Axe Throwing Scoring System – How It Works?
I understand how complicated it can be to learn how the axe throwing scoring system works, depending on the venues the rules may vary. At the same time, it is essential to know the scoring categories to maximize the score.
Majorly two popular scoring criteria are used, World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF). If you are able to understand their criteria, it is obvious that you will easily understand the dimensions and scoring systems for the local venues.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about the axe throwing rules and scoring including the target board dimensions.
Target Board Anatomy
As a beginner, knowing the target board anatomy and dimensions is crucial to capitalize on the scoring opportunities. Each circle such as the bullseye, outer rings, and killer shots has different point, let’s look at their locations on the board.
What Is Bullseye In Axe Throwing?
Among all the rings on the board, the bullseye is the most central in terms of its location and the smallest in terms of its size, which is why in a normal throw it has more points than any other ring on the board.
What Are Outer Rings?
Besides the bullseye, all the rings are referred to as outer rings; however, the number of outer rings can vary depending on the rules of the league in which you play.
What Is A Kill Shot In Axe Throwing?
These are the most interesting locations, at the top of both sides. When activated, it is more points than any other location on the board. However, before opting for a killer shot, a thrower has to inform the judge otherwise an accidental killer shot won’t be counted.
Comparison Of The Scoring Systems Of WATL And IATF
Depending on the league, scoring criteria may vary but the majority of the time WATL and IATF rules are followed. The understanding of these two scoring systems would suffice to interpret any other scoring system, even if the local league has its own.
WATL Scoring System
As shown in the figure, the WATL scoring system allows you to gain scores through 7 possibilities.
- If you hit the bullseyes, you will get 6 points.
- 1st innermost ring has 5 points.
- 2nd innermost ring contains 4 points.
- Hit the 3rd innermost ring and you will be rewarded with 3 points.
- 4th innermost ring has 2 points.
- The outermost ring has only 1 point.
- Killshot has 8 points.
It is worth knowing that the kill shot has to be activated, before the throw. A thrower has to inform the judge about the temptation of a kill shot, accidental killer shots won’t be considered. There are at max 2 kill shots available at any game stage. Furthermore, when the killer shot is active, if the thrower misses it, he will receive 0 points even if he hits the bullseye.
IATF Scoring Criteria
IATF scoring criteria allow you to receive scores through 4 possibilities only.
- The bullseye has 5 points.
- If you hit the red inner ring, you will get 3 points.
- The Outermost blue ring has 1 point.
- Clutches in green, have 7 points.
Just like WATL kill shots rules, IATF has for clutches. Clutch shots are also activated and it is compulsory to let the judge know before attempting them. However, there is no freedom in choosing the activating the clutches, they are only available at your 5th and final throw of the round. Accidental clutch shots are not considered even if you hit at your 5th or final throw.
Role Of Judge And Disputes In Score Counting
Similar to any other sport, the judge or the referee is there in the game to ensure smooth gameplay. In Axe throwing, judges make sure the throwers are following the rules of throwing. After the thrower has thrown the axe, the judge observes the point where it hits, determines, and also announces the score.
If the thrower thinks the score is not judged correctly, he has the option to dispute and appeal against the decision. As a result, the decision of score will then be reviewed and will be changed if it is found that the judge made a mistake when judging the scores.
Whether the decision changes or not, the referee’s call is Final! Thrower has to accept the decision. In case of misbehavior with the referee, a thrower may face suspension.
Scoring challenges
There are some challenges when it comes to scoring or even counting them. Sometimes, you miss your target by the bearest of margins and you lose the potential extra points. It’s worth knowing the challenges you could face along with the rules, so you don’t argue with the judge.
Axe On The Line
To begin with, the common challenge you can face is hitting the axe on the line – which means it doesn’t fall inside any ring.
If the axe is on the line, it will be considered part of the outer ring because the inner ring is only taken into account if part of the axe is inside the ring.
Breaking The Paint
A little more explanation of the above point is “Breaking the paint”, which is a key element in axe throwing. An axe is only will be considered inside the inner ring if it breaks the paint of paint.
This example illustrates the axe is breaking the paint of the bullseye, therefore, it will be counted as a bullseye hit. Simultaneously, it is also breaking the paint of the innermost ring, this is where Higher Point Value system comes into play.
Higher Point Value
What if you break the multiple points on the board? Obviously, without a doubt, you will be rewarded with a higher point value.
The axe is inserted into 3 different points including the bullseye, 1st, and 2nd innermost rings but you will be rewarded with the highest points of the Bullseye.
Observation Of Score Through Different Angles
When you throw the axe and it hits the board, it may appear you’ve hit the right spot but in reality, multiple angles are observed to determine the score.
The below demonstration is a perfect example of where it seems you’ve hit the bullseye but in fact, the axe is inside the innermost ring.
Take a look at this example, it seems you have hit the bullseye from the behind angle. But wait, let’s check it from the side angle.
The side angle clearly shows the axe is not inside the paint of the bullseye, there it will be considered in the innermost ring rather than the bullseyes.
Strategies For High-Scoring Throws
As a beginner, it is essential to know the type of axe as well as the wood you are using as a target board. If you are dealing with hardwood boards, an axe with a sharp tip is recommended. The reason is that you would want the tip to go inside the board so it doesn’t fall out.
Before throwing, make sure you’re standing straight and your elbows are straight. This will help you throw more accurately. Hold the axe with soft hands, and raise your hands above your head.
Now, move your hands towards the board and guide the axe on the board with a jerk. When it comes to axe throwing, the most important thing to remember is not to use your entire force. These axes are specially designed for axe throwing, and they don’t require a lot of force to reach the target board. The goal is to use the right amount of force to ensure that the axe sticks to the target board. The key to axe throwing is to practice and find the right amount.
These are small things to pay attention to, that makes a big difference in throwing accuracy. We have a detailed guide on axe-throwing tips where you will get a step-by-step guide.
