Darts is a classic game that combines skill, precision, and friendly competition. It's a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're playing in a pub, at home, or in a tournament, learning how to play darts can open up a world of entertainment and camaraderie.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll take you through the essential steps of playing darts, from setting up the game to scoring and winning. We'll also cover some basic tips and tricks to help you improve your skills and enjoy the game even more. So, grab your darts and let's get started!
Before we dive into the rules and gameplay, let's ensure you have the necessary equipment and set up the game properly. This will help you get started and avoid any confusion or frustration during the game.
How to Play Darts
To start your darts game, follow these key steps:
- 1. Set Up the Board: Hang the dartboard at eye level, 7 feet 9.25 inches from the floor to the bullseye.
- 2. Choose Your Darts: Select darts that suit your grip and throwing style. Steel-tip darts are for bristle boards, while soft-tip darts are for electronic boards.
- 3. Decide on a Game: Choose a darts game format, such as 01 games (301, 501, etc.), Cricket, or Around the World.
- 4. Determine Starting Order: Players throw one dart each at the doubles ring. The player closest to the center starts the game.
- 5. Throwing Technique: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and release the dart smoothly.
- 6. Aim and Scoring: Aim for the highest-scoring areas on the board, such as the triples (outer ring) and doubles (inner ring). Each section has its own point value.
- 7. Finishing the Game: To win, reduce your score to zero exactly. If you go over zero, you "bust" and lose your turn.
- 8. Practice and Improve: Regular practice is key to improving your accuracy and consistency. Play with friends or join a local darts league to enhance your skills.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, darts is a great way to socialize, challenge yourself, and have a good time.
1. Set Up the Board: Hang the Dartboard at Eye Level, 7 Feet 9.25 Inches from the Floor to the Bullseye.
Before you start playing darts, it's crucial to set up the board correctly. This ensures fair gameplay and accurate scoring.
- Hang the Board Properly:
Hang the dartboard on a wall or suitable surface where it won't be easily disturbed. Make sure it's securely fastened and won't fall off during gameplay.
- Measure the Height:
Using a tape measure or ruler, measure 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the floor to the center of the bullseye. This is the standard height for hanging a dartboard.
- Mark the Spot:
Once you've measured the height, mark the spot on the wall where the center of the bullseye should be. You can use a pencil or a piece of tape to mark the spot.
- Hang the Board:
Align the dartboard with the marked spot on the wall and hang it securely. Use appropriate hardware, such as screws or hooks, to ensure the board is stable and won't move during gameplay.
Once you've set up the board correctly, you're ready to start playing darts. Remember to check the board regularly to ensure it's still hanging securely and at the proper height. A properly set up dartboard will enhance your playing experience and help you aim more accurately.
2. Choose Your Darts: Select Darts that Suit Your Grip and Throwing Style. Steel-Tip Darts Are for Bristle Boards, While Soft-Tip Darts Are for Electronic Boards.
Selecting the right darts is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience. Darts come in various weights, shapes, and materials, so it's important to choose ones that suit your individual preferences and playing style.
- Consider Grip and Weight:
Darts come in different weights, ranging from 18 to 28 grams. Choose a weight that feels balanced and comfortable in your hand. The grip is also essential; select a dart with a grip that provides a secure and consistent hold.
- Choose the Right Barrel:
The barrel is the main part of the dart where you grip it. Barrels come in various shapes and materials, such as brass, tungsten, and nickel. Experiment with different barrels to find one that suits your throwing style and provides good control.
- Select the Right Tip:
Darts come with different tips, including steel tips and soft tips. Steel tips are for traditional bristle dartboards, while soft tips are for electronic dartboards. Make sure you choose the right type of darts for your board.
- Personalize Your Darts:
Once you've chosen your darts, you can personalize them to your liking. You can add flights (the fins at the back of the dart) with different colors and designs. You can also adjust the length and tightness of the shafts (the part that connects the barrel to the flight) to suit your throwing style.
Taking the time to choose the right darts will significantly impact your playing experience. Experiment with different types and styles until you find a set that feels comfortable and allows you to throw consistently and accurately. Remember, the most important thing is to select darts that you feel confident and comfortable using.
3. Decide on a Game: Choose a Darts Game Format, Such as 01 Games (301, 501, Etc.), Cricket, or Around the World.
Once you've set up the board and chosen your darts, it's time to decide on a game format. Darts offers a variety of games to choose from, each with its own unique rules and scoring system. Here are a few popular darts games to get you started:
- 01 Games (301, 501, Etc.):
In 01 games, players start with a score of 301, 501, or another predetermined number. The goal is to reduce your score to zero exactly by hitting various scoring areas on the board. You must finish the game by hitting the bullseye (worth 50 points) or the double bullseye (worth 100 points).
- Cricket:
Cricket is a popular darts game that involves hitting specific numbers (15-20) and the bullseye. Players score points by hitting these numbers three times and "closing" them by hitting the bullseye. The first player to close all their numbers and hit the bullseye wins the game.
- Around the World:
Around the World is a fun and challenging darts game where players take turns hitting numbers in sequence from 1 to 20. The first player to hit all the numbers in order wins the game. This game is great for practicing your accuracy and consistency.
- Other Games:
There are many other darts games to explore, such as Halve It, Shanghai, and Killer. Each game has its own unique rules and scoring system, so feel free to experiment and find the ones you enjoy the most.
Choosing the right game format depends on your preferences and skill level. If you're new to darts, start with a simple game like Around the World or 01 with a lower starting score (e.g., 101 or 201). As you become more comfortable with the game, you can try more challenging formats like Cricket or other variations.
4. Determine Starting Order: Players Throw One Dart Each at the Doubles Ring. The Player Closest to the Center Starts the Game.
Once you've chosen a game format, it's time to determine the starting order. This is typically done by throwing one dart each at the doubles ring (the outer ring with double point values).
Here's how to determine the starting order:
- Each player stands at the oche (the throwing line) and takes a turn throwing one dart at the doubles ring.
- The player whose dart lands closest to the center of the doubles ring starts the game.
- If two or more darts land equidistant from the center, those players throw again until one dart is closer to the center.
- The player who starts the game throws first, followed by the other players in clockwise order.
Determining the starting order in this manner adds an element of skill and fairness to the game. The player who can consistently hit the doubles ring is more likely to start the game and gain a slight advantage.
Once the starting order is determined, the game proceeds according to the rules of the chosen game format. Players take turns throwing their darts, aiming for high-scoring areas on the board and trying to achieve their goal (e.g., reducing their score to zero in 01 games or closing numbers in Cricket).
5. Throwing Technique: Stand with Your Feet Shoulder-Width Apart, Bend Your Knees Slightly, and Release the Dart Smoothly.
Having a good throwing technique is crucial for accuracy and consistency in darts. Here are the key steps to follow when throwing a dart:
- Stance:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the dartboard. Your dominant foot should be slightly forward. Bend your knees slightly and keep your body balanced and relaxed.
- Grip:
Hold the dart between your thumb and forefinger, with your middle finger resting lightly on the barrel. The grip should be firm but not too tight, allowing you to release the dart smoothly.
- Aim:
Bring the dart back behind your head, keeping your elbow tucked in. Line up your dominant eye with the dart and the intended target on the board. Focus on the target and take a deep breath.
- Release:
As you exhale, smoothly release the dart towards the target. Don't jerk or force the throw; let the dart flow naturally from your hand. Follow through with your throwing motion, ending with your arm extended towards the board.
Practice is key to developing a consistent and accurate throwing technique. Start by practicing your aim and release without worrying about scoring. Once you feel comfortable with your technique, you can start focusing on hitting specific areas of the board and improving your scoring.
6. Aim and Scoring: Aim for the Highest-Scoring Areas on the Board, Such as the Triples (Outer Ring) and Doubles (Inner Ring). Each Section Has Its Own Point Value.
The dartboard is divided into different sections, each with its own point value. Aiming for the highest-scoring areas will help you accumulate points quickly and win the game.
- Bullseye (50 Points):
The bullseye is the small red circle in the center of the board. It is the highest-scoring area, worth 50 points.
- Double Bullseye (25 Points):
The double bullseye is the thin green ring surrounding the bullseye. It is worth 25 points.
- Triples (Outer Ring):
The triples ring is the outermost ring on the board. Hitting a section in the triples ring triples the point value of that section.
- Doubles (Inner Ring):
The doubles ring is the ring just inside the triples ring. Hitting a section in the doubles ring doubles the point value of that section.
- Single Ring:
The single ring is the widest ring on the board, located between the doubles and triples rings. Hitting a section in the single ring scores the base value of that section.
To score points, aim for the highest-scoring areas of the board that align with your skill level. As you become more proficient, you can start targeting specific sections to maximize your score and achieve your desired outcome in the game.
7. Finishing the Game: To Win, Reduce Your Score to Zero Exactly. If You Go Over Zero, You "Bust" and Lose Your Turn.
The objective of most darts games is to reduce your score to zero exactly. This means that you need to carefully calculate your throws and aim for high-scoring areas to reach zero efficiently.
When it's your turn to throw, you can score points by hitting different sections of the dartboard. The point values range from 1 to 20, with the triples and doubles rings multiplying the score. You can also score 25 points by hitting the double bullseye or 50 points by hitting the bullseye.
As you progress through the game, your score will decrease. When you reach a point where you can finish the game with a single throw, you need to aim for the double or triple of the remaining score. Hitting the double or triple will reduce your score to zero and win the game.
However, if you go over zero, you "bust" and lose your turn. This means that your score resets to the starting score, and you must start over. Therefore, it's important to be strategic and calculate your throws carefully to avoid busting.
Finishing the game requires skill, precision, and a bit of luck. As you practice and improve your accuracy, you'll be able to finish games more consistently and increase your chances of winning.
8. Practice and Improve: Regular Practice Is Key to Improving Your Accuracy and Consistency. Play with Friends or Join a Local Darts League to Enhance Your Skills.
Darts, like any other skill, improves with regular practice. The more you throw darts, the more comfortable you'll become with your technique and the more accurate your throws will be.
Here are some tips for practicing and improving your darts skills:
- Practice Regularly:
Set aside some time each week to practice your darts skills. Even short practice sessions can help you improve your aim and consistency.
- Focus on Your Technique:
Pay attention to your stance, grip, and throwing motion. Make sure you're using a technique that feels comfortable and allows you to throw the dart smoothly and accurately.
- Aim for Specific Targets:
Instead of just throwing darts randomly, focus on aiming for specific areas of the board. This will help you develop your accuracy and learn how to score points consistently.
- Play with Friends or Join a Darts League:
Playing with others is a great way to improve your skills and learn from more experienced players. Joining a local darts league can provide you with regular competition and help you track your progress.
Remember, practice is the key to improvement. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become at throwing darts. This will lead to better accuracy, consistency, and overall enjoyment of the game.
As you practice and improve your skills, you'll find that darts becomes even more enjoyable. You'll be able to compete with friends and family more effectively and experience the satisfaction of hitting high scores and winning games.
FAQ
If you have any questions about how to play darts, check out this FAQ section for quick and helpful answers:
Question 1: What is the basic objective of darts?
Answer: The main goal in darts is to reduce your score to zero exactly by hitting different sections of the dartboard. You can score points by hitting specific areas, such as the bullseye, doubles, and triples.
Question 2: How do I determine who starts the game?
Answer: To determine the starting order, players throw one dart each at the doubles ring. The player whose dart lands closest to the center of the doubles ring starts the game.
Question 3: What is the best way to hold the dart?
Answer: Hold the dart between your thumb and forefinger, with your middle finger resting lightly on the barrel. The grip should be firm but not too tight, allowing you to release the dart smoothly.
Question 4: How do I aim and throw the dart?
Answer: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and bring the dart back behind your head. Line up your dominant eye with the dart and the intended target on the board. Release the dart smoothly towards the target, following through with your throwing motion.
Question 5: How do I score points in darts?
Answer: You score points by hitting different sections of the dartboard. The bullseye is worth 50 points, the double bullseye is worth 25 points, and the triples ring triples the point value of the section it hits. The doubles ring doubles the point value of the section it hits, and the single ring scores the base value of the section.
Question 6: How do I win a game of darts?
Answer: To win a game of darts, you need to be the first player to reduce your score to zero exactly. If you go over zero, you "bust" and lose your turn. The game continues until one player reaches zero and wins the game.
Question 7: Where can I practice playing darts?
Answer: You can practice playing darts at home, in a pub or bar with a dartboard, or at a dedicated darts club or league. Playing with friends or joining a local darts league can also be a great way to improve your skills and learn from more experienced players.
Closing Paragraph:
We hope this FAQ section has answered some of your questions about how to play darts. Remember, practice is key to improving your skills and enjoying the game. So, grab your darts and start practicing!
Now that you know the basics of how to play darts, here are a few tips to help you improve your skills even further:
Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you improve your darts skills and enjoy the game even more:
Tip 1: Master Your Grip:
A comfortable and consistent grip is crucial for accurate throws. Experiment with different grip styles and find one that feels natural and allows you to release the dart smoothly.
Tip 2: Practice Regularly:
The more you practice, the better you'll become at darts. Set aside some time each week to practice your throws, even if it's just for a short while. Focus on your technique and aim for specific areas of the board to improve your accuracy and consistency.
Tip 3: Learn to Score Strategically:
Darts is not just about hitting the highest-scoring areas. Learn to score strategically by aiming for doubles and triples when you need to reduce your score quickly. This can help you finish games faster and increase your chances of winning.
Tip 4: Play with Friends or Join a Darts League:
Playing with others is a great way to improve your skills and learn from more experienced players. Join a local darts league or play with friends at home or at a pub. This can add a competitive element to the game and make it even more enjoyable.
Closing Paragraph:
Remember, practice and dedication are key to becoming a better darts player. With consistent practice, you'll be able to improve your accuracy, consistency, and overall enjoyment of the game. So, keep throwing those darts and have fun!
Now that you've learned the basics of how to play darts and some tips to improve your skills, it's time to start playing and enjoying this classic game. Whether you're playing with friends, in a league, or just for fun, darts is a great way to socialize, challenge yourself, and have a good time.
Conclusion
Darts is a classic game that combines skill, precision, and friendly competition. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there's always something to learn and enjoy in this timeless game.
Summary of Main Points:
- Set Up the Game Properly: Ensure the dartboard is hung at the correct height and securely fastened to the wall.
- Choose Your Darts: Select darts that suit your grip and throwing style. Consider the weight, shape, and material of the darts.
- Decide on a Game: Choose a darts game format that suits your preferences and skill level, such as 01 games, Cricket, or Around the World.
- Determine Starting Order: Throw one dart each at the doubles ring to determine who starts the game.
- Master the Throwing Technique: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and release the dart smoothly.
- Aim and Score: Aim for the highest-scoring areas on the board, such as the triples and doubles rings, to accumulate points and win the game.
- Finish the Game: To win, reduce your score to zero exactly. If you go over zero, you "bust" and lose your turn.
- Practice and Improve: Regular practice is key to improving your accuracy, consistency, and overall skills. Play with friends or join a local darts league to enhance your game.
Closing Message:
We hope this guide has provided you with the essential knowledge and tips to start playing darts with confidence. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game. So, grab your darts, challenge your friends or family, and experience the excitement of hitting the bullseye!