How Do You Play Darts: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Introduction to Darts

Darts is a sport that combines precision, concentration, and a bit of strategy. What began centuries ago as a pastime for soldiers has evolved into a globally recognized competitive sport with millions of enthusiasts. Whether you’re setting up a dartboard in your home game room or looking to join a local league, understanding how to play darts is your first step toward enjoying this accessible and engaging activity.

According to the World Darts Federation, over 60 million people play darts regularly worldwide, making it one of the most popular indoor sports globally. The beauty of darts lies in its simplicity—it’s easy to learn but takes time to master, making it perfect for players of all skill levels.

Essential Equipment

Before learning how to play darts, you’ll need to ensure you have the proper equipment:

1. Dartboard

• Standard Size: A regulation dartboard is 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter
• Height: The bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor
• Material: Professional boards are typically made of sisal fibers, which are self-healing

2. Darts

• Weight: Most players prefer darts between 18-26 grams
• Composition: Typically consists of a point, barrel, shaft, and flight
• Quantity: A set usually includes three darts

3. Throw Line (Oche)

• Distance: 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard for steel-tip darts
• Marking: This can be a raised line, tape, or a dart mat

Basic Dart Rules

The fundamental rules of darts are straightforward:

1. Players take turns throwing three darts per round
2. Both feet must remain behind the throw line (oche) during throws
3. Darts must be thrown one at a time
4. Only darts that stick in the board count for scoring
5. Darts cannot be touched until the player’s turn is complete
6. Each game has specific scoring objectives (detailed below)

According to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), for official play, “a dart shall only score if the point remains in or touches the face of the dartboard within the outer double wire and having been called, the dart must be retrieved from the dartboard by the thrower.”

How to Throw Darts Properly

Developing a proper throwing technique is crucial for consistent performance:

Stance

• Stand with your dominant foot forward, aligned with the throw line
• Position your body slightly angled toward the dominant side
• Distribute weight evenly or slightly favoring the front foot
• Keep your posture relaxed but stable

Grip

• Hold the dart using your fingertips, not your palm
• Find a grip that feels natural and allows control
• Common grips include three-finger, four-finger, or pencil grip
• Keep consistent pressure—not too tight, not too loose

Aim & Throw

1. Raise the dart to eye level
2. Align your dominant eye, hand, and target
3. Focus on your specific target on the board
4. Use your elbow as a hinge, keeping your upper arm relatively still
5. Release the dart with a smooth forward motion
6. Follow through in the direction of your target

Professional dart player Phil “The Power” Taylor, winner of 16 World Championships, emphasizes: “Consistency in your throw comes from developing a repeatable motion. Practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect.”

Dartboard Scoring Explained

Understanding dart board scoring is essential to playing the game:

Standard Dartboard Layout

• Numbers 1-20: Arranged in a specific pattern to balance high and low numbers
• Outer Ring (Double Ring): Worth twice the segment’s value
• Inner Ring (Triple Ring): Worth three times the segment’s value
• Outer Bull (Green Bull): Worth 25 points
• Inner Bull (Bullseye): Worth 50 points

The highest possible score with a single dart is 60 (triple 20), and the maximum three-dart score is 180 (three triple 20s).

Popular Darts Games

Several games can be played on a standard dartboard, each with its own rules and scoring systems.

501/301

Objective: Start with 501 (or 301) points and be the first to reduce your score precisely to zero.

Rules:

1. Each player starts with 501 (or 301) points
2. Points are subtracted from the total with each throw
3. Players must finish by hitting a double (including the bullseye)
4. If a player reduces their score to 1 or goes below zero, the turn is “bust” and the score returns to what it was at the beginning of that turn

Example: If you have 40 remaining, you could win by hitting double 20. If you have 32 remaining, you might aim for double 16.

Cricket Darts Rules

Objective: Be the first to “close” numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye, while scoring more points than your opponent.

Rules:

1. Players take turns throwing three darts
2. To “close” a number, a player must hit it three times (singles count as one, doubles as two, and triples as three)
3. Once a player closes a number, they can score points on that number until the opponent also closes it
4. The game ends when one player has closed all numbers and the bullseye and has equal or more points than their opponent

Scoring: Players score the value of a number each time they hit it after closing that number but before their opponent closes it.

According to the American Darts Organization, Cricket is “one of the most popular games played in organized darts competition, and is a game of skill and strategy.”

Around the Clock

Objective: Hit each number on the board from 1 to 20, followed by the bullseye.

Rules:

1. Players take turns throwing three darts
2. A player must hit the current target number to advance to the next number
3. Only the standard segment counts (unless playing a variation)
4. The first player to hit all numbers in sequence and then the bullseye wins

This game is excellent for beginners as it helps familiarize players with the entire dartboard.

Common Dart Terminology

Understanding dart terminology will help you communicate effectively with other players:

• Ton: Scoring 100 points in a single turn
• Ton-80: Scoring 180 points (the maximum possible with three darts)
• Checkout: The final throw that reduces a player’s score to exactly zero
• Shanghai: Hitting a single, double, and triple of the same number in a single turn
• Robin Hood: When a dart lands inside the flight of another dart
• Bust: Reducing your score below zero or to exactly one in 01 games
• Bed: Any scoring section of the dartboard
• Double In/Double Out: Rules requiring starting or finishing a game on a double

Tips for Improving Your Dart Game

Enhance your skills with these proven strategies:

1. Practice consistently: Set aside regular time for practice sessions
2. Focus on accuracy before speed: Develop precision before worrying about throwing quickly
3. Record and analyze: Video your throwing technique to identify areas for improvement
4. Master the basics: Focus on stance, grip, and release before advanced techniques
5. Target practice: Work on hitting specific numbers consistently
6. Mental game: Develop concentration and visualization techniques
7. Join a league: Playing with others of varying skill levels accelerates improvement

Professional dart player Gary Anderson advises: “Dart playing is 10% physical and 90% mental. The best players can shut everything out and focus solely on their target.”

FAQs About Playing Darts

How do I score darts?

Scoring varies by game. In 01 games (like 501), you subtract the value of each dart from your starting total. In Cricket, you need to hit numbers 15-20 and the bullseye three times each to “close” them, while also potentially scoring points on closed numbers. The standard dartboard has specific point values for each section, with doubles worth twice the number value and triples worth three times the value.

What are the official rules for darts?

Official dart rules vary slightly by governing body (PDC, BDO, WDF), but generally include:

• Throwing from behind the oche (7′ 9¼” from the dartboard)
• Taking turns throwing three darts per round
• Not touching thrown darts until the end of your turn
• Only counting darts that remain in the board
• Following specific game rules for scoring

How do you score on a dartboard?

On a standard dartboard:

• The numbered segments (1-20) are worth their face value
• The outer thin ring (double ring) is worth twice the segment value
• The inner thin ring (triple ring) is worth three times the segment value
• The outer bull is worth 25 points
• The bullseye (inner bull) is worth 50 points

How do you play cricket darts?

Cricket darts focuses on numbers 15-20 and the bullseye. Players must hit each number three times to “close” it (doubles count as two hits, triples as three). After closing a number, a player scores points on that number until the opponent also closes it. The winner is the first to close all numbers and have equal or more points than their opponent.

What’s the best way to practice darts?

Effective practice includes:

• Regular, focused sessions (quality over quantity)
• Practicing specific targets and techniques
• Working on your stance, grip, and release
• Playing different games to develop versatility
• Using practice routines like “Around the Clock” or “121”
• Recording and analyzing your technique

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Darts combines skill, strategy, and sociability in a way few other sports can match. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or aspiring to competitive play, understanding how to play darts properly will enhance your enjoyment and performance. Remember that improvement comes with consistent practice and a willingness to refine your technique over time.

As five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld puts it: “Darts is a game where perfection is impossible, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to achieve it.”

This guide was created based on official rules from the World Darts Federation, Professional Darts Corporation, and insights from professional players.