In this article we have outlined the basic rules involved in urban axe throwing, as defined by the World Axe Throwing League. When you arrive at Mazewood Axe Throwing in Niagara Falls, we make sure you are familiar with the rules and you always have a chance to get in some practice throws. Familiarizing yourself with the rules ahead of time is beneficial and could give you an ‘axe up’ on the competition.
Axe throwing originated long ago – in fact, the earliest record of thrown axes were documented around 400 to 500 AD. Axes were used long before then as an important tool and have a strong connection to the stone ages. The very first axes were made without a handle (also known as a haft) and the edge used for cutting was fashioned out of stone.
7 Basic Rules to Urban Axe Throwing
Rule #1: There are Age Requirements
Generally, the rule is that you must be at least 18 years old to play a good game of axe throwing. In some states, the rule is that you must be 21 years old.
Rule #2: You Get 5 Warm Up Throws
Everyone playing the game gets a chance to try their hand at throwing an axe before the scoring begins. In fact, you are allowed five warm-up throws before your first match and one practice throw before any other match.
Rule #3: You Get 10 Throws Per Match
You get 10 throws per match, with 5 throws on each side of the axe throwing space. Whoever gets the most points after 10 throws is considered the winner. If there’s a tie, a round of ‘sudden death’ takes place, in which participants continually throw until one player gets more points than the other.
The top 75 percent of axe throwers advance to playoffs in the WATL and from there, the winner is determined by playing 5 matches.
Rule #4: How Scoring Works
The way that a particular game is scored may vary based upon the overall objectives of the game you are playing. Point values must be clearly marked on the targets, so everyone knows what points they are earning as the game goes on.
In general, you get:
6 points for a bulls-eye
4 points for a blue ring
3 points for a red ring
2 points for a green ring
1 point for a black ring
Rule #5: Mastering the ‘Kill Shot’
On the tenth and final throw of your match you have a chance to go for the Kill Shot. A countdown takes place leading up to this grand event so that both players throw their axe at exactly the same time.
The blue balls, aka the kill shot, will give you 10 points but only if a tie-breaker is needed. In every other instance, the blue balls are simply worth the value of the ring they are in. If your axe falls within two different rings, you are awarded the higher of the two point values – lucky you!
Rule #6: The Axe Must Stick
If the axe falls out of the wall, it’s no good! In order to earn the designated points, the axe must stay put in its target. Otherwise, the shot is worth 0 points.
Rule #7: Where to Throw From
There are lines marked on the floor to show exactly where each player is to throw from. The lines are around 12 to 14 feet from the targets. While shorter players tend to throw from the closest line, taller players usually throw from the farthest line back. If you are somewhere in between tall and short, you can toss your axe from somewhere in between the two lines.
There’s good reason for this system. Shorter players have a smaller rotation, which means their axe will rotate more within the same distance before reaching the intended target. On the other hand, a tall player’s throw will reach the target with fewer rotations. Your axe always has a better chance of sticking if it gets in one solid rotation before reaching its target. Therefore, starting from the back line doesn’t disadvantage taller players, instead it helps them.
Ready to See How Good You Are at Axe Throwing?
Visit Mazewood Axe Throwing in Niagara Falls to try out your skills and compete to the death!