Understanding the darts score system is essential for playing and enjoying the game. The most common format starts at 501, and the goal is to be the first to reduce your score to exactly zero by hitting the right numbers on the dartboard. This article will delve into the details of scoring, checkout strategies, variations, and everything else you need to master the game.
⚠️ Still Using Pen & Paper (or a Chalkboard)?! ⚠️
Step into the future! The Dart Counter App handles all the scoring, suggests checkouts, and tracks your stats automatically. It's easier than you think!
Try the Smart Dart Counter App FREE!Ready for an upgrade? Click above!
Understanding the Basics of the Darts Score System
The darts score system revolves around a dartboard divided into numbered sections from 1 to 20. Each section is further divided into single, double, and triple areas. Hitting a number in the single area awards that number of points. The outer ring of the board represents the double area, doubling the score of that number. The inner ring represents the triple area, tripling the score.
The central area of the board is the bullseye. The outer green ring of the bullseye is worth 25 points, sometimes referred to as ‘single bull.’ The center red circle is the double bullseye, or ‘double bull,’ worth 50 points. Mastering these areas is crucial for strategic play and efficient scoring.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Single numbers: Score the face value of the number.
- Double ring: Doubles the face value of the number.
- Triple ring: Triples the face value of the number.
- Single Bullseye (outer green): 25 points.
- Double Bullseye (inner red): 50 points.
Starting and Ending a Game
The most popular darts game, often called ‘501,’ begins with each player or team starting with a score of 501. Players take turns throwing three darts, and the sum of their scores is subtracted from their remaining total. The first player to reach exactly zero wins the leg. This involves strategic planning and an understanding of optimal checkout routes.
One important rule is the ‘double out’ rule. To win a leg, the final dart thrown must land in a double or the bullseye. Therefore, leaving yourself with an odd number is a tactical error, as you cannot check out on a double from an odd number. For example, if a player has 32 remaining, they must hit double 16 to win. If they accidentally hit single 16, they will still have 16 remaining and will have to plan their next throw accordingly.
The Importance of the Double Out
The ‘double out’ rule adds a layer of complexity and strategy to the game. Players must not only be accurate but also plan their throws to leave themselves with a manageable double to finish on. This often involves setting up a score that is easily divisible by two, or strategically aiming for the bullseye, which can also serve as a double.
Common Checkout Strategies
Developing solid checkout strategies is fundamental to improving your darts game. Knowing common checkout routes allows you to plan your throws effectively and increase your chances of winning. Here are some of the most frequently used checkouts:
- 170: T20, T20, Bullseye
- 167: T20, T19, Bullseye
- 164: T20, T18, Bullseye
- 161: T20, T17, Bullseye
- 160: T20, T20, D20
- 100: T20, D20 or 20, D40 (Double Bull)
Memorizing these checkouts, along with understanding how to set them up, can significantly improve your game. The highest possible checkout is 170. Practice is key to becoming proficient in these checkouts under pressure.
Many players find it helpful to start with a larger score like 160 because even if they miss the triple 20 on their first dart, they can still make small adjustments and finish on a different double on a subsequent throw. The 501 game format allows for various strategies.
Darts Variations and Scoring
While 501 is the most common game, numerous variations exist, each with its own unique scoring rules and challenges. These variations offer a change of pace and can help improve different aspects of your dart-playing skills. Understanding different darts score system options can make you a more versatile player.
Around the Clock
In ‘Around the Clock,’ players must hit each number on the dartboard in sequence, starting with 1 and ending with 20. The first player to hit all numbers in order wins. This game is excellent for practicing accuracy and consistency.
Cricket
‘Cricket’ involves players claiming numbers by hitting them three times. Typically, the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15 and the bullseye are used. Once a player has claimed a number, they score points each time they hit it, provided their opponent has not also claimed it. The first player to claim all the numbers and have a higher score wins. Cricket requires tactical play and an understanding of your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
Shanghai
‘Shanghai’ involves playing through the numbers 1 to 7 (or higher depending on the variation). In each round, a player attempts to score as many points as possible on the designated number (e.g., aiming for single, double, and triple 1 in the first round). The player with the highest score after all rounds wins. Hitting a single, double, and triple of the designated number in the same round instantly wins the game (achieving ‘Shanghai’).
The Mental Game of Darts: Focus and Strategy
Beyond the physical skill of throwing darts accurately, the mental aspect of the game is equally important. Maintaining focus, managing pressure, and developing a strategic mindset are crucial for consistent performance. Even the best darts players can succumb to mental lapses, so it’s important to train your mind as well as your throwing arm.
Visualisation techniques, where you mentally rehearse successful throws and checkouts, can improve confidence and reduce anxiety. Developing a pre-throw routine, such as taking a deep breath and focusing on your target, can also help to maintain consistency under pressure.
Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your opponents, is also essential. Knowing when to play defensively and when to take risks can make the difference between winning and losing. For example, if your opponent is strong at hitting the bullseye, you might want to try to avoid leaving them with an opportunity to check out on it.
Improving Your Darts Game
Consistent practice is vital for improving your darts game. This includes not only throwing darts but also analyzing your performance, identifying areas for improvement, and working on specific skills. Using a Dart game scoring app to track your progress can provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses.
Consider joining a local darts league or club. Playing against other players of different skill levels can provide valuable experience and help you to learn new strategies. Receiving feedback from more experienced players can also help you to identify and correct any flaws in your technique.
Experiment with different types of darts and equipment to find what works best for you. The weight, shape, and material of your darts can all affect your accuracy and consistency. Similarly, the type of dartboard and the lighting in your playing area can also have an impact on your performance.
Tips for Consistent Improvement
- Practice Regularly: Set aside dedicated time for practice.
- Track Your Progress: Use a scoring app or notebook to monitor your scores.
- Analyze Your Performance: Identify areas where you struggle and focus on improving them.
- Experiment with Equipment: Find darts and equipment that suit your style.
- Join a League or Club: Compete against other players for valuable experience.
Understanding what are dart barrels made of and how it affects your throw can also drastically change your game.
Advanced Darts Techniques
Once you have mastered the basics of the darts score system, you can start to explore more advanced techniques to further improve your game. These techniques include:
- Grouping: The ability to consistently land your darts close together. This requires a stable throwing technique and consistent follow-through.
- Target Switching: Quickly and accurately switching between different targets on the dartboard. This is crucial for setting up checkouts and taking advantage of scoring opportunities.
- Mental Toughness: The ability to stay focused and perform under pressure. This involves managing your emotions and maintaining a positive attitude, even when things are not going your way.
Studying professional darts players can also provide valuable insights into advanced techniques and strategies. Watch how they approach the game, how they handle pressure, and how they adapt to different situations.
Conclusion: Mastering the Darts Score System
Understanding the darts score system is the first step to enjoying and excelling at this engaging game. From grasping the basic scoring zones to mastering checkout strategies and exploring game variations, there’s always something new to learn and improve upon. Remember to focus on consistent practice, mental toughness, and continuous learning. Now, pick up your darts, apply these tips, and start honing your skills – who knows, you might just become the next darts champion!
Hi, I’m Dieter, and I created Dartcounter (Dartcounterapp.com). My motivation wasn’t being a darts expert – quite the opposite! When I first started playing, I loved the game but found keeping accurate scores and tracking stats difficult and distracting.
I figured I couldn’t be the only one struggling with this. So, I decided to build a solution: an easy-to-use application that everyone, no matter their experience level, could use to manage scoring effortlessly.
My goal for Dartcounter was simple: let the app handle the numbers – the scoring, the averages, the stats, even checkout suggestions – so players could focus purely on their throw and enjoying the game. It began as a way to solve my own beginner’s problem, and I’m thrilled it has grown into a helpful tool for the wider darts community.