I am constantly surprised by the number of people I introduce to the game of darts who have no idea about what it is. I have created this post mainly as an explanation of the game of darts for total beginners. So in Layman’s terms, darts is a popular pub game that involves throwing small projectiles, called darts, at a circular target, known as a dartboard. The objective of the game is to score points by hitting specific areas on the dartboard.
What is a Dartboard
The standard dartboard consists of a circular board divided into 20 numbered sections, ranging from 1 to 20. Each section has a specific point value associated with it, which is determined by its position on the board. The center of the board is called the bullseye and is further divided into two concentric circles: the inner bullseye (also known as the “double”) and the outer bullseye (also known as the “single”).
Gameplay
Darts can be played by two or more players, and each player takes turns throwing three darts. The players stand at a designated throwing line, called the oche, which is typically located a fixed distance away from the dartboard (usually 7 feet 9.25 inches or 2.37 meters).
How to Score in Game of Darts
The scoring in darts is based on where the darts land on the dartboard. The outer thin ring of the board is called the double ring, and if a dart lands in this area, the player scores double the value of the corresponding section. The inner thin ring, known as the triple ring, awards triple the value. The central circle, the bullseye, has a higher point value than any other section on the board.
There are several game formats in darts, but one of the most common is the game of 501. In this game, each player starts with a score of 501 points and takes turns throwing three darts to reduce their score. The objective is to reach zero by subtracting the score achieved with each throw from the starting total of 501.
To win the game, a player must reach exactly zero points by subtracting their score with well-placed darts. The final dart must land in either the outer bullseye (single bull) for 25 points or the double ring of any numbered section. If a player’s score goes below zero, their turn is considered a “bust,” and their score for that round remains unchanged
Game of Darts Variations
Darts has various game variations, including Cricket, 301, 801, Around the Clock, and more. Each game has its own specific rules and scoring methods, adding diversity and challenges to the game.
Darts has gained immense popularity worldwide, both as a recreational pub game and as a professional sport with organized tournaments and championships. Skilled players demonstrate precision, accuracy, and strategic thinking as they aim to achieve high scores and outscore their opponents.
