Whether you’ve seen it in a pub or watched professionals score bullseyes on TV, darts is a highly engaging and surprisingly intricate sport. While it’s accessible to beginners, mastering darts takes practice, precision, and an understanding of key rules and techniques. This guide will walk you through the essentials of playing darts, from setting up your board to understanding the scoring system and improving your throw.
TL;DR: Darts is a fun, competitive game that combines skill and strategy. Beginners should start by learning how to set up the board, understand the rules, and practice proper throwing technique. Games like 501 and 301 are common formats to begin with. Developing consistency and using the right equipment are key to improving over time.
1. Understanding Basic Equipment
The Dartboard
The standard dartboard used in professional and recreational play is known as a Bristle Dartboard. It is divided into 20 numbered sections, ranging from 1 to 20, with a red bullseye at the center.
- Double Ring (Outer narrow ring): Scores double the segment value.
- Triple Ring (Inner narrow ring): Scores triple the segment value.
- Outer Bullseye: 25 points.
- Inner Bullseye (Bullseye): 50 points.
Standard height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor to the center of the bullseye.
Throwing distance: 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the front of the board to the toe line (oche).
The Darts
Darts are typically composed of four parts:
- Point: The sharp tip that sticks into the board.
- Barrel: The main body which you grip while throwing.
- Shaft: Connects the barrel to the flight.
- Flight: These stabilize the dart’s flight through the air.
New players often start with brass darts, which are inexpensive and light. As you progress, you might upgrade to tungsten darts for better control and slimmer designs.
2. How to Throw a Dart Properly
Throwing a dart may seem simple, but doing it consistently well requires a sound technique.
Grip
The grip involves holding the dart lightly but firmly—enough to control the throw, not so tight that it affects your release. Most beginners start with a three-finger grip (thumb, index, and middle finger), allowing for good control and a smooth release.
Stance
Proper stance is crucial for balance and accuracy. Stand sideways at the oche, with your dominant foot forward and your body weight evenly distributed. Avoid leaning too far forward, as this hampers consistency.
Throwing Motion
The motion should be relaxed and fluid. Keep your upper arm still and use your forearm to throw, following through towards the dartboard. Visualize your target and build muscle memory with repeated practice.
3. Types of Dart Games for Beginners
Once you’re comfortable with your grip, stance, and release, it’s time to play. Here are the most popular dart games for beginners:
501
This is the standard game in competitive darts. Each player starts with a score of 501 and takes turns throwing three darts. The goal is to reduce your score to exactly zero, finishing on a double (e.g., if you have 40 points left, you must hit the double 20 to win).
301
A shorter version of 501, great for faster-paced games. The same double-out rule applies, making it an excellent format for practicing finishing techniques.
Around the Clock
Players aim for numbers 1 through 20 in sequence. This is a great way for beginners to practice accuracy across the dartboard. More advanced variations include hitting the double or triple of each number in order.
Cricket
A more strategic game where players aim to “close” numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye by hitting each three times. Strategy comes into play when deciding whether to close a number or score points.
4. Scoring Rules and Tips
Understanding the scoring will help you develop better strategies and appreciate the subtleties of the game.
- A dart that bounces off the board does not count.
- Darts must stay in the board until scores are tallied.
- Maximum score per turn is 180 (three triple 20s).
- You must finish on a double in 301 and 501.
Keeping score manually helps reinforce your understanding, but digital scoreboards can also be used for convenience.
5. Safety and Setup Best Practices
Even though darts is generally safe, a few precautions should be observed, especially for kids and beginners:
- Ensure surroundings are clear of people or pets before throwing.
- Use a dartboard backing to protect walls from stray darts.
- Never walk toward the board while someone is preparing to throw.
6. Tips for Improvement
Like any sport, getting better at darts requires consistent practice and an awareness of your technique. Below are some solid tips to help you progress:
Practice Regularly
Dedicating just 20–30 minutes a day to targeted practice can dramatically improve your consistency and control.
Focus on the Target
Keep your eyes fixed on your intended hit rather than watching your dart in flight. Training your eye-hand coordination is key.
Track Your Game
Logging your scores, numbers hit, and missed shots can help identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Play with Others
Challenge friends or join local leagues to develop competitive instincts and learn from more skilled players.
Fine-tune Your Setup
Experiment with different darts – changing flights, shafts, or barrels can have a significant effect on how your dart behaves. Don’t be afraid to test different configurations until you find what suits you best.
7. Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Overgripping: Holding darts too tightly creates tension and inconsistent throws.
- Poor stance: Standing off-balance or unstable can ruin your accuracy.
- Random practice: Not having focused practice routines slows improvement.
- Ignoring the doubles: Many beginners focus only on scoring and neglect practicing doubles, which are essential for winning games.
8. Etiquette and Enjoyment
Respect and sportsmanship are important in both casual and competitive dart games. Know when it’s your turn, be supportive of beginner opponents, and keep noise levels low when others are throwing. Darts is as much about camaraderie as it is about competition.
Conclusion
Darts is a timeless game that’s easy for beginners to pick up yet rich enough to keep players engaged for years. Once you’ve grasped the basics of aiming, scoring, and game formats, the rest is all about refining your technique and enjoying the challenge. With a little practice, anyone can become a skilled darter and join the millions who appreciate this classic sport.