Darts drinking game equipment needed? Get Equipped FAST!

To fully enjoy a darts drinking game, you’ll need a dartboard, darts, and, of course, your chosen beverages – it’s that simple! This article will comprehensively cover the essential darts drinking game equipment needed, from dartboards and darts to scoreboards and safety measures, ensuring you have everything for a fun and safe experience.

Essential Darts Drinking Game Equipment Needed

Planning a darts drinking game night? Beyond the obvious, having the right equipment can significantly enhance the experience. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need:

• Dartboard: This is the most crucial piece of darts drinking game equipment needed. Opt for a standard size, ideally a regulation bristle dartboard for durability and self-healing properties. Consider a cabinet to protect your wall and add a professional touch.
• Darts: A set of darts is, naturally, a necessity. Start with a set of steel-tip darts. The weight should be comfortable for each player, typically ranging from 21 to 25 grams. Consider having extra flights and shafts on hand, as these are often the first parts to break during gameplay.
• Drinks: Obviously! Choose your preferred alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails) and ensure everyone drinks responsibly. Have non-alcoholic options available too. Playing darts drinking games responsibly is key to a fun and safe night.
• Scoreboard: Whether it’s a traditional chalkboard or a digital scoreboard, you’ll need something to keep track of points. A digital scoreboard can simplify scoring, especially for complex games, but a chalkboard adds a classic pub feel.

Choosing the Right Dartboard for Your Drinking Games

Selecting the ideal dartboard is paramount to enjoying any darts drinking game. Here’s what to consider:

• Bristle vs. Electronic: Bristle boards are made of compressed sisal fibers, offering excellent dart retention and self-healing. Electronic boards automatically score the darts, which is helpful when drinks are flowing! However, they require batteries or a power source and are more prone to malfunction. For a traditional experience and longer lifespan, a bristle board is generally preferred.
• Dartboard Quality: Look for a board with thin wiring to minimize bounce-outs. A staple-free bullseye is also desirable. A high-quality board will last longer and provide a better playing experience.
• Dartboard Size: Regulation dartboards have a diameter of 17 3/4 inches. Ensure you have enough wall space for the board and surrounding safety area.

Remember to properly mount the dartboard at the correct height (center of the bullseye at 5 feet 8 inches from the floor) and distance (7 feet 9 1/4 inches from the front of the board to the throwing line – oche). Correct installation is crucial for fair play and accurate scoring.

Selecting the Perfect Darts

Darts come in various weights, materials, and styles. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right ones for your darts drinking game equipment needed.

• Dart Weight: Most players prefer darts between 21 and 25 grams. Lighter darts require more force to throw accurately, while heavier darts are more stable but can feel cumbersome. Experiment to find what feels most comfortable for you.
• Dart Material: Brass darts are the most affordable but wear down quickly. Tungsten darts are denser and more durable, allowing for slimmer barrels and tighter groupings. Tungsten darts are a worthwhile investment for serious players.
• Dart Components:
  • Barrels: The main body of the dart. Choose a barrel with a grip that feels comfortable and secure in your hand.
  • Shafts: Connect the flight to the barrel. Shafts come in various lengths and materials. Experiment to find the length that suits your throwing style.
  • Flights: The wings of the dart, providing stability and lift. Flights come in different shapes and sizes, each affecting the dart’s trajectory.

Essential Accessories for Enhanced Gameplay

Beyond the dartboard and darts, consider these accessories to elevate your darts drinking game experience:

• Oche (Throw Line): A clearly defined oche is essential for fair play. You can use a tape measure and mark the distance on the floor with tape, or invest in a dedicated oche mat.
• Surround: A dartboard surround protects your wall from stray darts. Surrounds come in various materials, including rubber and cork.
• Dartboard Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for clear visibility and accurate aiming. Consider a dartboard light that illuminates the entire board evenly.
• Dart Sharpener: Keep your darts sharp for optimal penetration and reduced bounce-outs.

Adapting Darts Games for Drinking

Many popular darts drinking game variations exist, and they’re easily adaptable. Some common variations are:

• Around the Clock: Players must hit each number on the dartboard in sequence. Missing a number results in a penalty – often, a drink! You can learn more about Around the Clock drinking game darts to get a better understanding of this game.
• Cricket: A strategic game where players must score points on specific numbers (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye) and “close” them before their opponent. Failing to close a number results in a drink.
• Killer: Each player gets a number and must score three hits on it to become the “killer.” The killer can then knock other players out of the game by hitting their numbers. Being knocked out might mean finishing a drink! You can find more about the Killer darts drinking game rules on our website.

Remember to adjust the rules to suit your group’s preferences and drinking tolerances. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the game responsibly. Check out Darts Variants Fun Games for more ideas.

Safety First: Creating a Safe Darts Environment

While darts drinking games are fun, safety should always be a top priority. Consider these safety measures:

• Clear the Area: Ensure there is ample space around the dartboard and that no one walks in front of a player who is throwing.
• Dartboard Placement: Mount the dartboard securely to a wall or stand. Make sure it won’t wobble or fall during play.
• Supervise Gameplay: Especially when alcohol is involved, supervise the game to prevent accidents.
• Proper Lighting: Ensure the dartboard is well-lit to improve visibility and accuracy.
• First Aid Kit: Keep a basic first aid kit nearby in case of minor injuries.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Darts Equipment

Proper maintenance extends the life of your darts drinking game equipment and ensures optimal performance.

• Dartboard Maintenance: Rotate the dartboard regularly to distribute wear evenly. Remove any loose fibers or debris from the board.
• Dart Maintenance: Sharpen your darts regularly to maintain their point and reduce bounce-outs. Clean the barrels to remove dirt and grime. Replace worn flights and shafts.

Simple maintenance routines will keep your equipment in top condition for years to come.

Alternative Scoring Methods

While traditional scoreboards are excellent, there are other ways to keep track of scores in your darts drinking game:

• Smartphone Apps: Several smartphone apps are available that can track scores, calculate averages, and even suggest games.
• Web-Based Scoreboards: Online scoreboards can be accessed from any device with a web browser.
• DIY Scoreboards: Get creative and build your own scoreboard! Use a whiteboard, a piece of plywood, or even a repurposed chalkboard.

Advanced Tips for Darts Drinking Game Equipment

For the seasoned player looking to enhance their darts drinking game setup, consider these advanced tips:

• Custom Darts: Invest in custom-made darts tailored to your grip and throwing style.
• Specialty Flights: Experiment with different flight shapes and materials to fine-tune your dart’s trajectory.
• Professional Dartboard Lighting: Upgrade to a high-end dartboard lighting system for optimal visibility and reduced shadows.
• Dedicated Darts Room: If you have the space, create a dedicated darts room with a professional setup.

Responsible Drinking During Darts Games

Remember that the most important piece of darts drinking game equipment needed is responsible decision-making. Make sure everyone understands the rules and is drinking safely. This is crucial for Safety tips darts drinking games.

• Set a Limit: Establish a drinking limit before the game begins.
• Designated Driver: Ensure there is a designated driver or alternative transportation for everyone.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Eat Food: Eat food to slow down alcohol absorption.
• Take Breaks: Take breaks from drinking to avoid getting too intoxicated.

Where to Buy Your Darts Drinking Game Equipment

You can find darts drinking game equipment at a variety of retailers:

• Sporting Goods Stores: Stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors carry a wide selection of dartboards, darts, and accessories.
• Online Retailers: Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers offer a vast selection of darts equipment at competitive prices.
• Specialty Darts Shops: Dedicated darts shops offer a wide range of high-quality equipment and expert advice.
• Pub Supply Stores: These stores often carry dartboards and accessories designed for commercial use.

Conclusion

Having the right darts drinking game equipment needed ensures a safe, fun, and competitive experience for everyone. From the dartboard and darts to the scoreboard and accessories, each element contributes to the overall enjoyment. Remember to prioritize safety and responsible drinking. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, gather your friends, set up your equipment, and enjoy a memorable night of darts and camaraderie! Ready to start playing? Check out our guide on Fun darts drinking game ideas.

Dieter

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.