A target can look like a set of colored rings, but each line and letter has a job. The colors tell you the score; smaller circles can settle close contests; and the marks on a scorecard help record what actually landed. Once you know what to look for, an archery target becomes much easier to read.
What the colors on an archery target mean
On a standard World Archery target face, the rings run from 1 to 10, with the highest scores in the center. The colors are arranged in pairs: gold is 10 and 9, red is 8 and 7, blue is 6 and 5, black is 4 and 3, and white is 2 and 1. The area outside the outer scoring ring scores zero.
| Target color | Scoring zones | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 10 and 9 | Center |
| Red | 8 and 7 | Second color band |
| Blue | 6 and 5 | Middle band |
| Black | 4 and 3 | Fourth color band |
| White | 2 and 1 | Outer scoring band |
Each color is split by a line, so color alone does not always tell you the exact score. An arrow in the gold could be a 9 or a 10, depending on which side of the dividing line it touches. The same principle applies to every pair of zones.
What the inner rings mean
The center of the gold contains the 10 ring. Some target faces also show an even smaller central circle, often called the inner 10 or X ring. It still scores 10; it is not an extra point. In competitions where the rules use X counts to break a tie, more arrows in that inner ring can give an archer the advantage. The exact tie-break procedure depends on the event rules.
Target faces come in different sizes and layouts to suit the round and distance. In some compound events, archers shoot at a smaller face or a face with fewer scoring zones, making the center harder to hit. Indoor archers may use a three-spot face, with three small targets arranged vertically or in a triangle. The face reduces the chance of arrows striking one another, and the archer must place each arrow in a separate spot when the event rules require it.
How line calls work
When an arrow touches a boundary line between two scoring zones, it receives the higher score. For example, an arrow touching the line between the 9 and 10 counts as a 10. This is why judges may need to inspect a close arrow carefully, especially when a shaft covers part of the line.
Archers should leave arrows in the target until everyone has agreed on the scores. Pulling an arrow too soon can make a close call harder to resolve. At a formal tournament, a judge can make the decision if archers disagree. At a casual club session, agree on the call before scoring and keep the same approach for every end.
Scorecard symbols and common shorthand
Scorecards usually record each arrow’s value, then add the end total and running total. The abbreviations are not identical at every club or event, so check the score sheet or ask the scorer if something is unclear. Two marks you may often see are:
- X: An arrow in the inner 10 ring, where the round records X counts. It normally still scores 10.
- M: A miss, meaning the arrow did not score on the target face.
Other cards may use a dash, a blank space, or another notation for a miss. Some record a decimal score in disciplines that use decimal scoring. The important thing is to record every arrow clearly, total each end correctly, and follow the competition’s scoring instructions.
If an arrow hits a target but cannot be seen—for example, because it has passed through the face or is hidden behind another arrow—the procedure depends on the event rules and circumstances. Tell the scorer or judge rather than guessing at a value.
Target numbers, pegs, and field-course markings
On a range, a number beside the target usually identifies that target or shooting lane; it is not part of the score. Field archery courses add other signs and markers. A target number helps archers follow the route, while colored stakes or pegs can show where a particular division should shoot from. The meaning of peg colors and the distances they represent can vary between organizations and courses, so use the event’s course map or instructions.
Field target faces are also different from the familiar outdoor target. A common World Archery field face has a dark background and a yellow center, with scoring rings numbered from 1 to 6. Three-dimensional events use animal-shaped targets, and their scoring zones and values vary by ruleset. Don’t assume that a familiar target’s colors or scoring system applies to every format.
Markings on arrows and equipment
Not every number or label on the shooting line is a score. Arrows may carry a manufacturer’s name, model, size, or spine rating—the spine describes how stiff the shaft is. Archers also mark arrows with identifying numbers or their initials so they can tell their equipment apart. Those marks do not change the arrow’s score.
A bow limb or riser may have a brand, model, serial number, or draw-weight information. Sight scales and adjustment marks help an archer repeat a setup, while stabilizer markings may simply identify the product. These are equipment references, not target values. If you are unsure whether a mark matters for a tournament, ask the organizer; equipment regulations can differ by division.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does an arrow touching the 10-ring line count as a 10?
Yes. If the arrow touches the line between the 9 and 10, it receives the higher value: 10. A judge can decide a disputed close call in competition.
Is an X worth more than 10?
No. An X is usually a 10 that also lands inside the inner 10 ring. It can matter as a tie-break statistic when the event rules specify X counts.
What does M mean on an archery scorecard?
M commonly means a miss. Some scorecards use a different mark, so follow the notation given by the club or tournament.
Do target colors mean the same thing in every type of archery?
No. The familiar gold-to-white scoring pattern is used on standard target faces, but field and 3D archery have different target designs and rules. Check the format and event instructions before scoring.
Final Thoughts
For a standard target, start at the center and read outward: gold, red, blue, black, then white, with two scoring values in each color. Remember that a line-touch earns the higher value and that an X is a tie-break mark, not an extra point. For scorecards, field courses, and equipment labels, check the rules for the specific round. That small bit of context makes the markings far less mysterious—and helps you score with confidence.
Aiden Cross is a sports writer and editor at BeliveSports, covering a broad range of sports with a focus on clear, accurate, and practical information. His work covers rules, techniques, player roles, competitions, equipment, statistics, and the details that help readers better understand how different sports are played. Aiden takes a research-driven approach to sports writing, using reliable sources and established sporting information to provide context rather than simply repeating surface-level facts. His goal is to make complex topics accessible while maintaining the accuracy and depth expected by knowledgeable sports fans. At BeliveSports, Aiden contributes to the site’s editorial standards by focusing on accuracy, clarity, useful context, and reader-first explanations.