What Is Axe Throwing and How Does It Work?

Axe throwing is a target sport where players throw an axe at a wooden target and score points based on where the axe lands.

While the basic idea is easy to understand, axe throwing has established rules, scoring systems, target specifications and competitive formats. We are part of the international governing body, the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) which provides standardised rules for axe throwing competition.

At Battle Axe Throwing, we follow the IATF ruleset which is the most popular ruleset used in Australia.

If you're looking for a broader introduction to the sport, our Axe Throwing in Wollongong: The Complete Guide covers the bigger picture, including what to expect, safety, scoring, leagues and competitive axe throwing.

How does axe throwing work?

Axe throwing involves throwing an axe at a wooden target and trying to score as many points as possible. A round consists of five throws. The target has several scoring areas, with the higher-value areas located closer to the centre.

Under the IATF scoring system, the main scoring areas are:

• 1 point for the outer ring

• 3 points for the ring

• 5 points for the bullseye

• 7 points for a successful Clutch

On the fifth and final throw of a round, a player can declare that they are throwing for Clutch before making the throw.

A successful Clutch scores 7 points. Once Clutch has been declared, only the Clutch scoring area is valid for that throw. If the declared Clutch is missed, the throw scores zero. High risk, high reward!

What is the Clutch in axe throwing?

The Clutch is a designated scoring area on the target that can be used on the fifth and final throw of a round. A player must declare Clutch before throwing, and successfully hitting it is worth 7 points under the IATF scoring system.

At Battle Axe Throwing, getting a Clutch is also treated as an achievement in its own right! The goal isn't simply to beat the person you're throwing against. Players are encouraged to chase their best score, and landing a Clutch can be a great result even when it doesn't change the outcome of the game!

What happens if there is a tie?

If two players finish a game with the same score, the game can go to a Big Axe tiebreaker.

The tiebreaker uses the same scoring areas as the regular game, with 1, 3 and 5 point scoring with a larger axe. Each player gets one throw, and the player with the higher score wins.

If the players score the same again, another single Big Axe throw is played. This continues as sudden death until one player scores higher than the other.

So a tied game can come down to one throw, making the Big Axe tiebreaker a pretty exciting finish!

What does an axe throwing target look like?

An IATF target consists of three main scoring rings and two Clutches.

The outer ring is worth 1 point, the middle ring is worth 3 points and the bullseye is worth 5 points. The Clutch areas are positioned in the upper corners of the target and can be unlocked on your fifth and final throw and are worth 7 points.

The IATF also sets specifications for target dimensions and construction. This helps create consistency between venues and competitions using the IATF ruleset.

Is axe throwing a sport?

Yes! Axe throwing is a sport with established rules, leagues, tournaments and international competition.

The IATF provides the governing framework for affiliated axe throwing competition, including standardised rules and tournament structures which we use at Battle Axe Throwing.

Axe throwing sits somewhere between first timers, and people doing league, to others competing in tournaments to qualify for the International Axe Throwing Championships.

Check out our leagues to see how axe throwing develops beyond a casual session. And if you want to go further, we can help you qualify for the International Axe Throwing Championships. It's up to you!

Do you need to know the rules to understand axe throwing?

The basic scoring system for a session is straightforward:

• The outer ring is worth 1 point

• The middle ring is worth 3 points

• The bullseye is worth 5 points

• The fifth and final throw can be declared for Clutch

• A successful Clutch is worth 7 points

  • A declared but unsuccessful Clutch scores zero

  • High risk, high reward!

• Otherwise we move onto Big Axe tie-breakers

Is axe throwing safe?

Safety is a fundamental part of axe throwing at Battle Axe Throwing.

We pride ourselves on safety first. If you have any questions, you can reach out to the team directly.

A properly operated venue uses controlled throwing areas, defined safety procedures, appropriate equipment and trained staff.

At Battle Axe Throwing, we have a trained Axe Coach with you for your entire session who will take you through safety induction, practice throwing and be there to run your session. Other venues may leave you alone to figure it out, we're here to work for you to ensure you get the best and safest experience!

If you're not sure about a venue, ask if they offer an axe coach for the entire session and contact them before hand to ensure they are actually safe.

The IATF also establishes rules and specifications designed to create consistency across venues and competitions.

What happens during an axe throwing session?

A typical beginner session starts with an introduction to the activity, safety information and an explanation of the scoring and rules.

At Battle Axe Throwing, you have an Axe Coach for your entire session who guides participants through the session and helps explain how the game works as they progress. Leave it up to us, we've got you!

How does axe throwing become competitive?

Players usually progress form doing a session at Battle Axe Throwing, then joining one of their leagues and eventually competing one of their Tournaments, the Batlle Axe Open and the BAT Outta Hell.

That competitive structure is one of the reasons the sport has developed beyond being simply a novelty activity. The IATF provides a common rules framework that allows players competing in different locations to work from consistent standards.

So, what is axe throwing?

Axe throwing is a target sport where players throw axes at a wooden target and score points according to where the axe lands. Under the IATF ruleset, the main scoring areas are worth 1, 3 and 5 points, while a successfully declared Clutch on the fifth and final throw is worth 7 points.

The basic concept is simple, but the established rules, scoring, leagues and tournaments give axe throwing the structure of a genuine competitive sport.

For the complete overview, continue to our Axe Throwing in Wollongong: The Complete Guide.