An archery target has ten scoring rings, with the innermost ring worth the most points.

The longer version

Scoring zones are concentric rings printed on the face, and the innermost two are usually coloured gold and worth the highest values. Arrows are scored by where they land, not where they stick, and an arrow touching a boundary line counts for the higher zone. Distances are fixed by round and by age group.

The ten-ring face is a modern refinement; older targets used fewer rings, and scoring once emphasised hitting at all rather than precision. Accuracy depends heavily on equipment consistency, since arrow spine, fletching and release all shift the point of impact. Wind is the great variable outdoors, and archers read flags along the range rather than guessing.

Where this entry sits

Facts here look at the rules, equipment and odd histories behind familiar sports and games, from balls and rackets to cards, boards and playing fields. Expect small details about scoring quirks, stadium design and the long story of the Olympic Games. The full list sits on the Sports and Games page, where every entry is listed in order.