Knowing how to accurately keep score is fundamental to enjoying a good game of darts. Mastering darts tellen ensures fair play and helps you track your progress. This guide covers everything you need to know, from basic scoring to advanced strategies, so you can confidently call your shots and rack up the points.
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Understanding the Basics of Darts Tellen
The most common darts game is 501, where players start with 501 points and reduce their score to zero. The first player to reach zero, with a double or bullseye, wins the leg. Darts tellen accurately in this format is crucial. Each player throws three darts per turn, and the score for each dart is added to determine the total score for that turn. You subtract this total from your remaining score. Sounds simple, right? Let’s dive deeper into the nuances.

The dartboard is divided into numbered sections from 1 to 20. Here’s a breakdown of the scoring zones:
- Single: Landing in the large section of a number scores the corresponding number of points.
- Double: The outer ring doubles the value of the number. Hitting double 20 scores 40 points.
- Treble: The inner ring triples the value of the number. Hitting treble 20 scores 60 points, the highest single score possible.
- Bullseye: The outer bullseye (green) scores 25 points.
- Double Bullseye (Bull): The inner bullseye (red) scores 50 points and counts as a double for finishing.
Darts scores are calculated by adding up the scores of the three darts thrown in a turn. If a dart falls out of the board or doesn’t stick in the scoring area, it doesn’t count.
Common Darts Scoring Terms
Familiarize yourself with these essential darting terms:
- Ton: Scoring 100 or more points in a single turn.
- Ton 40: Scoring 140 points in a single turn.
- Ton 80: Scoring 180 points (three treble 20s) in a single turn – the highest possible score.
- Checkout: Finishing the game by reaching zero with a double or bullseye.
- Bust: Going below zero or ending on one when trying to checkout. The player’s score reverts to what it was at the start of their turn.
Step-by-Step Guide to Darts Tellen
Here’s a practical guide on darts tellen during a game:
- Start with 501: Each player begins with a score of 501.
- Throw Three Darts: Take your turn and throw your three darts.
- Calculate Your Score: Add up the scores of each dart. For example, if you hit a single 20, a treble 20, and a single 5, your score is 20 + 60 + 5 = 85. Using an App to score darts can make this easier.
- Subtract from Remaining Score: Subtract your score from your current total. If you started with 501 and scored 85, your new score is 501 – 85 = 416.
- Pass the Turn: Hand the darts to the next player.
- Continue Until Checkout: Repeat steps 2-5 until a player reaches zero with a double or bullseye.

Tips for Accurate Darts Tellen
- Call Your Score: Always announce your score for each dart and the total for the turn. This helps prevent disputes and ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Double-Check: Verify the score with your opponent or a scorekeeper.
- Use a Scoreboard or App: Keep a clear record of the scores using a traditional chalkboard scoreboard or a darts scoring app.
- Practice Mental Math: Improve your mental arithmetic skills to quickly and accurately calculate scores.
- Stay Focused: Maintain concentration to avoid errors in scoring.
Advanced Darts Tellen Strategies
Beyond basic arithmetic, strategic darts tellen involves planning your throws to set up a successful checkout. Here are some tactics to consider:
Choosing the Right Numbers
Aiming for specific numbers is crucial for maximizing your scoring potential. Popular choices include:
- 20: Hitting treble 20 (60) is the highest single score, helping you reduce your total quickly.
- 19: A good alternative if you’re struggling with the 20 segment, as treble 19 (57) is still a high score.
- Numbers around 20: 1 and 5 can be good targets for recovery if you miss the 20, since they offer an alternate way to lower your score.
Consider numbers close to the bullseye such as 25, 50, 60 which may contribute to your winning strategy.
Planning Your Checkout
Checkout strategy is the art of setting yourself up to finish the game with a double or bullseye. Here are a few common approaches:
- Leaving a Double: Aim to leave yourself with a score that is a multiple of two, allowing you to finish with a single dart at a double.
- Leaving an Outshot: Study common outshots, such as 32 (double 16), 40 (double 20), and 50 (bullseye).
- Calculating Probabilities: Consider the likelihood of hitting your target and plan accordingly. If you’re not confident in hitting a particular double, aim for a number that leaves you with an easier outshot.

Avoiding the Bust
A “bust” occurs when you reduce your score to below zero, or to one when trying to checkout. This resets your score to where it was at the start of the turn. To avoid busting:
- Know Your Outs: Be aware of the scores you need to avoid busting.
- Plan Ahead: Calculate the potential outcomes of your throws and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Aim for Singles: If you’re close to busting, aim for single numbers to fine-tune your score.
Understanding what is what is darts counter helps you plan your move.
The Importance of Honest Darts Tellen
Accuracy and integrity are paramount in darts. Honest darts tellen ensures fair competition and maintains the spirit of the game. Whether playing casually with friends or competing in a tournament, it’s essential to be transparent and accurate with your scoring.
Consequences of Inaccurate Scoring
Inaccurate darts tellen can lead to:
- Disputes: Disagreements over scores can disrupt the game and create tension between players.
- Unfair Advantage: Intentionally or unintentionally miscalculating scores can give a player an unfair advantage.
- Loss of Credibility: Repeated inaccuracies can damage a player’s reputation.
- Tournament Disqualification: In competitive settings, deliberate cheating can result in disqualification.
Remember to celebrate responsibly if you hit dart flights joker!
Ensuring Fair Play
To promote fair play and accurate darts tellen:
- Designate a Scorekeeper: Assign a neutral person to keep score, especially in competitive matches.
- Use a Reliable Scoring System: Utilize a scoreboard or app that automatically calculates scores.
- Call Your Scores Clearly: Announce each dart and the total for the turn.
- Verify Scores: Double-check scores with your opponent or the scorekeeper.
- Adhere to the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the official rules of darts and follow them consistently.

Tools and Resources for Darts Tellen
Several tools and resources can assist you with darts tellen and improve your game:
- Dart Scoreboard: A traditional chalkboard scoreboard is a simple and effective way to track scores.
- Darts Scoring Apps: Numerous apps are available for smartphones and tablets that automatically calculate scores, track statistics, and provide checkout suggestions.
- Online Scoreboards: Online scoreboards allow you to play darts with others remotely and keep track of scores in real-time.
- Checkout Charts: Charts that display common checkout combinations can help you plan your finishing strategy.
- Darts Calculators: Online calculators can help you determine the best possible checkout routes for any given score.
Consider what darts board game meets your needs.
Practicing Darts Tellen
Like any skill, darts tellen improves with practice. Here are some exercises to hone your scoring abilities:
- Mental Math Drills: Practice adding and subtracting numbers quickly and accurately in your head.
- Checkout Practice: Focus on practicing common checkout combinations to improve your finishing skills.
- Game Simulations: Play practice games against yourself or others, focusing on accurate scoring and strategic planning.
- Record Your Games: Keep track of your scores and statistics to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion: Mastering Darts Tellen for a Better Game
Accurate darts tellen is the cornerstone of enjoyable and fair gameplay. By understanding the scoring system, adopting strategic approaches, and utilizing available tools, you can enhance your darts experience and improve your chances of success. Remember to prioritize honesty, practice regularly, and continuously refine your scoring skills. So, grab your darts, aim true, and let the points add up!
Ready to put your skills to the test? Find a local dart club near you and join the fun! Don’t delay, start your journey to becoming a darts champion today!
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.