How To Play Darts Properly

So, in order to understand what I'm talking about, please study the picture of the dartboard I included in this lens.

Think of the dartboard as a pizza. The "pizza" is divided into several "slices". Each one of these slices has a base point value. Different areas in each slice are worth more points, depending on how close to the middle of the pizza you get.

Ok, enough with the pizza talk. Around the outside of the dartboard you see numbers. Each number is assigned to a slice of the dartboard. The largest section of the slice closest to the number, counts as whatever that number is.

The smallest section of the slice closest to the number counts as double the number. So, if you hit the 10 slice in that small area to the outside, you get 20 points.

The small section of the slice closer to the bullseye counts as triple the number of the slice. So, in the above example, you would get 30 points.

The bullseye actually has two sections. The outer bull is worth 25 points. The inner bull (the small dot in the middle of the bullseye) is worth either 25 or 50 points, depending on the specific game of darts you are playing.

Pretty simple, right? And you can see how it is not always best to hit the bullseye. If you hit the triple section on the 20 slice, you get the most points possible on the board. There are different strategies that you can apply, depending on what your opponents are aiming for and hitting.

There are so many different ways to play darts, you will never grow tired of the game! One very popular (and fun!) game is called '01. Each player is assigned a number ending in 01. For a short game, start with 301 or 501. For a longer game, start with 901 or 1001. The point of the game is to hit target points and subtract those points from your score. The goal is to reach 0. You can't go below zero...it has to be exactly zero.

You can also play sequential darts. Basically, you try to hit the targets starting from 1 and working to 20, then go for the bullseyes. You can score higher or lower depending on what section of the number target you hit. This game can take a long, long time especially with novice players. It is still a blast though and I guarantee you will all get a good laugh.

A more complicated, many would say sophisticated dart games is cricket. This is not to be confused with the British game of cricket using mallets, though until you learn the rules it can be equally as confusing.

The goal of cricket is to close each "inning" before your opponent does. An inning is a slice of that dartboard pizza pie. Each number on the board represents a slice, which is called an inning in cricket. To close or finish an inning, you must score three of that number. You can hit any of the sections within that number, but the more points you score the better. If there is a tie in points, whoever closes all innings first is the winner. As with all dart games, there are innumerable options and alterations to these rules.

The simplest game of darts is High Score. I bet you can guess how to play that one. Whoever scores the highest, wins.

There are about a gazillion more dart games out there. Some people make their own rules and end up creating a brand new dartboard game. This is why I love darts. You never get tired of playing! If you get bored with one game, you can test and hone your dart throwing skills by playing a different game. Each player evolves at their own pace and get better in different areas depening on what games they play. It is really quite fascinating.

So, what if you don't want to go to the pub to play darts? Lots of people buy their own dartboard for their garage or basement game room supplies. Having one in your home allows you to practice in private and try out new games without the distraction of pub noise. They come in many styles, but they are all essentially the same.

The new electronic dartboards are very handy, especially for those just starting out. The electronic scoring makes playing different games less confusing, and keeps scoring errors from happening. Just as there are many styles of dartboards, there are many, many, many more styles of darts. Some are steel tipped and sharpened (ouch!) while others are rounded and resin. It may seem like common sense, but if you are just starting out playing darts...don't get the sharpened ones! If you already have sharpened ones and are starting out, be aware of your surroundings and be SAFE. They are sharp and yes, they do hurt. So, make sure your friends move away (far away) from the dartboard. The round tip darts aren't as dangerous, but they can still hurt. It is always wise to keep a large buffer zone around your dartboard for safety. Also, as a pub game, the game of darts is often accompanied by drinking. Most people are intelligent enough (even when inebriated) to know not to walk out in front of the dartboard while someone is playing. However, there is always the chance of someone stumbling in front of the board, so keep an eye out for them before every throw.

Something else that I like to have for my dartboard is a cabinet. You invested in a dartboard, so you should probably keep it clean and safe from environmental damage. If you or your friends smoke in your rec room, a dartboard cabinet is a must. Smoke can damage the board's surface and leaves a film of tar over everything. A cabinet will also block harmful UV rays from the sun. If your dartboard is in a spot where it receives direct sunlight, the board will fade over time. There is nothing worse than not being able to see the numbers or extra point sections on a dartboard because it has faded.

Keeping your dartboard clean and protected will ensure many years of fun and enjoyment. So, have fun with darts, make up your own games or play established games, always play with friends unless you are practicing, and of course be safe when playing in a crowded room or pub. Enjoy the endless fun of the game of darts!