Ready to learn the ins and outs of darts quick start? This guide will give you the foundational knowledge to start playing and improving your game immediately. We’ll cover everything from setting up your dartboard to mastering basic throwing techniques and understanding the rules of 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!
Darts Quick Start: Setting Up Your Dartboard
Before you can even think about throwing darts, you need to ensure your dartboard is set up correctly. This is crucial for fair play and preventing damage to your surroundings.
Dartboard Height
The official height of a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor to the center of the bullseye. Use a measuring tape to ensure accuracy. This is a non-negotiable aspect of the game, ensuring consistent play across different locations.
Dartboard Distance
The throwing distance, also known as the oche, should be 7 feet 9 1/4 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard. Again, precision is key here. Many players find it helpful to mark the oche with tape or a dedicated oche mat.
Dartboard Placement
Mount your dartboard on a secure wall. Ideally, use a backboard to protect the wall from stray darts. A backboard can be as simple as a piece of plywood or a professionally made dartboard surround. Consider the lighting as well. Good lighting is essential for clear visibility of the board. Avoid shadows that can obscure your target.
Choosing Your Darts: A Beginner’s Guide
Selecting the right darts is a matter of personal preference, but there are some basics to keep in mind when you’re just getting started.
Dart Weight
Dart weight typically ranges from 16 to 30 grams. Beginners often find that a dart in the 22-24 gram range is a good starting point. Lighter darts can be easier to control initially, but heavier darts can be more stable in flight.
Dart Material
Darts are usually made of brass, nickel-silver, or tungsten. Brass darts are the most affordable but tend to be bulkier. Tungsten darts are denser, allowing for a slimmer barrel, which can improve grouping. Nickel-silver darts are a good middle ground.
Dart Components
A dart consists of four main parts: the point, barrel, shaft, and flight. The point is the sharp end that sticks into the board. The barrel is the main body of the dart. The shaft connects the barrel to the flight, and the flight provides stability during flight. Experiment with different shaft lengths and flight shapes to find what works best for you. You can learn more about related components at dart point removal service.
Basic Throwing Technique for Darts
Developing a consistent throwing technique is fundamental to improving your darts game. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements.
Stance
Stand with your dominant foot forward, pointing towards the dartboard. Most players find that a slightly angled stance, with the other foot providing balance, is most comfortable. Maintain a stable and balanced posture. Avoid swaying or shifting your weight during your throw.
Grip
Experiment with different grips to find what feels most natural. A common grip is to hold the dart with your thumb and index finger, using your other fingers for support. Avoid gripping the dart too tightly, as this can cause tension and affect your accuracy. Try some darts recommendations before you settle on your final decision.
Arm Movement
Your arm movement should be smooth and controlled, originating from your elbow. Avoid using your wrist excessively, as this can lead to inconsistency. Keep your elbow high and bring the dart back in a straight line before releasing it towards the target. Think of it as a pendulum motion. You can also use the Practice darts app with scoring to help you master a consistent technique.
Release
Release the dart smoothly and consistently at the same point in your throwing motion. Follow through with your arm, pointing towards your target after the release. A smooth follow-through helps to ensure accuracy and consistency. Don’t jerk your arm at the last second.
Understanding Darts Scoring: The Basics
Familiarizing yourself with the scoring system is essential for playing darts. Here’s a quick overview.
The Dartboard Layout
The dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with doubles and triples rings, and a bullseye. The outer ring is the doubles ring, the inner ring is the triples ring, and the center is the bullseye. Hitting a number in the main section scores that number of points. Hitting a double scores twice the value of that number. Hitting a triple scores three times the value of that number. The outer bullseye scores 25 points, and the inner bullseye (also known as the double bull) scores 50 points.
Basic Scoring Rules
In a standard game of 501, each player starts with 501 points and must reduce their score to zero by throwing darts. The catch is that you must finish on a double. For example, if you have 32 points remaining, you must hit double 16 to win the game. If you score more than you need to reach zero, or if you don’t finish on a double, your score reverts to what it was at the start of that turn. This is called “bust”.
Keeping Score
Keeping score accurately is crucial. You can use a traditional chalkboard or a modern electronic scoreboard. There are also numerous darts scoring apps available for smartphones and tablets that can simplify the process and allow you to focus on aiming. Be sure to check out our other content about the target darts scoring system.
Essential Darts Terminology for Beginners
Understanding the jargon used in darts can help you follow the game and communicate with other players.
Common Terms
- 180: Scoring 180 points in a single turn (three treble 20s).
- Ton: Scoring 100 points or more in a single turn.
- Checkout: Finishing the game by reaching zero with a double.
- Oche: The throwing line.
- Bust: Scoring more points than needed to reach zero, or failing to finish on a double.
- Leg: A single game of darts.
- Set: A series of legs played to determine the winner.
Knowing these terms will make it much easier to understand commentary, read articles, and discuss the game with other enthusiasts. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about something. The darts community is generally very welcoming to newcomers.
Practice Drills to Improve Your Darts Game
Consistent practice is the key to improvement in any skill, and darts is no exception. Here are some drills you can use to hone your accuracy and consistency.
Around the Clock
Start by aiming for the number 1 on the dartboard. Once you hit it, move on to the number 2, and so on, until you’ve hit every number in sequence. This drill helps to improve your accuracy across the entire board. You can make it more challenging by requiring yourself to hit each number with a single dart.
20s and Trebles
Focus on hitting the treble 20. This is the highest scoring area of the board, and mastering it can significantly improve your scoring potential. Practice hitting consecutive treble 20s, and gradually increase the number of consecutive hits required. This will boost your confidence and consistency when aiming for this crucial target.
Checkout Practice
Practice finishing on different doubles. Start with common checkouts like double 20 (40), double 16 (32), and double 10 (20). Then, move on to more challenging checkouts. This drill will help you to become more comfortable and confident when you need to finish a game. Consider the double top darts delivery time for added efficiency.
Darts Quick Start: Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes
Many beginners make the same mistakes when they’re first starting out. Recognizing and correcting these errors can help you improve more quickly.
Inconsistent Stance
Having an inconsistent stance can significantly affect your accuracy. Make sure you’re setting yourself up in the same way each time you throw. Find a stance that feels comfortable and balanced, and stick with it.
Gripping Too Tightly
Gripping the dart too tightly can cause tension and affect your release. Relax your grip and let the dart flow naturally from your hand. A looser grip will allow for a smoother and more controlled throw.
Using Your Wrist Too Much
Overusing your wrist can lead to inconsistent throws. Focus on using your arm and shoulder muscles, keeping your wrist relatively still. Think of your arm as a pendulum, swinging smoothly from your elbow. Find other topics on the dart format and practice it here.
Advanced Tips and Strategies for Improving Your Game
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring more advanced techniques and strategies to take your game to the next level.
Mental Game
Darts is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Stay focused and positive, even when you’re not playing your best. Visualize your throws and maintain a confident attitude. Learn to manage your emotions and avoid getting frustrated when you miss your target.
Strategic Scoring
Think strategically about your scoring. Don’t always aim for the treble 20. Sometimes it’s better to aim for a different number to set up a more favorable checkout. For example, if you have 81 points remaining, aiming for a treble 19 (57) will leave you with 24, which is a more straightforward checkout than leaving 41. Understanding the darts bullseye game is essential to strategic scoring.
Analyzing Your Opponents
Pay attention to your opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. Adapt your strategy based on their playing style. If they’re strong scorers, focus on improving your checkout percentage. If they’re weak finishers, try to put them under pressure by scoring heavily.
Maintaining Your Darts Equipment
Proper maintenance of your darts and dartboard will ensure they last longer and perform optimally.
Dart Maintenance
Regularly check your dart points for burrs or damage. Sharpen them if necessary using a dart sharpener. Replace damaged shafts and flights as needed. Clean the barrels of your darts to remove dirt and grime.
Dartboard Maintenance
Rotate your dartboard regularly to even out wear. This will prevent certain sections of the board from becoming overused. Use a dartboard cleaner to remove dust and debris. Avoid using excessive force when throwing darts, as this can damage the sisal fibers.
Finding Darts Leagues and Tournaments
Participating in darts leagues and tournaments is a great way to improve your game, meet other players, and have fun.
Local Leagues
Check with your local pubs and bars to see if they host darts leagues. These leagues are typically social and recreational, offering a friendly and competitive environment for players of all skill levels.
Regional and National Tournaments
Search online for regional and national darts tournaments. These tournaments offer a higher level of competition and the opportunity to win prizes. Websites like the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the British Darts Organisation (BDO) list upcoming tournaments and events.
By following these darts quick start tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled darts player. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and improving. Good luck!
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.