How to Play Darts
Darts is one of those games that’s perfect when you’re lounging or just hanging out at your friend’s house. Learn how to play darts with the information below.
The Dartboard
The dartboard is divided into two sections: the inner and outer section. The inner section is called “double bull” and the outer section is called “single bull.” Inner and outer sections are edged with a red and green bands. At the center of the dartboard is the bulls-eye. Around the board are the numbers 1-20 arranged in a non-sequential order.
Hang the dartboard 5 feet and 8 inches from the ground. Dartboards should be hung in a place where people do not usually pass by (like a hallway) because you might accidentally hit them with darts. The best place to put a dartboard is a recreation room.
You should also mark the oche once you’ve chosen a spot for your dartboard. The oche is the line players must stand behind relative to the dartboard. It must be 7 ft 9 1/4 inches from the board.
How to Throw the Dart
Use your stronger or dominant arm when throwing darts. Hold the dart using your index finger, your middle finger and your thumb. Raise your hand so your elbow is chest-level while your hand is almost eye-level.
Aim the dart towards the bulls-eye. Pull your throwing hand back slightly to gain momentum, and push it downward in one fluid motion, releasing the dart before you hand angles downward. Remember to put force behind your throw or your dart won’t even stick to the board!
Playing and Scoring
dartsTypically, most dartboard games start with a high number that ends with 1, such as 301, 501 or 601. The player who gets as the closest to 0 with each score subtracted from the default high number, wins.
Each person takes turns throwing a dart on the dartboard. The person who gets the highest score gets to go first, and the person with the lowest score goes last.
Each person will throw three darts in every turn with the goal to get the highest score possible. After throwing the darts, the score is tallied, and subtracted from the default score. The maximum score one can get in a turn is 180 points.
Scores are determined by the dartboard section your darts hit. The scoring system is as follows:
If the dart falls on the yellow or black section, the score is the number assigned to that section.
If the dart falls on the outer red or green sections, it doubles the points assigned to that section.
If the point falls on the inner red or green sections, it triples the points assigned to that section.
If the dart falls on the green part of the bulls-eye, it is worth 25 points.
If the dart falls on the red part of the bulls-eye, it is worth 50 points.
If the dart falls outside the outer edge of the dartboard or does not stay in place, it does not give you any points.