Understanding the darts doubles rules is crucial for any aspiring darts player. Essentially, hitting a double means landing your dart in the outer ring of the number you’re aiming for, doubling its value. This article will detail these rules, along with essential strategies and tips for mastering doubles and improving your overall game.
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Many players find hitting doubles challenging, but with practice and understanding the nuances of the game, you can significantly improve your accuracy. This guide will cover everything from basic darts doubles rules to advanced techniques to help you consistently hit those crucial doubles and elevate your game. We’ll also discuss common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding the Basic Darts Doubles Rules
The most fundamental aspect of darts doubles rules is simple: hitting a double means landing your dart in the outer ring surrounding a number. This ring is worth double the value of the number itself. For example, hitting a double 20 scores 40 points; hitting a double 1 scores 2 points. This rule applies throughout the game, regardless of the scoring system or game format you’re playing.
Understanding the darts doubles rules is paramount, especially in the final stages of a match where you need to check out. Checking out involves scoring your remaining points exactly with a double. For example, if you have 40 points remaining, you need to hit a double 20 to win. This requires precision and a strategic understanding of your remaining score.

Mastering doubles isn’t just about aiming; it’s about developing a consistent throwing technique. This involves factors like grip, stance, and follow-through, which are crucial for accuracy. Many players find that using a dart shaft aluminium can enhance their game.
Double Trouble: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many dart players struggle to consistently hit doubles. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes players make, and how to avoid them:
- Poor Aiming: Failing to accurately aim at the double segment is the most obvious mistake. Practice focusing on the specific double you’re targeting. Regular practice and visualization techniques can dramatically improve your aiming.
- Inconsistent Throw: A lack of consistency in your throwing technique significantly affects accuracy. Work on maintaining a smooth and repeatable throwing motion.
- Grip Issues: An improper grip can lead to inaccurate throws. Experiment with different grips until you find one that feels comfortable and allows for precision.
- Incorrect Stance: Maintaining a balanced and comfortable stance is crucial. Avoid leaning or shifting your weight during your throw.
These are common pitfalls, but don’t let them discourage you! With dedicated practice and attention to these details, you’ll start seeing improvement in your double hitting percentage. Remember that consistency is key in darts; even the most skilled players practice regularly to maintain their skills.

Strategies for Mastering Darts Doubles
Beyond understanding the darts doubles rules, implementing effective strategies can elevate your game significantly. Here are some valuable tips:
Practice Makes Perfect
Consistent practice is the cornerstone of improving your doubles game. Dedicate time each session to practicing your doubles. You might find it useful to use a Free dart score app to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Focus on one double at a time, gradually building your accuracy across all doubles segments. Set realistic goals and celebrate your achievements to stay motivated.
Visualisation Techniques
Before every throw, visualize yourself hitting the target double. This mental rehearsal can improve your focus and accuracy. Imagine the flight of the dart and the satisfying sound of it landing perfectly in the double segment. Believe in your ability and create a positive mental image of success.
Target Practice
Designate specific practice sessions dedicated solely to doubles. Focus on different doubles, focusing on perfecting your aim for each one. This focused practice will hone your skills and build muscle memory.
Analyzing Your Throws
After each practice session, take some time to review your performance. Identify any recurring errors in your technique. This self-assessment will help you pinpoint weaknesses and develop targeted practice plans. Watching videos of professional dart players is also useful in identifying good technique and understanding how different players approach scoring doubles.
Advanced Darts Doubles Strategies
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced strategies. Understanding the probability of hitting specific doubles, and adapting your checkout approach based on your remaining score, can be crucial in higher-level play. Calculating your checkout strategy using a darts checkout online calculator can be invaluable. For example, knowing the best route to checkout from 170 points requires strategic thinking and familiarity with various darts shanghai checkout strategies.
Consider focusing on your weaker doubles. It’s easy to get stuck on your strong doubles. Actively target and practice the doubles you find most challenging. This balanced approach will lead to a more consistent overall game. You’ll also find that practicing darts ring around bullseye improves your overall aim and hand-eye coordination.

Darts Doubles Rules and Different Game Formats
The fundamental darts doubles rules remain consistent across various game formats, but the strategic application can vary. In 501, for example, finishing with a double is crucial, while in other formats, doubles might not be as important. This highlights the need for versatile skill and adaptation depending on the format.
Understanding how different game formats change your strategy is important. Some formats emphasize certain scoring strategies, making hitting doubles vital at various stages of the game. In some instances, hitting a particular double might be even more important than simply maximizing points earlier in a round.
Remember, the more you practice and adapt your strategies, the better you’ll become at understanding different aspects of the game. Mastering the darts doubles rules isn’t just about hitting the double ring—it’s about incorporating that skill into your overall strategy and game plan.

Choosing the Right Darts
While skill is paramount, the right darts can significantly impact your ability to hit doubles consistently. Consider factors like weight, length, and material. Experiment with different styles until you find a dart that feels balanced and comfortable in your hand. Some people prefer barrel only darts for their ease of use, while others value the advantages of a complete dart set, including shaft and flights. You might need to try out different darts shaft set combinations before finding what works best for you.
The weight of your darts significantly affects your throwing style and consistency. Experiment to determine what feels right for your throwing action. Consider the weight, length, and barrel material of your darts. Too heavy, and you might struggle with accuracy; too light, and your throw might lack power.
Beyond the Basics: Improving Your Game
Beyond mastering the darts doubles rules, continuous improvement requires focused practice and a commitment to refining your technique. This includes analyzing your throws, identifying weaknesses, and working on your posture and grip. Remember to warm up before each practice session to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
Consider joining a local darts club or league. Playing against other players will help you identify areas for improvement, and you’ll also build valuable experience. Observing other players can be just as important as practicing alone. Learn from their strengths, and avoid their mistakes.
Additionally, investing in quality darts and accessories will contribute towards a more positive and rewarding experience, improving your overall game. While many resources are readily available online, sometimes nothing beats in-person instruction or advice.

Conclusion: Mastering the Darts Doubles Rules
Mastering the darts doubles rules is essential for success in darts. From understanding the basic mechanics of hitting doubles to implementing advanced strategies and refining your technique, this journey demands dedication and practice. Remember that consistency is key. By regularly practicing, analyzing your performance, and focusing on your technique, you’ll consistently improve your ability to hit those crucial doubles.
So, pick up your darts, practice regularly, and focus on refining your technique. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll see significant improvements in your game. Keep practicing and enjoy the rewarding experience of improving your skills. Happy throwing!
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.