Last Updated on August 17, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team
Axe throwing is an exciting and challenging competitive sport where players throw axes at a wooden target to score points. Players take turns aiming for the bullseye, and their score depends on where their axe lands on the target. It’s a fun and fast-paced game that requires focus, precision, and skill. Whether you’re playing for fun or competing, axe throwing offers a unique way to test your aim and enjoy time with friends or teammates in a safe and thrilling environment.
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Complete Guide to Axe-Throwing
Equipment Rules
- Axes:
- Standard hatchets must weigh between 1.25 and 1.75 lbs (0.5–0.8 kg) with a blade length no longer than 4.75 inches (12 cm).
- For big axe events (used in some leagues), the axe must weigh at least 3 lbs (1.36 kg) with a longer handle.
- Targets:
- Made from end-grain wood (commonly cottonwood, pine, or poplar).
- Targets are 36” wide × 36” tall, with 1.5” thick boards.
- Painted with five scoring rings and two smaller “killshot” circles.
Target Layout & Scoring
- Bullseye (center circle) = 6 points
- 2nd ring = 5 points
- 3rd ring = 4 points
- 4th ring = 3 points
- 5th ring (outermost) = 1 point
- Killshots (two small blue dots near the top left and right of the target) = 8 points, but they can only be called twice per game.
Important Rule:
If the axe touches two scoring zones, the higher score counts.
Gameplay Format
Casual / Open Throwing
- Players typically take turns throwing 10 throws each.
- The total score after 10 throws determines the winner.
League / Tournament Play (WATL & IATF rules)
- Matches are played as a best of 3 rounds.
- Each round consists of 10 throws per player.
- The player with the higher score wins the round; best 2 out of 3 rounds wins the match.
Throwing Rules
- Players must throw from behind the foul line (12–15 ft from the target).
- Both hands or one hand can be used, but the throw must be overhand (no underhand or sidearm throws in official play).
- The axe must stick into the target to score points. If it falls out before scoring is recorded, it counts as zero.
- A player may not cross the foul line until both axes (in a head-to-head throw) have hit or missed the target.
Killshot Rules
- Killshots can only be attempted when “called” before the throw.
- Players typically get two killshot opportunities per match.
- If not called, hitting the killshot only counts as 1 point (outer ring).
Tie-Breakers
- If players are tied after regulation, a sudden-death throw-off is used.
- Both players throw at the same time. The higher score wins.
- If both throw the same score, play continues until one player outscores the other.
Safety Rules
- Only the thrower is allowed in the lane while throwing.
- Axes must be carried blade down at your side.
- Never throw until the lane is clear and the opponent has removed their axe.
- Spectators must stand outside of the throwing lanes.
Common Variations
- Around the World: Players must land an axe in each scoring ring at least once.
- 21 Points (Exact Score): First player to score exactly 21 wins. Going over 21 causes a reset back to 15.
- Team Play: Teams alternate throws, combining scores to beat the opponent.
Example Scoring Round
Player A’s 10 throws:
- 6, 5, 5, 4, 3, 6, 5, 6, 8 (killshot), 8 (killshot)
- Total = 56 points
Player B’s 10 throws:
- 5, 5, 4, 4, 6, 3, 5, 6, 5, 6
- Total = 49 points
Winner: Player A
Axe-Throwing FAQ
Most leagues and venues use axes with a handle between 12–17 inches and a head weighing about 1.25–1.75 pounds. Some venues allow larger axes for special rounds, but standard play uses the smaller size.
The standard throwing distance is 12–15 feet from the target. In official leagues like the WATL (World Axe Throwing League), the minimum distance is set at 12 feet.
Points are scored based on where the axe blade sticks into the target. The rings are worth 1–5 points, with the bullseye worth 6 points. Some boards also have special “killshot” spots worth extra points when called before the throw.
f your axe doesn’t stick or bounces off the target, no points are awarded for that throw.
Yes. Players may throw with one hand or both hands, depending on preference, as long as the throw is made from behind the line.
A typical match consists of 10 throws per player, with the highest cumulative score winning the round. Some venues play best-of-three matches.
The killshot is a small blue dot located near the top corners of the target. If you call “killshot” before throwing and stick your axe in that dot, you score extra points (often 8 points).
Many venues set a minimum age, usually around 12–14 years old, depending on local laws and safety standards. Parental supervision is often required for minors.
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A poor explanation of axe-throwing rules. You have erred by making some assumptions (eg), what are the values of the rings of the target, how do they score it when the axe is on or crosses the line, when does making a bullseye make more points than usual, what’s a double-killshot, et.al.
Your public would be better served if you had a total novice read through these explanations with a seasoned competitor to make a more thorough explanation for the record.
BTW, no flame intended !
Hey Charles, I updated the rules to be more specific and for a more advanced player. Let me know what you think! I would happily add more sections if you still think something is missing.