Darts is a popular sport that involves throwing small, pointed missiles (called darts) at a circular target (called a dartboard).
In darts, players take turns throwing three darts each at a special board.
The dartboard has different areas, each worth different numbers of points.
By hitting certain areas, you gain points.
Most darts games have a goal, like reducing your score to zero or simply trying to get the highest score possible.
People of many ages enjoy this game, and it can be played at home, in a bar, or in special dart clubs. It is easy to set up, as you only need a dartboard and darts.
The Dartboard
Knowing the different parts of the board helps you aim for the right spot to get more points.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, each with a certain point value (from 1 to 20). There are also special rings on the board:
- Single area: The large area in each numbered section.
- Double ring: The small ring around the edge of the board. If you hit this ring, you double the number of that section.
- Triple ring:The smaller ring in the middle of each section. If you hit this ring, you triple the number of that section.
- Bull’s-eye (inner bull):The small circle in the center of the board, usually worth 50 points.
- Outer bull (green ring around the bull’s-eye):Usually worth 25 points.
- Missed area: Any dart that lands outside the scoring sections or misses the board entirely.
How to play it
Check the height of the dartboard. The bull’s-eye should be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor.
Also, pay attention to the throwing distance. As player, you should stand 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) away from the dartboard.
However, there’s another fun method often used in darts:
Closest to the bull’s-eye: Both players take one dart and throw it at the board. The player whose dart lands closest to the bull’s-eye gets to go first.
Keep in mind that in darts, the first player can have an advantage. Deciding fairly who goes first keeps the game fun and fair.
Your stance is how you position your body when throwing darts.
- Face sideways: Turn your body slightly sideways so that your dominant hand is closer to the dartboard.
- Lead foot forward: If you throw with your right hand, place your right foot in front. If left-handed, place your left foot forward.
- Lean slightly forward: Keep most of your weight on your front foot. This helps you get closer to the board without stepping over the throwing line.
A stable and consistent stance makes your throws more accurate and reduces unnecessary movement.
Your grip is how you hold the barrel of the dart between your fingers.
The way you hold the dart is crucial for accuracy. A good grip gives you better control over the dart, ensuring it flies in a straight line toward your target.
You can:
- Use three fingers: Hold the barrel of the dart with your thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
- Relax your grip: Hold the dart firmly enough to control it but not so tight that your hand becomes tense.
- Align the dart with your target: Make sure the dart points straight toward the dartboard.
- Pick a target: Decide which section of the dartboard you want to aim for.
- Line up the dart: Bring the dart up to eye level so it is aligned with your target.
Focusing on a specific point on the board improves your chances of hitting it and increases your accuracy over time.
The throw is the most important part of playing darts.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Draw your arm back: Keep your upper arm steady and pull your forearm back at the elbow.
- Smooth forward motion: Swing your forearm forward in a straight line toward the board.
- Release the dart: Let go of the dart when your arm is almost fully extended.
- Follow through: After releasing, continue the motion of your arm toward the target.
A smooth and consistent throwing motion ensures the dart flies in the direction you want.
There are a variety of darts games to enjoy, such as 501, 301, Cricket, and Around the Clock, each offering its own unique rules and challenges.
“501” and “301” are similar but differ in starting points.
How to play 501 and 301
Objective: Reduce your starting score of 501 or 301 points to exactly 0 before your opponent does.
- Start with 501 Points: Each player begins with 501 points.
- Decide Who Goes First: Toss a coin or throw one dart each; the player whose dart lands closest to the bull’s-eye starts.
- Take Turns Throwing: Each player throws 3 darts per turn. Add up the points from where the darts land, then subtract the total from your remaining score.
- Aim Strategically: Focus on high-scoring areas like the triple 20 (worth 60 points) to reduce your score quickly.
- Finish on a Double: To win, your final dart must land in a double ring or the bull’s-eye to bring your score to exactly 0. If you go below 0, it’s called “busting,” and your score returns to what it was before your turn.
- Winning the Game: The first player to reach exactly 0 with a double wins the game.
When playing 301, Each player begins with 301 points.
How to play Cricket
Objective: Close out certain numbers (15–20) and the bull’s-eye while scoring more points than your opponent.
- Decide Who Goes First: Toss a coin or throw one dart each; closest to the bull’s-eye starts.
- Focus on Numbers 15–20 and the Bull’s-Eye: Only these numbers count for scoring. You must hit each number three times to “close” it. A hit in the single counts as 1 mark, double counts as 2 marks, and triple counts as 3 marks.
- Marking Closed Numbers: Once you hit a number three times, it’s “closed,” and your opponent cannot score on it anymore.
- Scoring Points: After closing a number, you can continue hitting it to score points unless your opponent has closed it as well.
- Close the Bull’s-Eye: The bull’s-eye must also be closed (outer bull = 1 mark, inner bull = 2 marks).
- Winning the Game: The game ends when all numbers and the bull’s-eye are closed. The player with the most points wins.
How to play Around the Clock
Objective: Hit every number on the dartboard in order, from 1 to 20, before your opponent does.
- Decide Who Goes First: Toss a coin or throw one dart each; closest to the bull’s-eye starts.
- Start at Number 1: Players must hit the number 1 to proceed to the next number.
- Progress Through the Numbers: Each turn, throw 3 darts to hit the next number in sequence. You cannot move to the next number until you’ve hit the current one.
- Optional Variations: Some players include the bull’s-eye as the final target after hitting 20.
- Winning the Game: The first player to hit all the numbers in order (and the bull’s-eye, if included) wins.
Practice and Tips
Darts is a fun and social game that can be enjoyed by everyone, from absolute beginners to experienced players.
It tests your focus, coordination, and aim. By learning the basics—like how to stand, how to hold the dart, and how to throw smoothly—you will develop a good foundation.
- Stay relaxed:: Tension in your grip or body can ruin your aim. Take a deep breath before throwing.
- Aim for consistency: : It is better to hit the same place every time than to try to hit different sections. Consistency will help you improve faster.
- Develop a routine: Use the same stance, the same grip, and the same movement for every throw.
- Try different games: : Besides “501,” you can try other games like “Cricket,” “Around the Clock,” or “301” to add variety and learn different strategies.
Remember that practice is key.
With patience and practice, you will see your accuracy and scores get better over time.