What is Darts you may ask? Well, darts is a classic and quite exciting game, often played in pubs, bars, or at home. Darts combine skill, precision, and a bit of strategy – the strategy part is which usually makes a difference between going professional or playing for fun.
While it may look like a simple activity of throwing small, sharp projectiles (called darts) at a circular target (the dartboard), darts is a sport with a rich history and a growing global community. To read more why darts is growing in popularty, head over to the rise of darts article.
In this blog post, we will explore what darts is, its basic rules, and how beginners can get started playing this enjoyable and social game.
1. What is Darts?
Darts is both a recreational game and if you are a person who takes it more seriously, it is a professional sport where players throw darts at a dartboard. The board is divided into numbered sections, each worth different points, with the goal being to score as high as possible in a set number of throws and to end it with a double. The most commonly used dartboard design is known as the “standard” or “Bristle” dartboard.
The Dartboard
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the numbers randomly arranged from 1 to 20. Each segment also includes a thin outer ring (the “double ring”) and a thin inner ring (the “treble ring”) that multiply the points.
The center of the board is called bullseye – it is split into two areas: the outer bullseye (worth 25 points) and the inner bullseye (worth 50 points).
- Single section: The biggest area, worth the number displayed.
- Double ring: A thin outer ring that doubles the score of the segment.
- Treble ring: A thin inner ring that triples the score of the segment.
- Bullseye: The very center of the dartboard—25 points for the outer bullseye and 50 for the inner.
2. How is Darts Played?
There are several popular formats for playing darts, with “501” and “301” being the most common in competitive settings.
In 501 (the most popular version), each player starts with 501 points, and the objective is to reduce your score to exactly zero. Players take turns throwing three darts per round, with their score for that round deducted from their total. The tricky part is that you must finish the game by landing a double (hitting a double ring or the bullseye) exactly on your final throw. If you throw more then you have left then you go “bust” and next time have to try again!
301 is similar, but players start with 301 points, and the game proceeds in the same manner. This format is mostly used for practice games or in smaller league tournaments. Both formats require skill and a touch of strategy and the end goal is the same.
There are many more games that also are quite popular, but they are not played in the arenas by professionals. To read about different darts game you can head over different darts games in this article.
3. How to Start Playing Darts as a Beginner
Whether you’re aiming to play casually with friends or dive into competitive play, getting started with darts is easier than it may seem. Below is a step-by-step guide to help beginners get going.
Get Your Equipment
To start playing darts, you’ll need the basic equipment:
- Dartboard: A standard bristle dartboard is recommended for most players. It’s durable and the most commonly used type in pubs and tournaments.
- Darts: Darts typically consist of four parts – the point, the barrel, the shaft, and the flight. Beginner darts come in various weights (usually between 16-26 grams), so try a few different types to find one that feels comfortable in your hand.
- Surround and Backboard: To protect your walls from stray darts, many players use a dartboard surround or backboard to catch missed throws.
Set Up Your Playing Area
- Mount the Dartboard: The center of the bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) above the ground.
- Determine Throwing Distance: The official throwing distance is 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the board. Mark this distance with tape or a mat.
Learn the Basic Rules and Scoring
Before jumping in, familiarize yourself with the basic rules of darts. Start with a simple format like 501 or 301. You can also play “Round the Clock” to practice, where the goal is to hit each number on the dartboard in order, from 1 to 20. To have a good overview of the rules check out the official PDC rulebook!
The scoring part is essential for darts – you have to reach to zero with as few throws as possible. To read more about darts scoring and what are good tactics, you can jump to our article on how darts scoring works.
Practice Your Throw
Good technique is key to improving your accuracy and consistency. Here are a few tips for beginners:
- Grip: Hold the dart lightly, but firmly enough to have control. The grip should feel natural.
- Stance: Stand sideways with your dominant foot forward and keep your weight balanced. Your throwing arm should be free to move smoothly.
- Throwing Motion: Focus on a smooth, controlled motion. The throw comes from the forearm, with the wrist following through.
Play and Have Fun!
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, start playing different games to find what you like the most. Whether it’s a friendly match or a solo practice session, keep practicing to improve your skills. Darts is a game of precision, and even small improvements can make a big difference over time.
While you are finding ways to improve, make sure you are not forgetting the fun part of darts! If you are not getting any joy out of practicing and playing, you might burn-out and this is where your darts journey could end – even before it started.
4. Final Thoughts on what is darts
Darts is a fun and accessible game that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or aspiring to compete at a higher level, the game offers endless opportunities for improvement and strategy.
With the right equipment and a bit of practice, you’ll be hitting bullseyes in no time! So, grab a set of darts, find a dartboard, and start playing—you might just discover your new favorite hobby!
