
The Elakai Portable Scoreboard for Outdoor Games is our best compact recommendation for tailgates, campsites and casual games.
The official Elakai specifications identify:
- One scoreboard for tracking two teams
- A mahogany structure that sits on the ground or another hard surface
- Two differently colored sets of scoring cards
- Flip-style cards connected by spiral rings
- A closed size of approximately 13.75 inches wide, 7.75 inches tall and 1 inch thick
- Scoring cards approximately 2.25 inches by 6 inches
- Visibility from across the playing area
This scoreboard requires less setup and storage space than a full-height score tower. It can also be used for washers, horseshoes, bocce and other outdoor games.
Best for:
- Tailgates
- Camping
- Small backyards
- Players who transport equipment frequently
- Multiple outdoor games
- Buyers who do not need drink or device holders
Consider another scoreboard when:
- Spectators need to see the score from a substantial distance
- You want a standing-height scorer
- You need built-in cup holders
- You play on uneven grass where a low scoreboard may be harder to see
Best Multifunction and Custom Tower: Blast Cornhole Score Tower
The Blast Cornhole Score Tower is the strongest current option for buyers who want scoring, beverage storage, device support and personalized artwork in one structure.
The official Blast Cornhole product listing identifies:
- Two clips for manual score tracking
- Two cup holders
- An integrated shelf for a tablet or two phones
- Direct-printed graphics
- Solid ash plywood or Baltic birch construction, depending on the configuration
- Stock graphics and personalized design options
- An option to include printed playing rules
The device shelf can support a tablet used for brackets, a scoring application, livestream monitoring or event administration. The visible score clips should still be updated so players and spectators can confirm the score without relying entirely on a screen.
Best for:
- Personalized backyard courts
- League branding
- Corporate events
- Team-themed setups
- Livestream or tablet-assisted scoring
- Players who want integrated drink holders
Consider another scoreboard when:
- You want an especially compact travel product
- You do not need personalization or device support
- You want a scoring range extending substantially beyond 21
- You need a fully documented exposure rating for frequent outdoor storage
Cornhole Scoreboard vs. Score Tower
| Feature | Portable scoreboard | Score tower |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact and easy to store | Taller and more visible |
| Portability | Usually the easiest option to transport | Depends on folding or disassembly design |
| Visibility | Suitable for players near the court | Generally easier for spectators to see |
| Extra features | Usually limited to scoring | May include drinks, bags, phones or tablets |
| Setup | Often unfolds or sits directly on the ground | May require a base, stake or assembly |
| Best use | Tailgates, travel and casual games | Backyards, leagues, venues and tournaments |
Why Use a Cornhole Scoreboard?
Cornhole uses cancellation scoring. A bag through the hole is worth three points, a bag remaining on the board is worth one point and a bag off the board is worth zero. At the end of the round, the lower score is subtracted from the higher score, and only one side records the difference.
That system is straightforward, but the running game score can become difficult to remember during long games, social events or tournament play.
A physical scoreboard helps:
- Players confirm the running score
- Spectators follow the game
- Reduce disagreements
- Prevent forgotten frame scores
- Keep league and tournament courts organized
- Make it easier to identify when a player or team reaches 21
The official ACL rules, official ACO rules, official World Series of Cornhole rules and official American Cornhole Association rules each use the familiar one-point, three-point and cancellation-scoring framework for standard games.
ACL, ACO, WSOC and ACA should be treated as separate, equal competition authorities. Specialized formats may use additional game points or match points, so tournament directors should follow the exact rules of the organization and event being conducted.
How Many Points Should a Cornhole Scoreboard Display?
A standard scoreboard should clearly display scores from zero through at least 21.
Standard games generally end when one player or team reaches or exceeds 21 points at the conclusion of a round. A scorer that reaches 21 is therefore sufficient for most backyard and standard competitive games.
A higher scoring range can be helpful for:
- Alternate house rules
- Multi-game match tracking
- League standings or side competitions
- Other outdoor games
- Events that use separate game and match points
Do not choose a tower solely because it displays a higher number. Visibility, stability and ease of updating are usually more important for ordinary games.
How to Choose a Cornhole Scoreboard or Score Tower
1. Choose the right format
Select a portable scoreboard when compact storage and transportation matter most.
Select a score tower when:
- The court is used regularly
- Spectators need better visibility
- Drink or device storage is useful
- The scoreboard will remain near a dedicated court
- The setup is being used for leagues or events
2. Check score visibility
The score should be readable from the pitching area and, when applicable, from the spectator area.
Look for:
- Large numbers
- Strong contrast
- Clearly separated team tracks
- Bright or easy-to-find scoring clips
- A tower height suited to the court
A decorative design should not make the scoring numbers difficult to read.
3. Confirm the scoring method
Common physical systems include:
- Sliding clips
- Movable pegs
- Flip cards
- Magnetic numbers
- Electronic displays
Score clips
Clips are simple, inexpensive and easy to replace. They should hold firmly without damaging the printed scoring track.
Scoring pegs
Pegs are easy to understand but can be lost. Confirm that replacement pegs are available or easy to substitute.
Flip cards
Flip cards display the score clearly and work well on compact portable scorers. They should turn easily without sticking.
Electronic scoring
Electronic displays and applications can support event management, but they require power, visibility and reliable operation. A manual backup remains useful.
4. Match the base to the playing surface
Different bases work better on different surfaces.
| Playing surface | Useful scoreboard features |
|---|---|
| Grass | Ground stakes, wide base or weighted structure |
| Sand | Longer stakes or a broad stable base |
| Concrete or patio | Rubber feet, freestanding base or tabletop design |
| Indoor flooring | Nonmarking feet and a stable freestanding design |
| Tailgate parking lot | Compact folding scoreboard with no ground stake required |
A ground-stake-only design may be unsuitable for concrete, while a lightweight tabletop scorer may be harder to stabilize in wind.
5. Consider transportation and storage
Before ordering, review:
- Assembled dimensions
- Folded or packed dimensions
- Total weight
- Number of separate pieces
- Whether a storage bag is included
- Whether tools are needed for assembly
- Whether clips, cards or pegs remain attached during transportation
A full-height tower can still be portable when it breaks down easily and includes a carrying case.
6. Review outdoor-use claims carefully
“Outdoor,” “weather resistant” and “weatherproof” do not necessarily mean the same thing.
Verify the manufacturer’s guidance involving:
- Rain exposure
- Direct sunlight
- Permanent outdoor storage
- Wood finish maintenance
- Metal hardware
- Cleaning
- Warranty exclusions
Wooden scoreboards generally benefit from dry, protected storage when not in use unless the manufacturer states otherwise.
7. Decide whether you need cup holders
Cup holders can make a tower more convenient during long games, but they also increase its size and can create spills near phones, tablets or the playing area.
Review:
- Number of cup holders
- Cup diameter
- Whether the shelf drains after rain
- Whether drinks affect tower stability
- Whether containers interfere with score clips
8. Consider phone and tablet storage
A device holder may be useful for:
- Digital brackets
- League applications
- Livestream monitoring
- Recording games
- Music control
- Event schedules
The holder should keep the device secure without blocking the visible manual score.
9. Review personalization options
A personalized score tower may coordinate with:
- Custom cornhole boards
- League logos
- Business branding
- Wedding artwork
- Family names
- Team colors
Submit only logos and designs that you own or have permission to reproduce. Custom artwork should not reduce the contrast or readability of the scoring track.
Where Should a Cornhole Scoreboard Be Placed?
The scoreboard should remain outside the throwing lanes and should not create a tripping hazard or interfere with bags in play.
The current ACL rules recommend one scoreboard per court, positioned at least one foot behind one board and outside the field of play. The ACL does not require a scoreboard for every game.
The ACO rules state that each court contains a score tower and require players to update it at the conclusion of each frame. When a third party operates the tower, the scoring player or team calls out the score and the players remain responsible for ensuring it is represented correctly.
For backyard and event play:
- Place the scorer behind or beside a board
- Keep it outside the pitcher’s box
- Do not place it between the two boards
- Keep cup holders away from throwing lanes
- Make sure spectators do not block the score
- Confirm that the base is stable before play begins
Who Should Update the Score?
For casual games, agree before play begins whether the scoring player, losing player or a third party will update the board.
A practical method is:
- Complete all eight throws.
- Confirm the points on the board.
- Apply cancellation scoring.
- Agree on the net frame score.
- Update the scoreboard before beginning the next round.
Do not move the bags until the frame score is agreed upon. This allows players or an official to inspect close scoring situations.
How Cancellation Scoring Works
Each bag through the hole is worth three points. Each bag remaining on the board is worth one point.
After both players or teams throw all four bags, subtract the lower frame score from the higher frame score.
| Team | Frame points |
|---|---|
| Team A | 7 |
| Team B | 3 |
| Team A’s recorded score | 4 |
Only Team A adds points to the running scoreboard for that frame.
Standard ACL, ACO, WSOC and ACA games continue until one side reaches or exceeds 21 points at the conclusion of the applicable round or frame. Special team or match-play formats may apply additional scoring structures.
Manual Scoreboard vs. Scoring App
| Consideration | Physical scoreboard | Scoring application |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Usually visible to players and spectators | May be visible only to the device operator |
| Power | No battery required | Requires a charged device |
| Weather | Depends on construction | Device requires protection |
| Brackets and statistics | Limited | Can provide advanced event features |
| Ease of use | Simple manual operation | May require setup, login or connectivity |
| Best use | Visible court score | Tournament administration and detailed tracking |
Leagues and larger events can use both: a visible physical scoreboard for the court and a device for brackets, statistics or official match entry.
How Many Scoreboards Does a Tournament Need?
Provide at least one visible scoring system for each active court.
For a tournament with eight courts, plan for:
- Eight primary scoreboards or score towers
- Replacement clips, pegs or cards
- At least one backup scorer
- A standard placement rule across all courts
- Instructions for who updates the score
Using the same scoring format on every court can reduce confusion among players, officials and volunteers.
Best Cornhole Scoreboard for a Backyard
A freestanding score tower is generally the best choice for a dedicated backyard court.
Look for:
- Visibility from both boards
- A stable base
- Simple clips or pegs
- Outdoor-use guidance
- Storage that fits your available space
- Cup holders when useful
The Elakai Portable Scoring Tower is the strongest current all-around option for this purpose.
Best Cornhole Scoreboard for Tailgating
A folding portable scoreboard is usually the best option for a tailgate because it:
- Fits more easily in a vehicle
- Requires less assembly
- Can sit on pavement
- Works for several outdoor games
- Requires less storage space
The Elakai Portable Scoreboard is the strongest current compact option in the CornholeBags.com collection.
Best Cornhole Score Tower for Events and Branding
A customizable multifunction tower is useful when the scoreboard also serves as part of the event presentation.
Consider a custom tower for:
- Weddings
- Corporate events
- Bars and breweries
- League branding
- Sponsored tournaments
- Fundraisers
The Blast Cornhole tower provides the strongest current combination of scorekeeping, custom graphics, cup storage and device support.
Common Cornhole Scoreboard Buying Mistakes
Choosing a scoreboard that is difficult to see
Small numbers or low-contrast graphics can make the score unreadable from the opposite board.
Ignoring the playing surface
A stake-only tower may not work on concrete, while a lightweight tabletop scorer may be unstable on grass.
Buying a tower that is difficult to transport
Check packed dimensions, weight and number of pieces before ordering.
Assuming “outdoor” means permanent outdoor storage
Follow the manufacturer’s exposure and storage instructions.
Allowing custom graphics to hide the numbers
The scoring track should remain the most legible part of the tower.
Overlooking replacement score markers
Clips and pegs can be misplaced. Confirm that they can be replaced easily.
Placing the tower in the playing lane
The scorer should remain behind or beside the board and outside the field of play.
Relying entirely on a phone
A device can fail, lose power or be difficult for spectators to see. Use a visible manual backup at organized events.
Buying features you will not use
A compact scoreboard may be more practical than a large tower when drink holders, tablet shelves and custom graphics are unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cornhole scoreboard?
The Elakai Portable Scoring Tower is our research-based best overall recommendation because it combines visible scorekeeping, a freestanding base, soft- and hard-surface stabilization, storage and cup holders.
What is the best portable cornhole scoreboard?
The Elakai Portable Scoreboard is the strongest compact option because it folds to a small size, tracks two teams and uses visible flip cards.
What is the best custom cornhole score tower?
The Blast Cornhole Score Tower is the best current custom option because it offers personalized graphics, two score clips, cup holders and a shelf for a tablet or phones.
Do you need a scoreboard to play cornhole?
No. Players can track the score mentally or on paper. A scoreboard makes the running score easier for players and spectators to confirm.
Does the ACL require a scoreboard?
No. Current ACL rules recommend one scoreboard per court and specify placement, but state that scoreboards are not required.
Does the ACO require a score tower?
The current ACO court-layout rules state that each court contains a score tower and require players to ensure the displayed score is updated correctly.
Where should a cornhole scoreboard be placed?
Place it behind or beside a board, outside the pitcher’s box and field of play. Current ACL rules specify a minimum of one foot behind one board.
What number should a cornhole scoreboard go to?
It should display at least zero through 21 for a standard game. A higher range may be helpful for alternate games or match tracking.
How does cornhole scoring work?
A bag in the hole is worth three points, a bag on the board is worth one and a missed or dead bag is worth zero. Cancellation scoring awards only the difference between the two sides’ frame totals.
Who updates the score tower?
Players should agree on responsibility before the game. Under current ACO rules, players remain responsible for confirming that the displayed score is correct, even when a third party updates the tower.
Are score towers weatherproof?
Not automatically. Review each manufacturer’s rain, sunlight, maintenance and storage guidance.
Can a score tower hold a phone or tablet?
Some can. The Blast Cornhole tower includes a shelf designed for a tablet or two phones.
Can cornhole scoreboards be personalized?
Yes. Some manufacturers offer names, logos, team designs and custom artwork. Submit only material that you own or have permission to reproduce.
Can I use a scoreboard for other outdoor games?
Yes, when the scoring range and format work for the other game. Compact flip-card scorers are commonly suitable for washers, horseshoes and bocce.
Where can I buy a cornhole scoreboard?
Browse the Cornhole Scoreboards and Stands collection for current portable scoreboards and multifunction towers.
Final Recommendation
Choose the Elakai Portable Scoring Tower for the strongest overall backyard, league or dedicated-court setup. Choose the Elakai Portable Scoreboard when compact transportation and simple two-team scoring matter most.
Choose the Blast Cornhole Score Tower when you want custom artwork, drink holders and a device shelf in addition to manual scoring.
Whatever format you select, prioritize visibility, stability, easy score updates and compatibility with the surface where you play. Position the scorer outside the playing lanes and update it only after the frame score has been confirmed.
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