Simply throwing the axe at the target and noting down the points like a regular axe throwing session might seem a bit boring, especially when you’re with a group of friends. Therefore, it is a good idea to turn the tables and switch to different formats of axe throwing games.
The most entertaining axe throwing games which turn simple target practice into friendly chaos, strategy, and loud celebrations after a perfect bull’s eye. Basic scoring gets boring fast, but games bring tension, laughs, and real competition.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven axe throwing games that work for beginners and serious competitors alike. You’ll get clear rules, scoring tips, and ideas for different group sizes.
Understanding Axe Throwing Target Scoring Before You Start
Before jumping into any axe throwing game, you need to understand how the board is scored. Every game below builds on this basic scoring system.
Most standard targets use:
- Bull’s eye: 5 points
- Inner ring: 3 points
- Clutch or killshot: 8 points
- Outside Rings: 1 point
- Drop rule: If the axe falls before scoring is called, it counts as 0
Why does this matter? Because many games rely on exact totals or zone closures. If your group argues about points mid-game, the fun disappears. Therefore, it is mandatory to agree on rules before the first throw.
1. Cricket – The Strategic Classic
Cricket is one of the most popular axe throwing games because it mixes offense and defense, which feels competitive but fair.
You are not just scoring points, but trying to close zones before your opponent does.
How to Play
- Each player must hit 1, 3, 5, and the bull’s eye three times
- Each hit counts as one “mark”
- Once you have three marks in a zone, that zone is closed
- Extra hits in an open zone score points if your opponent has not closed it
Scoring and Win Condition
The first player to close all zones and have the highest score wins. For this game, strategy matters, and sometimes it’s smarter to close a zone than chase points.
Best For
Cricket works best for:
- Competitive friends
- League nights
- Small groups of 2 to 4 players
Quick Variation
Add clutch as an extra required zone for advanced players. Or remove the zero ring to speed up the game.
2. Around the World – Perfect for Beginners
Around the World is the perfect axe throwing game for beginners. You follow a set progression across scoring zones, and the game teaches you control without pressure.
It’s a precision-based axe-throwing game where players move through the target in order, starting from the outer ring, working inward to the bull’s eye, then back out again. The goal is to complete the full sequence, often ending with a clutch kill shot, in the fewest throws possible.
How to Play
Players must hit zones in this order:
- 0
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 3
- 1
- 0
If you miss, you simply try again on your next turn. There shouldn’t be any restart rule.
Scoring and Win Condition
The first player to complete the full sequence wins, no extra math needed.
Best For
- First timers
- Casual birthday groups
- Mixed skill levels
Quick Variation
Set a throw limit per round to add urgency.
3. 21 – Precision Under Pressure
This axe throwing game is all about control. You must land exactly 21 points. Go over, and you drop back.
It sounds simple, but it is not.
How to Play
- Players take turns throwing
- Add points per throw
- Must reach exactly 21
Scoring and Win Condition
If you hit 23, you drop back to 15. Some groups use checkpoint numbers like 10 or 15 as safe zones.
Example: You sit at 18, and you hit a bull’s eye for 5, putting you at 23. When this happens, you drop back, which builds pressure.
Best For
- Small competitive groups
- Players who enjoy tension
- Short intense rounds
Quick Variation
Allow one clutch call per game for dramatic finish attempts.
4. Blackjack – High Risk, High Reward
Blackjack feels similar to 21 but with a twist. You get only ten throws to get to the 21 points. This format rewards smart pacing.
How to Play
- Each player gets 10 throws
- Add points normally
- Closest to 21 without going over wins
Scoring and Win Condition
If you bust, you are eliminated. The partial blade must fully stick in the zone to count. Also, a drop equals zero.
Best For
- Medium skill players
- Groups that like casino-style tension
Quick Variation
Add a penalty where any drop subtracts 2 points.
At venues like Montana Nights Axe Throwing, coaches often suggest structured formats like this because they keep large groups organized and engaged.
5. Landmines – The Comeback Game
Landmines is a simple but intense game. In this game, the goal is to reach 50 points, but every 10-point mark hides a penalty.
How to Play
- First to 50 wins
- Every time you land exactly on 10, 20, 30, or 40
- You lose 5 points
Scoring and Win Condition
Players must decide whether to avoid certain numbers or risk them.
Example: You sit at 38, and you hit 3, which makes it a total of 41, making it safe. But if you hit 2 to land on 40 exactly, you lose points.
Best For
- Loud competitive groups
- Party settings
- Players who love comeback chances
Quick Variation
Increase penalty to 10 points for advanced groups.
6. Zombies vs Humans – Themed Team Battle
This is where the party energy rises. You can split into two teams, where one team will be named Humans, and one team will be Zombies. The humans score positive, while the zombies score negative.
First team to reach plus or minus 15 wins.
How to Play
- Combined team scores start at 0
- Humans add points
- Zombies subtract points
Scoring and Win Condition
If zombies hit a bull’s eye, the total drops by 5. If humans hit one, the total rises by 5. Race to 15 or minus 15.
Best For
- Corporate team building
- Birthday parties
- Large groups
Quick Variation
Add costume themes for events.
This format works great for event nights where Montana Nights hosts private group bookings, because it keeps everyone involved and cheering.
7. Bullseye Relay – Fast-Paced Team Competition
Bullseye Relay is a fast, team-based axe throwing game where players rotate one after another, stacking up points as quickly as they can.
In this game, the real fun comes from the rhythm, the quick handoffs, and the team energy building with every solid stick.
How to Play
- Divide into teams
- One player throws
- Next teammate rotates in immediately
Scoring and Win Condition
The first team to reach a set number of bull’s eyes wins. However, speed matters, but accuracy wins.
Best For
- Large groups
- Work outings
- Short event sessions
Quick Variation
Set a five-minute timer instead of a score target.
How to Choose the Right Axe Throwing Games for Your Group
Now you might wonder, “Which one should we actually play?” The answer depends on your group’s vibe.
Think about:
- How many players are there?
- Are they beginners or experienced?
- Is this casual fun or serious competition?
- How much time do we have?
Small competitive groups often prefer Cricket or 21. On the other hand, large social groups love Zombies vs Humans. If time is tight, relay formats keep things moving.
When you’re playing these games, safety always comes first; therefore, make sure players stand behind the line. Wait for the all-clear signal before retrieving axes, and never rush the lane.
Choosing the right game makes the difference between awkward silence and full-on celebration.
Quick Safety Reminders Before Playing
Before any game starts, lock in safety habits.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
- Throw only when the lane is clear
- Wait for the coach signal before retrieving axes
- Retrieve axes together, never alone
- Keep both hands free while stepping back
Professional venues in Connecticut, like Montana Nights Axe Throwing in all of their three locations, enforce these rules strictly for good reason.
Final Thoughts on Axe Throwing Games
Axe throwing games turn simple throws into real experiences. They create stories you will laugh about later. With these games mentioned, the idea is to rotate formats to keep things fresh. Try strategic games one round and party formats the next.
The key is not just hitting the board, but choosing the right challenge for your group. So next time you book a session, ask yourself what kind of energy you want in the room. Whether it’s competitive tension, loud team chaos, or a steady skill-building night.
Because once that first axe sticks clean in the bull’s eye, you will want more than just basic scoring.