Want to discover a world of fun and friendly competition? Look no further than **soft tip dartboard games**! This article will guide you through the most popular games, scoring rules, and strategies, so you can become a soft tip dart champion in no time.
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!
Exploring the World of Soft Tip Dartboard Games
**Soft tip dartboard games** offer a fantastic alternative to traditional steel tip darts, providing a safer and more accessible experience for players of all skill levels. The boards are made of plastic with small holes, and the darts have plastic tips, which stick in the holes. This eliminates the need for sharp points, making it a great option for families and casual players. These are often used in electronic dartboards.

One of the main advantages is the electronic scoring system. The board automatically detects where the dart lands and calculates the score, eliminating any human error and saving you time. Plus, many electronic dartboards come pre-programmed with a variety of **dart games**.
Why Choose Soft Tip Dartboards?
- Safety: The plastic tips significantly reduce the risk of injury, especially for younger players.
- Convenience: Electronic scoring makes it easy to keep track of the game and eliminates disputes.
- Variety: Many electronic dartboards offer a wide range of **dart games** to choose from.
- Accessibility: Soft tip darts are generally lighter and easier to throw, making them suitable for players of all ages and abilities.
- Durability: Modern soft tip dartboards are surprisingly durable and can withstand a lot of use.
Popular Soft Tip Dartboard Games
The beauty of **soft tip dartboard games** lies in their variety. Here are some of the most popular options:
301/501/701
This is perhaps the most classic and widely played **dart game**. Each player starts with the specified score (301, 501, or 701) and must reduce their score to exactly zero. The catch? You must finish with a double (hitting a double segment of the board). If you go below zero, it’s a “bust,” and your score reverts to what it was at the start of that turn. This game requires both accuracy and strategic planning. Choosing the Choose Best Dart Equipment ensures you have the best start in this game.
Cricket
Cricket is a strategic game that involves “closing out” numbers before your opponent. The numbers in play are typically 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye (both single and double bull). To close out a number, you must hit it three times. Once a number is closed, only you can score on it until your opponent also closes it out. The player who closes out all the numbers and has the highest score wins. This game requires strategic dart placement and the ability to defend your numbers. Understanding Best Dartboard Lighting Systems can greatly improve your accuracy in Cricket.

Around the World
This is a simple and fun game, perfect for beginners. Players must hit each number on the dartboard in sequence, from 1 to 20. The first player to hit all the numbers wins. Variations include hitting the doubles or trebles of each number for added difficulty. Using LED Dartboard Lights Benefits can make the numbers more visible, improving your play.
Shanghai
In Shanghai, players aim to score the most points in each round, focusing on a specific number. In round one, you aim for the number 1, in round two, the number 2, and so on, up to number 20. You score points for hitting the single, double, or triple of the target number. Hitting a Shanghai (single, double, and triple of the target number in the same round) automatically wins the game. This game tests your accuracy and consistency.
Essential Strategies for Winning Soft Tip Dartboard Games
While luck plays a role, mastering certain strategies can significantly improve your **soft tip dartboard games** performance:
Develop a Consistent Throw
Consistency is key to success in darts. Practice your stance, grip, and throwing motion until it feels natural and repeatable. Focus on keeping your arm straight and your follow-through smooth. Even using Types Optimal Dartboard Lighting contributes to throwing consistently.
Aim Small, Miss Small
Instead of focusing on the entire target area, pick a specific point within the segment you’re aiming for. This will help you improve your accuracy and reduce the margin for error.
Master the Checkout Chart
For games like 301/501/701, knowing the checkout chart is essential. This chart shows you the optimal combinations of darts to use to finish the game with a double. Memorizing these combinations will give you a significant advantage.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Set aside regular time to practice your throws and work on your accuracy. Try different **dart games** to keep things interesting and challenge yourself.

Know Your Opponent
Understanding your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses can help you strategize. If they are weak on a particular number in cricket, target that number to gain an advantage. If they struggle to checkout in 301, apply pressure to make them nervous.
Mental Game
Darts is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Stay focused, maintain a positive attitude, and don’t let mistakes get you down. Visualization techniques can also be helpful for improving your concentration.
Choosing the Right Soft Tip Dartboard and Darts
Selecting the right equipment can enhance your **soft tip dartboard games** experience. Here’s what to consider:
Dartboard Features
- Target Size: Look for a dartboard with a standard 15.5-inch target area.
- Segment Material: High-quality plastic segments will provide better durability and reduce bounce-outs.
- Electronic Scoring: Ensure the electronic scoring system is accurate and easy to read.
- Game Options: Choose a dartboard with a variety of pre-programmed **dart games** to suit your preferences.
- Sound Effects: Some dartboards offer realistic sound effects to enhance the gaming experience.
Dart Selection
- Weight: Soft tip darts typically range from 16 to 20 grams. Experiment to find a weight that feels comfortable and suits your throwing style.
- Barrel Material: Brass and tungsten are common barrel materials. Tungsten darts are denser and offer a slimmer profile.
- Shaft Length: Shorter shafts generally provide more stability, while longer shafts can offer more control.
- Flight Shape: Different flight shapes affect the dart’s trajectory. Standard flights are a good starting point.

Consider starting with a beginner set and experimenting with different components as you improve. You can always upgrade your darts as you gain experience and refine your throwing style.
Setting Up Your Soft Tip Dartboard
Proper setup is crucial for ensuring a fair and enjoyable game of **soft tip dartboard games**. Follow these guidelines:
Height and Distance
- Dartboard Height: The center of the bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor.
- Throwing Distance: The oche (throwing line) should be 8 feet (2.44 meters) from the face of the dartboard.
Lighting
Good lighting is essential for clear visibility of the dartboard. Consider using a dedicated dartboard lighting system or a well-positioned lamp. Poor lighting can lead to eye strain and inaccurate throws. Using appropriate How To Light Your Dartboard can dramatically improve your game.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Soft Tip Dartboard Games Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic **soft tip dartboard games**, you can explore more advanced variations to keep things interesting and challenge your skills.
Killer
In Killer, each player chooses a number on the board (usually determined randomly). To become a “killer,” you must hit your chosen number three times. Once you are a killer, you can score on other players’ numbers. If you hit another player’s number three times, they are eliminated from the game. The last player remaining is the winner.
Golf
Golf is played over 9 or 18 “holes” (rounds). Each hole corresponds to a number on the dartboard. The objective is to score as few points as possible on each hole. Hitting the number on the dartboard scores one point, hitting the double scores two points, and hitting the treble scores three points. The player with the lowest total score after all the holes wins.

Halve-It
In Halve-It, players attempt to score on a series of target numbers. After each round, if a player fails to score on the target number, their total score is halved. The game continues until all target numbers have been played. The player with the highest score at the end wins. This game tests your ability to perform under pressure.
Conclusion
**Soft tip dartboard games** offer a fun, engaging, and accessible way to enjoy the sport of darts. With a variety of games, strategies, and equipment options available, there’s something for everyone. Remember to prioritize safety, practice regularly, and choose the right equipment to maximize your enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, get ready to experience hours of entertainment and friendly competition. Now that you know the ins and outs of soft tip darts, why not gather some friends, set up a dartboard, and start playing? Embrace the challenge, hone your skills, and become a **soft tip dartboard games** 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.