V9: Bows & Crossbows

This page is part of the Official Amtgard V9 Alpha-Playtest Rulebook.

• The Amtwiki is the official home and primary source for Amtgard V9 Rules as of February 25, 2023.
• These rules are currently in Open Alpha Playtest. See the Playtest Disclaimer for more details.
• To learn more about Amtgard V9 Development, please visit Amtgard.com.
• To view the current Amtgard V8 ruleset, please see the Amtgard V8 Rulebook.

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Bows & Crossbows

Archer with a Bow

Bows and Crossbows are used to fire arrows or bolts respectively. Only actual bows and crossbows may be used for this purpose. Other forms of projectile launchers cannot be used to represent a bow or crossbow.

• Compound bows are prohibited.
• Regular Bows must have a draw weight of 35lbs or less at a 28” draw.
• Crossbows are limited to no more than 450 inch-pounds.

Bow & Crossbow Gameplay Rules

1. Bows and Crossbows cannot be destroyed.
   
   
2. The physical bow or crossbow cannot be used to strike another player. They must be exclusively used to launch Arrows & Bolts.
   
   
3. Cannot be intentionally struck nor used to block, deflect or otherwise defend against incoming strikes. A certain amount of incidental contact during the chaos of live combat should be expected, however repeated or egregious disregard for this rule can result in suspension from play or loss of archery privileges.
   • If accidentally struck, it is treated as an Invalid Obstruction.
     
     
4. Bows and Crossbows cannot be wielded with any other equipment in the same hand (besides arrows). Likewise, other equipment cannot be wielded while in the same hand as a bow or crossbow. A buckler or small shield may still be wielded on the arm so long as there is no risk of it interfering with the safe use of the bow.
   • For gameplay purposes, reloading a crossbow does not count as wielding it.
     
     
5. Bows may not be drawn beyond 28” at any time and must be half-drawn at ranges closer than 20’. Crossbows are not required to half draw.
   
   

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• Image Gallery
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  Example 1

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  Example 2

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  Example 3

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  Example 4

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  Example 5

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Draw Length

Draw length is the measurement from the deepest part of the bow grip to the nock groove when at full draw.

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Draw Weight

“Draw weight” means the amount of force needed to pull a bowstring to full draw. This is commonly called the bow's poundage.

Calculating Draw Weight on a Vertical Bow

• Vertical bows measure draw weight in pounds.
• The simplest way to measure a bow’s draw weight is to use a scale that can hook onto the bowstring. Several bow draw weight scales are available that are designed for this purpose.
• Using a measuring device to draw the bowstring may make your draw shorter. Ensure you are bringing the bow to a 28” draw length.
  • You can use a sufficiently long arrow and mark the 28” draw point on it so when taking measurements in the future, you can use this “ruler” arrow to save time.

Calculating Draw Weight on a Crossbow

• Crossbow draw weight is measured in Inch-pounds and requires a few extra steps compared to vertical bows.
  • Inch-pounds are calculated by multiplying draw weight (see above) by the power stroke.
  • Power stroke is the length between the crossbow's string in the rearmost (cocked) position and its resting (uncocked) position, measured in inches. It very roughly equates to draw length in a vertical bow.
    
    

450 Inch-Pound Quick-Reference Chart
Below is a mathless way to determine if your crossbow is legal for use in Amtgard combat. Consult the chart below and find your crossbow's power stroke. If your draw weight is equal or less than the associated value, it is legal. If it is greater, then the crossbow cannot be used.

If Power Stroke is...	Then Your Max Draw Weight is...
6	75.0
6.5	69.2
7	64.3
7.5	60.0
8	56.3
8.5	52.9
9	50.0
9.5	47.4
10	45.0
10.5	42.9
11	40.9
11.5	39.1
12	37.5
12.5	36.0
13	34.6
13.5	33.3
14	32.1
14.5	31.0
15	30
15.5	29
16	28.1
16.5	27.3
17	26.5
17.5	25.7
18	25.0
18.5	24.3
19	23.7
19.5	23.1
20	22.5