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ACL Player Guide 2026–27: Everything You Need to Know
The American Cornhole League (ACL) is built on a simple idea: anyone can play, anyone can win. Whether you’re throwing in your first local tournament or chasing an Open title, the ACL lets you compete against players at your own skill level, track your stats, and see how you stack up against the best in the game.
This guide breaks down the 2026–27 ACL season in plain English: who can play, how skill tiers work, how to earn points, and what bags you can use.
How to Join the ACL
Everything in the ACL runs through The Cornhole App (free on the Apple App Store and Google Play). Use it to:
- Create your player profile and set your player type
- Sign up for an ACL Player Membership
- See your points and stats
Do you need a membership? You earn points either way, but you need a paid membership to see your points and rankings and get member rewards. Club, Open and Diamond members also get $10 off each event at Regional, State and Open tournaments.
ACL Player Types
Your player type is set by your age as of January 1, 2027:
| Player type | Who qualifies |
|---|---|
| Juniors | 17 and under (born 1/1/2009 or later) |
| College | Current undergraduate students, full or part time |
| Adults | 18 and older |
| Seniors | 55 and older (born 12/31/1971 or earlier) |
ACL Skill Tiers and CPI
The ACL places players in tiers by their Cornhole Performance Index (CPI), the league’s official skill rating on a scale from 1 to 12. Your CPI builds automatically as you play eligible games.
| Tier | CPI range | Average PPR* |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 8.00–12.0 | 9.09 |
| Tier 2 | 7.00–8.00 | 8.41 |
| Tier 3 | 6.00–7.00 | 7.67 |
| Tier 4 | 5.00–6.00 | 6.80 |
| Tier 5 | 1.00–5.00 | 5.41 and below |
PPR = points per round. Averages are as of 10/1/26.
New to the ACL? Until you have a CPI, directors will place you based on your self-declared skill, what they see you throw, your playing history, or a default tier. State and Regional Directors can also adjust tier ranges locally.
Don’t sandbag. Creating a second account to play in a lower tier can get you suspended.
👉 Learn more: Cornhole Performance Index: How the ACL Measures Skill
ACL Event Types and How Points Work
To earn points, you must pay for the event and play at least one game.
Local Events (unlimited)
- Singles need at least 6 players, and doubles at least 6 teams.
- Points are based on where you finish.
- Your top 24 local finishes count toward Club, State and Open rankings.
Monthly Regionals
- Up to 10 per region, each month.
- Each must offer at least Tiers 1, 3 and 4, with at least 2 formats.
- Your best singles and best doubles finish each month count. Your top 6 of each count toward State and Open rankings.
State and Interstate Events
- Every state holds one State Championship. Optional Interstate events are open to all players.
- Your top singles and top doubles finish count.
- You must compete in your home state unless National grants an exemption. The deadline to change states is February 28, 2027, and it requires State Director approval.
ACL Opens
- 11 three-day events this season.
- Doubles: Bring your own partner. Teams play 4–6 rounds of games, then move into Tier 1–4 double-elimination brackets, with at least 6 games guaranteed.
- Singles: Tiers 1–5 based on CPI.
- Prizes: Tiers 1–2 play for cash, Tiers 3–4 for ACL prizes, and Tier 5 singles for trophies.
- Only your top 2 singles and top 2 doubles finishes count toward Open standings.
- Women’s, Senior and Junior singles also count toward Open points.
👉 See the full schedule: ACL Events Schedule 2026–27
The Pro Division
The ACL Pro Division is the highest level of play. Pros must compete in the CPI-based tiers at Regional, State and Open events. Starting January 1, 2027, pros must also use 2027 ACL Pro-licensed bags at all Signature Open events.
👉 Meet the players: ACL Pros List
ACL Bag Rules
The ACL’s Bring Your Own Bags (BYOB) policy lets you throw the bags you like, as long as they’re properly stamped and from the ACL’s approved manufacturer list. That rule applies at every points event. If you don’t have approved bags, the tournament director should provide a set for you.
👉 ACL Bag Policy 2026–27 | ACL Approved Bag List
The 2027 ACL World Championships
The 2027 World Championships will be a multi-day event, with dates still to be announced. ACL Open and Pro members get registration priority, and general registration opens if spots remain. Planned events include Pro singles, doubles and blind draw; Women’s, Senior and Junior pro events; Tier 1–5 events; mixed doubles; a team event; and more. Full eligibility details are expected closer to the event.
What’s New This Season
- Stevie Loyalty Points: a new rewards feature for players (details coming soon)
- Open Standings Challenge: details coming soon
- Women’s, Senior and Junior singles at Open and State events
- New 2027 pro bag requirements at Signature Opens
Ready to Compete?
Get tournament-ready with dual-sided cornhole bags, find your speed in our cornhole bag speed chart, or see our Best Cornhole Bags of 2026.
Rules can change during the season. For the complete, official details, see the ACL Player Guide.
