🎯 Bullseye Basics: A Complete Guide to Playing Darts for Beginners
So, you’re looking to learn how to play darts? Excellent choice! Darts is a fantastic game that blends skill, strategy, and a healthy dose of friendly competition. Whether you’re aiming to impress your friends at the pub, join a league, or simply have some fun at home, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to get started.
**What You’ll Need**
Before you can start throwing, you’ll need a few essential items:
* **Dartboard:** The standard dartboard is made of sisal fibers, which are tightly packed together. The most common type is a bristle dartboard. Avoid cheaper boards made of cork or plastic, as they won’t last as long and won’t provide the same satisfying feel. Look for a board that conforms to the regulations set by the World Darts Federation (WDF). Check out online reviews to compare brands and find one that fits your budget and needs. Quality boards are from Unicorn, Winmau and Nodor.
* **Darts:** A set of darts is obviously necessary. Darts consist of four main parts: the point, the barrel, the shaft, and the flight. As a beginner, a set of brass darts (around 22-24 grams) is a good starting point. Brass darts are affordable and durable. Once you get more experience, you can experiment with different barrel materials (tungsten is a popular choice for its density) and weights to find what suits your throwing style best. You can purchase dart starter sets from most major retailers.
* **Oche (Throw Line):** The oche is the line behind which you must stand when throwing your darts. The official distance from the front of the dartboard to the oche is 7 feet 9 1/4 inches (2.37 meters). It’s crucial to have the correct distance for accurate play. You can buy a commercial oche or simply mark the line with tape. It is important to be consistent with your line placement.
* **Dartboard Surround (Optional but Recommended):** A surround protects the wall around your dartboard from stray darts. This is especially important if you’re playing in a room with delicate walls or furniture. Surrounds come in various materials, including rubber and foam.
* **Lighting (Recommended):** Proper lighting is essential for clear visibility of the dartboard. A dedicated dartboard light, which mounts above the board, is ideal. Alternatively, make sure the room is well-lit with overhead lights.
* **Scoreboard/Scoring System:** You’ll need a way to keep score. You can use a traditional chalkboard or whiteboard, a dedicated dartboard scoreboard, or a mobile app. Digital scoreboards make scoring easier, especially when playing with friends or a group.
* **Measuring Tape:** To ensure your dartboard is mounted at the correct height and distance, use a measuring tape. Accuracy is key for fair play.
**Setting Up Your Dartboard**
Proper dartboard setup is crucial for fair and enjoyable gameplay.
1. **Dartboard Height:** The center of the bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor. Use a measuring tape to accurately mark this height on the wall.
2. **Dartboard Mounting:** Most dartboards come with a mounting bracket on the back. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to securely mount the dartboard to the wall at the correct height. Ensure the board is firmly attached and doesn’t wobble.
3. **Oche Distance:** Measure 7 feet 9 1/4 inches (2.37 meters) horizontally from the face of the dartboard (directly below the bullseye) to the point where you will stand to throw. Mark this spot clearly with tape or a dedicated oche.
4. **Check for Level:** Use a level to ensure the dartboard is perfectly vertical. This will prevent any bias in your throws.
**Understanding the Dartboard**
Familiarize yourself with the different sections of the dartboard:
* **Bullseye:** The small circle in the center. The outer bullseye (green) scores 25 points, and the inner bullseye (red, often called the “double bull”) scores 50 points.
* **Treble Ring:** The narrow ring located about halfway between the bullseye and the outer edge. Landing a dart in the treble ring triples the score of that section.
* **Double Ring:** The outer ring of the dartboard. Landing a dart in the double ring doubles the score of that section.
* **Single Segments:** The large areas between the rings. These segments score the value of the corresponding number.
* **Wire Spider:** The wires that divide the dartboard into segments. Hitting a wire doesn’t score any points, and the dart usually falls out.
**Basic Dart Throwing Technique**
Developing a consistent throwing technique is essential for accuracy. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
1. **Stance:** Stand comfortably at the oche. Most players stand with one foot forward, angled slightly towards the dartboard. The foot of your throwing arm should be forward. Find a stance that feels natural and allows you to maintain balance. Experiment until you find what works best for you.
2. **Grip:** Grip the dart firmly but not too tightly. Experiment with different grip positions to find what feels most comfortable and gives you the best control. A common grip involves using your thumb and forefinger to hold the dart, with your middle finger providing support.
3. **Arm Position:** Keep your upper arm stable and close to your body. Only your forearm should move during the throw. This helps to maintain consistency.
4. **Aiming:** Focus your eyes on the target. Visualize the path of the dart to the target. Some players close one eye to improve focus. Practice aiming at different parts of the dartboard.
5. **The Throw:** Bring the dart back smoothly, keeping your elbow high. As you bring the dart forward, release it smoothly and consistently. Follow through with your arm towards the target. Imagine shaking hands with the dartboard.
6. **Follow Through:** After releasing the dart, continue your arm motion towards the target. This helps to ensure a smooth and consistent throw. A good follow-through will feel natural and balanced.
**Common Dart Games**
There are many different dart games you can play, but here are a few of the most popular for beginners:
* **301/501:** This is the most common dart game. Each player starts with 301 or 501 points (501 is more common). The goal is to be the first to reduce your score to zero. The final dart must be a double or the bullseye (called “doubling out”). If you score more than you need to reach zero (bust), your turn ends, and your score returns to what it was at the start of that turn. The minimum number of darts to finish 501 is nine, a feat known as a ‘Nine Darter.’
* **How to Play 501:**
1. **Starting Score:** Each player begins with a score of 501.
2. **Turns:** Players take turns throwing three darts each.
3. **Scoring:** Calculate the total score for each turn and subtract it from the player’s remaining score.
4. **Doubling Out:** To win, a player must reach exactly zero, ending their turn with a double or the bullseye. If a player scores more than needed, they “bust” and their score returns to what it was at the start of that turn. For example, if a player has 32 remaining and hits a single 20, their remaining score is 12. If they then hit a single 3, their score is 9. If their final dart is a single 9, then their score is reduced to zero. However, their final dart needs to be a double or the bullseye. If a player had 32 remaining and hit a single 20, their remaining score is 12. Their final dart needs to be a Double 6 (the double ring on number 6 on the board). If a player had 50 remaining, then the final dart needs to be the bullseye.
5. **Winning:** The first player to reach exactly zero with a double or bullseye wins the game. Players should announce their scores as they play.
* **Around the World:** The goal is to hit each number on the dartboard in sequence, from 1 to 20. You must hit the number in order before moving on to the next one. You can choose to hit the single, double, or treble of each number. The first player to hit all 20 numbers wins.
* **How to Play Around the World:**
1. **Starting Number:** Each player starts at the number 1.
2. **Turns:** Players take turns throwing three darts each.
3. **Progression:** To advance, a player must hit the current number they are on. They can hit the single, double, or treble of that number.
4. **Missing:** If a player doesn’t hit the current number with any of their three darts, they remain on that number and try again on their next turn.
5. **Winning:** The first player to successfully hit all numbers from 1 to 20 in sequence wins the game.
* **Cricket:** This game is more strategic and involves claiming numbers and scoring points. The numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye are used. To “open” a number, you must hit it three times (in any combination of singles, doubles, or trebles). Once a number is open, you can score points by hitting it again. Your opponent can also score points on the same number once they have opened it. To “close” a number, you must hit it three times after both you and your opponent have opened it. The first player to close all the numbers and have a higher score wins. If a player closes all the numbers before their opponent but has a lower score, they must still have a higher score to win.
* **How to Play Cricket:**
1. **Numbers:** The game focuses on the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, and the bullseye.
2. **Opening a Number:** To “open” a number, a player must hit it three times. This can be achieved with any combination of singles, doubles, or trebles.
3. **Scoring Points:** Once a number is opened, a player can score points by hitting it again. The score is equal to the value of the number.
4. **Closing a Number:** To “close” a number, a player must hit it three times after both players have opened it. Once a number is closed, no more points can be scored on that number.
5. **Winning:** The first player to close all the numbers and have a higher score wins the game. If a player closes all numbers but has a lower score, they must still have a higher score to win.
**Practice Drills to Improve Your Game**
Consistent practice is key to improving your dart skills. Here are some effective drills you can try:
* **Bullseye Practice:** Focus solely on hitting the bullseye. Start by throwing a series of darts at the bullseye, aiming for consistent accuracy. Gradually increase the number of darts you throw in each set. This will improve your focus and precision.
* **Double Practice:** Practice hitting specific doubles, such as double 20, double 16, and double 10. These are important for finishing games of 301/501. Concentrate on each target and visualize the dart hitting the double ring. Repetition is key to mastering double shots.
* **Treble Practice:** Work on hitting the treble 20, which is the highest-scoring single dart throw. Accurate treble shots can significantly boost your score in any game. Practice consistently and track your progress.
* **Number Grouping:** Choose a set of numbers (e.g., 20, 1, 5) and practice hitting them in sequence. This drill helps improve your consistency and accuracy across the dartboard. Vary the number groups to challenge yourself.
* **Around the Clock:** Start at the number 1 and try to hit each number on the dartboard in sequence, moving clockwise. This drill enhances your overall accuracy and control. Try to complete a full rotation with minimal misses.
**Dart Tips and Strategies**
* **Consistency is Key:** Develop a consistent stance, grip, and throwing motion. The more consistent you are, the more accurate your throws will be.
* **Focus on Your Target:** Always keep your eye on the target you’re aiming for. Avoid distractions and maintain concentration.
* **Practice Regularly:** The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Even short practice sessions can make a difference.
* **Experiment with Different Darts:** Try different weights, barrel shapes, and shaft lengths to find what works best for you.
* **Learn from Your Mistakes:** Analyze your throws and identify areas for improvement. Don’t get discouraged by missed shots; learn from them and adjust your technique.
* **Watch the Pros:** Observe professional dart players to learn from their techniques and strategies. There are many videos available online that showcase top players in action.
* **Mental Game:** Darts is also a mental game. Stay calm and focused, even when under pressure. Don’t let missed shots affect your confidence.
* **Dart Maintenance:** Clean your darts regularly to remove dirt and grime. This will improve your grip and accuracy. Also, check your dart points to be sure they aren’t blunt. A point sharpener is also a good investment.
* **Take Breaks:** Avoid over-practicing, as it can lead to fatigue and decreased accuracy. Take short breaks to rest your arm and refocus your mind.
* **Join a League:** Consider joining a local darts league to improve your skills and compete against other players. This is a great way to gain experience and learn new strategies.
**Dartboard Safety**
Darts can be a fun and safe game if you follow these safety precautions:
* **No Throwing When People Are Near:** Never throw darts when someone is standing in front of the dartboard or nearby. Always ensure the area is clear before throwing.
* **Use a Dartboard Surround:** A dartboard surround will protect the wall from stray darts and prevent damage. This is especially important if you’re playing in a shared space.
* **Keep Darts Away from Children:** Store darts out of reach of children to prevent accidents. Darts are sharp and can cause injury if mishandled.
* **Throwing Etiquette:** Don’t distract other players while they are throwing. Maintain a respectful distance and avoid making noise.
* **Inspect Darts Regularly:** Check your darts for any damage, such as loose flights or bent points. Replace any damaged darts to prevent accidents.
**Advanced Dart Techniques**
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring more advanced techniques:
* **Grouping:** The ability to throw multiple darts into the same area consistently. Practice grouping your darts together to improve your scoring potential.
* **Checkout Combinations:** Learn common checkout combinations to finish games quickly and efficiently. Knowing which doubles and trebles to aim for can give you a significant advantage.
* **Mental Visualization:** Visualize your throws before you release the dart. This can help improve your accuracy and consistency.
* **Reading the Board:** Analyze the dartboard to determine the best strategy for each throw. Consider the position of your opponent’s darts and adjust your aim accordingly.
* **Dealing with Pressure:** Learn to handle pressure situations, such as finishing a close game. Stay calm and focused, and trust your skills.
**Conclusion**
Learning to play darts is a rewarding experience that can provide hours of entertainment. By following the tips and techniques in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled dart player. Remember to practice regularly, stay focused, and most importantly, have fun!
Whether you are playing with friends, joining a league, or simply practicing on your own, darts is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. So grab your darts, step up to the oche, and start throwing! With dedication and practice, you’ll be hitting those bullseyes in no time. Enjoy the game!
