LongHouse Axe Gears up for 2025

With the 2025 season only weeks away Longhouse Axe in Plymouth, MA decided to give the new rules a try by hosting a recreational mini-marathon/tournament. Members of the Longhouse league battled through 4 matches to create a seeding order and then proceeded into a double elimination tournament with two out of three wins per match. There was also a side hustle to see who would be the first to reach 60+ points.

If you read my last article then you know that I love the new rules. Here I figured that I would let Longhouse throwers speak for themselves.

"I think the 2025 rules make the game more accessible to a wider range of players. I’m sure you will get mixed opinions on whether or not that’s a good thing. Personally as an amateur player I think it’s a positive change. It’s forcing me out of my comfort zone which will only help me grow as a thrower. Yes the board is easier than the 2024 board but it’s easier for everyone all around." - Jenna Judge

"I think that there was little motivation to throw anything other than straight center if a high 40 or 50 will give you the win in 2024.  I like that you can still throw straight down the center in 2025 but if you want to get above a mid 40 you need to throw outside.  AND the outside targets are now more hittable." - Jeff Coulton

"I enjoyed the 2025 rules. I feel it forces you to throw around the target vs being able to just go for the center which I think will help everyone improve. I had more fun with the new rules vs the old ones." - Rob Gratzer

"I absolutely love the optional killshot donut. I've hit more killshots in these past 2 events than I have in an entire year! That's very, very exciting!" - Irisrose Douze

As for the competition it was more gripping than our usual battles. The larger targets set some throwers on fire, including myself. I managed to win the four Marathon matches and the tournament but did both with only a 1 point margin against Jeff Coulton. Those matches were epic with the final bout coming down to a single killshot to win. I even managed to nail a 63 point score putting my name on the big board.

Congrats to John Gratzer for scoring a new record high of 52 and Jenna hitting a 50 in the Tourney. Thanks to Nick Osterberg of Crazy Axes for making an appearance. So there you go. Verdict: New high scores, close matches with dramatic outcomes and a general enjoyment of the game. 

LongHouse Axe is ready to rock 2025! Leagues start on Wednesday, January 8th at 7pm (Practice starts at 6pm) - Hatchet, Big Axe and Knives!

Tournament top three

1. Alex Hutchinson, 2. Jeff Coulton and 3. Dan Middendorf.