Axe Throwing Rules & Regulation

Scoring:

Scoring is simple and exciting—every throw is a chance to earn points, but only if your axe sticks in the marked target area. If your axe lands outside the target or falls out before it’s retrieved, the throw scores zero.

The target is made up of six main scoring zones. The closer you get to the center, the more points you earn:

• Outer ring: 1 point

• Second ring: 2 points

• Third ring: 3 points

• Fourth ring: 4 points

• Fifth ring: 5 points

• Bullseye (red center): 6 points

If your axe blade touches a line or crosses into two zones, you’re awarded the points for the higher-value zone.

You’ll also notice two small blue circles near the top of the target—these are called Killshots. Each player can “call” a Killshot up to twice per match, and if they hit it on a called attempt, they earn 8 points. If a Killshot is not called or is missed, it scores zero, regardless of where the axe lands.

Some formats—especially tournaments or league playoffs—use a Killshot Round in the event of a tie at the end of regulation. In these sudden-death rounds, players take turns throwing at the Killshot until one player hits and the other doesn’t, deciding the winner.

At the end of the match, the player with the highest total score wins!

Axes

All axes used in gameplay must meet official WATL specifications.

Standard Axes (Hatchets):

Used for all regular match throws.

• Maximum total weight: 2.35 lbs

• Blade length: No more than 4.75 inches

• Minimum handle length: 13 inches (measured from the bottom of the handle to the top of the axe head)

• Handle materials allowed: Wood, composite, or steel

Big Axes:

Big Axes are only used during Big Axe Tiebreakers, which occur when a match ends in a tie after all standard throws.

• Minimum total weight: 3.00 lbs

• Blade length: No more than 4.75 inches

• Minimum handle length: 23 inches

• Handle materials allowed: Wood, composite, or steel

All axes must be WATL-approved and in safe, functional condition at all times.