Axe throwing game with automated scoring and axe return

An amusement game for play by one or more players, comprising:

• a game piece configured to be thrown by the one or more players;
• a target positioned a playing distance from the one or more players, the target being designed to receive and retain the game piece when the game piece is thrown by the player at the target;
• a release frame mounted to move relative to the target between a retracted playing position and an extended release position, wherein movement of the release frame from the retracted playing position to the extended release position releases the game piece from the target;
• and
• a plurality of sensors positioned to sense the target, wherein the sensors are operable to detect and determine the position of the game piece relative to the target when the game piece is received and retained by the target.

An amusement game for play by one or more players, comprising:

• an axe-shaped game piece configured to be thrown by the one or more players;
• a target positioned a playing distance from the one or more players, the target including a plurality of spaced fingers extending from a fixed target plate, the plurality of space fingers designed to receive and retain the axe-shaped game piece when the game piece is thrown by the player at the target;
• a release frame mounted to a plurality of connecting rods that each extend through the fixed target plate, wherein the release frame and connecting rods are movable relative to the target between a retracted playing position and an extended release position, wherein movement of the release frame from the retracted playing position to the extended release position releases the axe-shape game piece from the target;
• a plurality of sensors positioned to sense the target, wherein the sensors are operable to detect and determine the position of the game piece relative to the target when the game piece is received and retained by the target;
• and
• a return conveyor having a first end positioned beneath the target and a second end positioned near the one or more players, wherein the return conveyor is operable to return the axe-shaped game piece released from the target to the player.