Javelot

Score points by throwing large, steel-tipped feathered darts — known as javelots — at a wooden target from a distance of 8 meters. The aim is to lodge the javelot into the scoring zones of the target, accumulating the highest total score over an agreed number of rounds or reaching a predetermined target total.

The target is a square block of poplar wood, measuring 40 cm × 40 cm, mounted at a height of 80 cm above the ground. Two concentric circles are marked on its face: an inner circle of 6 cm diameter (the high-scoring zone) and an outer circle of 21 cm diameter. The throwing line is set exactly 8 meters from the target face.

The throwing platform consists of raw wooden boards, 5 cm thick and 1 m long, assembled side by side to form a surface 2 m wide. This platform provides stable, level footing for the thrower.

Each player uses javelots — large feathered darts fitted with a steel point and goose-feather plumage. A regulation javelot measures 34–37 cm in length and weighs 250–400 grams. Before play begins, determine the throwing order (typically by agreement or a preliminary throw). Each player should have at least two javelots available for each turn.

Players take turns throwing two javelots per turn at the wooden target from behind the throwing line at 8 meters. The javelot is thrown underarm, in a lobbing arc toward the target. The thrower must release the javelot from behind the throwing line and must be standing on the throwing platform at the moment of release.

For a throw to score, the javelot must stick into the wooden target within one of the scoring zones. The scoring zones are determined by where the steel point penetrates the wood relative to the two concentric circles:

• If the point penetrates within the inner circle (6 cm diameter), it scores 2 points.
• If the point penetrates within the outer ring (the area between the inner circle and the outer circle of 21 cm diameter), it scores 1 point.
• If the point penetrates outside both circles, it scores 0 points.

Rebound rules: If a javelot strikes the target but does not stick and bounces off, it may still be awarded a score under specific conditions. A javelot that rebounds off the ring of the inner circle is awarded 1 point. A javelot that rebounds off the ring of the outer circle scores 0 points. Any other rebound scores 0 points.

After each player has thrown both javelots, the scores are recorded, the javelots are retrieved, and the next player takes their turn. Play continues in alternating turns for the agreed number of rounds.

Points are awarded based on where the javelot's steel tip lodges in — or rebounds from — the target face:

• Inner circle (6 cm diameter): 2 points per javelot that penetrates within this zone.
• Outer ring (between the 6 cm inner circle and the 21 cm outer circle): 1 point per javelot that penetrates within this zone.
• Rebound off the inner circle ring: 1 point.
• Rebound off the outer circle ring: 0 points.
• Outside both circles or missed target entirely: 0 points.

Since each player throws two javelots per turn, the maximum score per turn is 4 points (both javelots landing in the inner circle). For example, if a player's first javelot penetrates the outer ring (1 point) and the second lodges in the inner circle (2 points), the player scores 3 points for that turn. If a javelot bounces off the inner circle ring, the player still collects 1 point for that throw despite the dart not sticking.

The player or team with the highest total score after the agreed number of rounds wins the match. Specific match formats — including the number of rounds, target totals, and tiebreak procedures — vary by league and competition, as governed by regional federations such as the Ligue Nord Pas-de-Calais de Javelot Tir sur Cible. Both individual and team formats are played in organized competition.

Team format: In addition to individual play, Javelot is commonly played in team competitions where pairs or groups of players combine their scores. Team formats follow the same throwing and scoring rules, with cumulative totals determining the winning side.

Regional traditions: The game is known by the full name Javelot Tir sur Cible (literally, "javelin shooting at a target") and is sometimes referred to simply as Javelin Darts in English. The sport has deep historical roots in the Picardy and Somme regions of northern France, as well as in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, where it became a fixture of tavern culture in the 19th century. Its origins trace to the 12th century in the Champagne region. While the core rules are consistent, local league regulations may specify minor procedural differences in match length, target replacement schedules, and competition brackets.

Master the underarm arc: Unlike standard darts thrown overhand, the javelot is thrown underarm in a lobbing trajectory over 8 meters. Developing a smooth, repeatable release point is essential — the heavy weight (250–400 g) amplifies any inconsistency in your throwing motion.

Build arm strength and endurance: At roughly ten times the weight of a standard dart, the javelot demands significant forearm and shoulder strength. Regular practice sessions will condition the muscles needed for accurate, consistent throws across a full match.

Prioritize the inner circle: The inner circle is only 6 cm in diameter — roughly the width of a tennis ball — and awards 2 points, double the outer ring. Even modest improvements in grouping toward the center pay large dividends over multiple rounds. Aim small, miss small.

Understand the rebound rule: A javelot that bounces off the inner circle ring still earns 1 point. On throws where penetration is uncertain — perhaps due to a hardened or damaged section of the poplar target — a firm throw toward the inner ring guarantees at least the chance of a rebound point rather than zero.

Read the target surface: Poplar wood targets accumulate damage throughout play, creating softer pockets and harder ridges. Observing where previous javelots have landed can help you anticipate how the wood will receive your throw and adjust your aim accordingly.