How to Play Darts: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Darts is a classic indoor game enjoyed in homes, pubs, and professional venues around the world.

It combines skill, focus, and fun, making it ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.

If you’re new to the game and want to learn how to play darts, this complete guide will walk you through everything - from dartboard setup to rules, scoring, and popular dart games.

What Is Darts and How Does the Game Work?

Darts is a target-based game where players throw small pointed objects (called darts) at a round dartboard mounted on a wall.

The objective is to score points by hitting specific sections of the board.

Players usually throw three darts per turn, and the game continues until a winning condition is met, depending on the dart game being played.

Darts can be played solo, one-on-one, or in teams, making it a versatile and social game.

Dartboard Setup: Height, Distance, and Positioning

Proper dartboard setup is essential for fair and accurate play.

Standard Dartboard Measurements

• Height from floor to bullseye: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)

• Throwing distance (oche): 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters)

• Dartboard diameter: 18 inches

The dartboard should be securely mounted at eye level, and the throwing line must be clearly marked on the floor.

Understanding the Dartboard and Scoring System

A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, each with different scoring zones.

Dartboard Scoring Areas Explained

• Single Score Area: Scores the face value of the number

• Double Ring: Doubles the number hit

• Triple Ring: Triples the number hit

• Outer Bull: 25 points

• Inner Bull (Bullseye): 50 points

For example:

• Triple 20 = 60 points

• Double 18 = 36 points

Understanding scoring is crucial when learning how to play darts properly.

Types of Darts and Choosing the Right One

Darts usually consist of four parts: tip, barrel, shaft, and flight.

Common Dart Types

• Steel-tip darts: Used on traditional boards

• Soft-tip darts: Used on electronic boards

Choosing the Right Dart

• Beginners should start with medium-weight darts (20–24 grams)

• Choose a barrel shape that feels comfortable in your grip

• Flights with larger surfaces offer better stability

How to Hold a Dart Correctly for Better Accuracy

Proper grip plays a major role in dart accuracy.

Dart Grip Techniques

• Hold the dart like a pen

• Use three or four fingers

• Keep your grip relaxed

• Balance the dart near the center of the barrel

A consistent grip helps improve control and precision over time.

Correct Dart Throwing Technique Step by Step

Learning the right throwing technique is key when playing darts.

How to Throw a Dart Properly

1. Stand sideways with one foot forward

2. Keep your throwing elbow level

3. Aim with your dominant eye

4. Pull the dart back slowly

5. Release smoothly toward the target

6. Follow through with your arm

Avoid using excessive force; accuracy matters more than speed.

Basic Darts Rules Every Player Should Know

Before starting a game, players should understand the basic rules.

General Dart Rules

• Each player throws three darts per turn

• Darts must stay behind the throwing line

• Only darts that stick in the board count

• Bounce-outs score zero

• Players take turns throwing

These rules apply to most dart games.

Popular Dart Games and How to Play Them

There are many dart games, but beginners usually start with these popular options.

501 Darts Game Rules

• Players start with 501 points

• Subtract scores each turn

• Finish exactly at zero

• Final dart must land on a double

301 Darts Game Rules

• Same as 501, but faster

• Ideal for beginners and casual play

Cricket Darts Rules

• Target numbers: 15–20 and Bull

• Close a number by hitting it three times

• Score points after closing numbers

• Win by closing all numbers with the highest score

Around the Clock Darts Game

• Hit numbers from 1 to 20 in order

• Excellent practice game for beginners

Common Beginner Mistakes in Darts

Many new players make similar mistakes that slow progress.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Throwing too hard

• Changing grip frequently

• Poor follow-through

• Incorrect stance

• Ignoring scoring strategy

Correcting these mistakes helps improve consistency.

Tips to Improve Your Darts Skills Faster

If you want to get better quickly, focus on technique and practice.

Darts Improvement Tips

• Practice regularly

• Aim for large targets first

• Focus on consistency

• Play different dart games

• Watch professional players

Improvement comes with patience and repetition.

Is Darts Easy to Learn for Beginners?

Yes, darts is one of the easiest games to learn. Beginners can start playing within minutes, and skill develops naturally with practice.

While mastering darts takes time, anyone can enjoy the game regardless of experience.

Final Thoughts on How to Play Darts

Learning how to play darts is fun, simple, and rewarding.

By understanding dartboard setup, scoring rules, throwing techniques, and popular games, you’ll quickly gain confidence.

Whether you’re playing at home, in a pub, or at a dart venue, darts offers endless entertainment.