Axe Throwing Rules and Scoring: How to Play (WATL and IATF)

Whether you are heading to a venue for the first time or gearing up for league play, understanding the rules and scoring of axe throwing will make the experience more enjoyable and competitive. Two major organizations govern the sport: the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) and the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF). Each has slightly different rules, but the core gameplay is similar. Here is a complete breakdown.

The Basic Rules

Regardless of which scoring system a venue uses, the fundamental rules of axe throwing are consistent:

1. **One thrower per lane at a time.** Only one person may be in the throwing area per lane. Everyone else stays behind the designated safe line.
2. **Overhead throws only.** Sidearm, underhand, and no-spin throws are generally not allowed in standard play. The axe must be thrown in a forward overhead motion.
3. **Both feet behind the line.** The thrower must release the axe with both feet behind the throwing line (also called the fault line). Stepping over the line before the axe hits the target is a fault.
4. **Axes must stick to count.** The axe must remain embedded in the target when the score is read. If it falls out before being scored, it counts as zero.
5. **Retrieve axes only when cleared.** Never walk to the target to pull your axe until the coach or referee gives the signal. This is the most important safety rule.

The Target

Both WATL and IATF use a similar circular target painted or stenciled onto the end grain of wooden boards. The standard target has five scoring zones arranged in concentric rings:

• **Bullseye (center):** The smallest circle at the center of the target
• **Inner rings:** Progressively larger rings surrounding the bullseye
• **Outer ring:** The largest scoring area at the edge of the target
• **Clutch zones (kill shots):** Two small circles located in the upper left and upper right corners of the target

The target is mounted on a wall at a regulation height, and the throwing distance is typically 12 to 15 feet depending on the organization and axe type.

WATL Scoring (World Axe Throwing League)

WATL is one of the two major governing bodies and runs leagues and tournaments worldwide. Here is how their scoring works:

• **Bullseye:** 6 points
• **Second ring (around bullseye):** 4 points
• **Third ring:** 3 points
• **Fourth ring:** 2 points
• **Outer ring:** 1 point
• **Clutch (kill shot):** 8 points (can only be called and scored on the final throw of each round)

**Match format:** A standard WATL match consists of 10 throws per player. Players alternate throws with their opponent, and the player with the highest total score after 10 throws wins the match.

**Clutch rule:** The clutch (kill shot) can only be attempted on the fifth throw of each half (throws 5 and 10). The thrower must call the clutch before throwing. If called and the axe lands in the clutch zone, it scores 8 points. If called but the axe misses the clutch zone, any other ring scores zero for that throw. If the clutch is not called, the upper corners score their normal ring value.

IATF Scoring (International Axe Throwing Federation)

The IATF uses a slightly different scoring system:

• **Bullseye:** 5 points
• **Second ring:** 3 points
• **Third ring:** 1 point
• **Kill shot (clutch):** 7 points (can only be called and scored on designated throws)

**Match format:** IATF matches also consist of 10 throws. The format is similar to WATL but with different point values and some variations in how kill shots are handled.

The IATF has a slightly simpler scoring system with fewer ring values, which some players prefer for its clarity.

Faults and Penalties

A fault occurs when a rule is broken during a throw. Common faults include:

• **Foot fault:** Stepping over the throwing line before the axe reaches the target. The throw scores zero.
• **Drop fault:** Dropping the axe in front of the throwing line. The throw scores zero, but the thrower typically gets to rethrow in casual play.
• **Illegal throw:** Using a sidearm, underhand, or other non-standard throwing motion. The throw scores zero.

In competitive play, referees strictly enforce fault rules. In casual play at a venue, coaches will correct your form but are usually lenient about minor infractions.

Overtime and Tiebreakers

When a match ends in a tie, both WATL and IATF use sudden-death overtime:

• Each player throws one axe per round.
• The player with the higher score on the overtime throw wins.
• If the overtime throw is also tied, additional rounds continue until one player outscores the other.

In league play, some leagues use cumulative season points to break ties in standings, with head-to-head record as a secondary tiebreaker.

League Play Format

Both WATL and IATF sanction leagues at venues across the country. League play typically follows this format:

• **Season length:** 6 to 8 weeks, with one match night per week
• **Match structure:** Players are matched against a different opponent each week
• **Standings:** Based on wins, losses, and total points scored
• **Playoffs:** The top players at the end of the season advance to a playoff bracket
• **Nationals:** Winners can qualify for national and international tournaments

League play is the best way to improve your skills and become part of the axe throwing community. Most venues that run leagues welcome players of all skill levels, from first-time throwers to seasoned competitors.

Casual vs. Competitive Rules

At most axe throwing venues, casual sessions use a simplified version of the rules:

• **Scoring is relaxed.** Coaches may use a simplified point system or just track bullseyes.
• **Kill shots are open.** In casual play, you can aim for the clutch zone on any throw without calling it.
• **Faults are coached, not penalized.** If you step over the line, your coach will remind you, but you will not lose points.
• **Group scoring.** Many venues track group scores for fun competitions rather than strict individual match scoring.

If you want to experience the full competitive ruleset, ask the venue if they run league nights or competitive sessions. It is a great way to level up your game.

Essential Terminology

Here are key terms you will hear at the lanes:

• **Clutch / Kill shot:** The high-value zones in the upper corners of the target
• **Fault line:** The line you must stay behind when throwing
• **Stick:** When the axe embeds and stays in the target
• **Over-rotation:** When the axe rotates too much and hits the target with the handle
• **Under-rotation:** When the axe has not completed a full rotation and the handle hits first
• **Big axe:** A larger, heavier axe used in some advanced competitions

Start Playing

Now that you know the rules, find a venue and put your knowledge to the test:

Find an axe throwing venue near you

New to throwing? Read our beginner's guide to learn proper technique, or check out what to wear so you are ready for your first session.