Darts Game Rules
The best darts player in the world is always changing, but currently the likes of Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright stand out.
Contents
Darts is a game that can be played alone or by two players, or with more players. Multi-player dart games can make the game more exciting and enjoyable.
What is Darts?
Darts is a sport or pub game that aims to get the highest score according to the scoring system by shooting small arrows at a target consisting of interlocking rings of different colors.
How to Play Darts?
- Players: Darts can generally be played alone or by two players.
- Dartboard: The dartboard, which is in the shape of a flat disc, has colored rings and point values on it. The center of the dartboard is called the bullseye and gives the highest score.
- Dart Arrows: Dart arrows with metal tips and stabilizing parts usually made of feathers are used. Players usually shoot 3 darts at the same time.
- Shooting Distance: There is a set distance for shooting at the dartboard. This distance is usually 2.37 meters from shoulder level.
- Gameplay: Players throw arrows at the dartboard, starting from a certain score. The aim is to get the arrows they shoot into the high-scoring areas of the dartboard.
- Scoring: Whichever area an arrow lands on the dartboard, the point value of that area is recorded in the player’s digit.
- Winner: The first player to reach the specified score (for example, 501) wins the game.
Varieties of Dart:
- 501: It is one of the most common dart games. Players try to drop points by shooting arrows at the dartboard, starting from 501 points. The first player to reach exactly 0 wins the game.
- Cricket: It is a dart game based on earning points by shooting arrows into areas containing certain numbers.
Brief History of Dart:
- The history of the game of darts dates back to the Middle Ages. It is thought to have emerged as a game played by soldiers to improve their archery skills.
- The form of today’s dartboard evolved from the games played in pubs in England in the 1800s.
- Darts is still widely played today, both as a professional shooting sport and as a traditional pub game.
Benefits of playing darts:
- Improves hand-eye coordination.
- It increases concentration.
- It helps relieve stress.
- It is a fun and social activity.
Dart History
Although Dart’s history goes back a long way, there is no clear starting point. According to generally accepted views, the game of darts developed as follows:
Medieval Origins:
- The first darts may have been derived from pointed arrows or crossbow bolts.
- It is thought that soldiers shot arrows or bolts at targets for entertainment purposes. During this period, targets can be everyday objects such as tree trunks or clapboards.
Transformation into Pub Game (14th – 19th Century):
- It is estimated that in the 19th century, arrows and bolts began to be replaced by specially made darts in pubs in England.
Standardization and Popularization (19th – 20th Century):
- In the mid-1800s, dartboards and game rules began to become more standardized.
- In 1896, an English carpenter named Brian Gamlin designed the modern dartboard. This design is very similar to today’s standard dartboard.
- In the early 1900s the game of darts became very popular in England.
- In 1908, darts was deemed to be a game of skill and not a game of chance, and thus it was allowed to be played in pubs.
Professional Darts and the Modern Era (20th Century – Present):
- Dart tournaments began to be organized starting from the 1920s.
- In the 1970s, professional darts organizations were established.
- Nowadays, darts has become an international sport. Professional darts players from different countries of the world compete in tournaments with high prizes.
Darts History Summary:
- It is thought that in the Middle Ages, soldiers fired arrows or bolts at targets for entertainment purposes.
- It is estimated that darts began to be played in pubs in the 19th century.
- Metal darts began to be used in the 19th century.
- In 1896 the modern dartboard was designed.
- In the 1900s, the game of darts became popular and was considered a game of skill.
- In the 19th century, professional darts organizations were established and darts became an international sport.
How Many People Can Play Darts With?
Darts is usually played alone or by two players.
However, the game of darts can also be played with more players . In this case, the rules of the game and the scoring system may change.
In multiplayer dart games:
- Players can play in teams .
- Each team can have 2 or more players.
- Players take turns throwing darts and trying to get the highest score according to the scoring system.
- The teams’ scores are added up and the team with the highest score wins the game.
Examples of multi-player dart games:
- Cricket: It is a dart game based on earning points by shooting arrows into areas containing certain numbers. Players try to score points by taking turns shooting. The team with the most points wins the game.
- 301 or 501: In these games, each player or team tries to reach a certain score (for example, 301 or 501). The team that reaches exactly the points first wins the game.
- Shanghai: In this game, players try to score points by hitting numbers from 1 to 9 in a certain order. The team that first hits all the numbers in order wins the game.
Things to pay attention:
- In multi-player dart games, it is important that the rules of the game are determined in advance and understood by all players.
- The scoring system should also be determined according to the rules of the game.
- In order for the game to be fair and enjoyable, it is important that all players follow the rules.
How to Play Darts?
Darts is a sport or pub game that aims to get the highest score according to the scoring system by shooting small arrows at a target consisting of interlocking rings of different colors.
Players:
- Darts can usually be played alone or by two players .
- It can also be played with more players, but in this case the rules of the game and the scoring system may change.
Dartboard:
- The dartboard is shaped like a flat disc with point values and colored rings on it.
- The center of the dartboard is called the bullseye and gives the highest score (50).
- The rings are ranked according to their point values as 20, 19, 18, 17, 16,…1 .
- Additionally, dartboard has sections that give double and triple point values.
Dart Arrows:
- Dart arrows with metal tips and stabilizing parts usually made of feathers are used.
- Players usually shoot 3 darts at the same time .
- The weight and size of darts may vary depending on the players.
Shooting Distance:
- There is a set distance for shooting at the dartboard.
- This distance is usually 2.37 meters from shoulder height .
- Some dartboards have a line that indicates the throw distance.
Gameplay:
- Players throw arrows at the dartboard, starting with a certain score (for example, 501).
- The aim is to get the arrows they shoot into the high-scoring areas of the dartboard.
- The points they earn for each arrow are recorded in the players’ tab.
- A player who shoots 3 arrows at a dartboard can score a maximum of 60 points.
Rating:
- Whichever area an arrow lands on the dartboard, the point value of that area is recorded in the player’s digit.
- For example, if an arrow hits the bull’s-eye (50) area, the player wins 50 points.
- If an arrow hits the outer circle of 20 (2), the player scores 2 points.
- If an arrow hits the inner circle of 20 (4), the player scores 4 points.
- Additionally, dartboard has sections that give double and triple point values.
- For example, if an arrow hits a double number of 20 (40), the player scores 40 points.
Winning:
- The first player to reach the specified score (for example, 501) wins the game.
- A player is considered to have won the game when he reaches exactly 0.
- If a player drops to less than 0 points, he wins no points in that round and moves on to the next round.
Varieties of Dart:
- 501: It is one of the most common dart games. Players try to drop points by shooting arrows at the dartboard, starting from 501 points. The first player to reach exactly 0 wins the game.
- 301: Played similarly to 501. But the starting score is 301.
- Cricket: It is a dart game based on earning points by shooting arrows into areas containing certain numbers.
- Around the Clock: In this game, players try to score points by hitting the numbers from 1 to 20 on the dartboard in order.
- Shanghai: In this game, players try to score points by hitting numbers from 1 to 9 in a certain order.
How to Do a Dart Number?
To score in darts, you need to hit the darts into the designated number areas on the dartboard . The dartboard is divided into an outer ring containing 20 numbers, a middle ring containing numbers 1 through 19, and a central circle called the bullseye .
Number Calculation:
- Outer Ring: Darts hitting the outer ring are worth twice the points. For example, a dart hitting number 20 scores 40 points, while a dart hitting number 18 scores 36 points.
- Middle Ring: Darts hitting the middle ring have the normal point value. For example, a dart hitting number 15 scores 15 points, and a dart hitting number 10 scores 10 points.
- Bullseye: Darts hitting Bullseye are worth 50 points .
- Double Bullseye (DB): Darts that hit the bullseye right in the middle are worth 100 points .
Additional Scoring Rules:
- Double (D): If a dart hits a number area and then also hits area D , you score twice that number of points. For example, a dart that hits zone 10 and then hits zone D scores 20 points.
- Triple (T): If a dart hits a number area and then also hits the T area , you win three times that number of points. For example, a dart that hits the 20 and then hits the T zone scores 60 points.
- Miss: If the dart hits the outside of the dartboard, no points are earned .
- Bounce: If the dart falls to the ground after hitting the dartboard and comes back to the board, no points are earned .
Examples:
- A dart hitting 20 gives 20 points.
- A dart that hits area 10 and then hits area D scores 20 points.
- A dart that hits the 20 and then hits the T zone scores 60 points.
- A dart hitting Bullseye scores 50 points.
- A dart hitting Double Bullseye scores 100 points.
- A dart hitting the outside of the dartboard does not score any points.
- If the dart falls to the ground after hitting the dartboard and comes back to the board, it does not score any points.
To make high scores in Darts:
- It is important to aim well at the target and throw the dart at the right angle.
- You need to improve your hand-eye coordination and concentration.
- It will be beneficial for you to learn and practice different dart throwing techniques.
Darts Basic Rules
Darts is a fun and skill-requiring game that is widely played in pubs and homes. While the basic rules are simple, mastering darts takes time and practice.
Players and Equipment:
- Darts is usually played alone or in teams of two .
- It can also be played with more players, but in this case the rules of the game and the scoring system may change.
- Each player has 3 darts .
- Dart arrows have metal tips and stabilizing parts made of feathers .
- Dartboard: It is in the shape of a flat disk and has point values and colored rings on it.
Shooting Distance:
- There is a set distance for shooting at the dartboard.
- This distance is usually 2.37 meters from shoulder height .
- Some dartboards have a line that indicates the throw distance.
Gameplay:
- Players throw arrows at the dartboard, starting with a certain score (for example, 501).
- The aim is to get the arrows they shoot into the high-scoring areas of the dartboard.
- The points they earn for each arrow are recorded in the players’ tab.
- A player who shoots 3 arrows at a dartboard can score a maximum of 60 points.
Rating:
- Whichever area an arrow lands on the dartboard, the point value of that area is recorded in the player’s digit.
- For example, if an arrow hits the bull’s-eye (50) area, the player wins 50 points.
- If an arrow hits the outer circle of 20 (2), the player scores 2 points.
- If an arrow hits the inner circle of 20 (4), the player scores 4 points.
- Additionally, dartboard has sections that give double and triple point values.
- For example, if an arrow hits a double number of 20 (40), the player scores 40 points.
Winning:
- The first player to reach the specified score (for example, 501) wins the game.
- A player is considered to have won the game when he reaches exactly 0.
- If a player drops to less than 0 points, he wins no points in that round and moves on to the next round.
Dart Equipment
To play darts, you basically need three pieces of equipment: dartboard, darts and shooting line.
- Dartboard:
A dartboard is a round target usually made from a natural fiber called sisal. It consists of parts that are targeted when throwing darts. A standard dartboard has numerical zones from 20 to 1 on the outer ring, numerical zones from 1 to 20 on the middle ring, and a circular area in the center called the bullseye. The numerical zones of the outer and middle rings are separated from each other by a thin metal ring. Bullseye consists of intertwined red, white and green rings. The smallest circle located in the middle of the bullseye is called double bullseye and gives higher points than other areas.
- Darts:
A dart is in the form of an arrow with a pointed metal tip at the end, usually made of metal or plastic. Darts may vary in weight, length and material. The weight of the dart may vary depending on the player’s throwing style. Beginners generally prefer lighter darts. While metal-tipped darts are used in official dart tournaments, plastic-tipped darts are generally preferred in recreational games.
- Shooting line:
The shooting line is the line behind the dart player that determines the shooting distance. The shooting line is located 2.37 meters from the dartboard. Players must shoot from behind this line when throwing darts.
In order to achieve success in the game of darts, player skill and the techniques used, as well as the dart board, darts and shooting line, play an important role.
Dart Features
Darts is a sport or pub game that aims to get the highest score according to the scoring system by shooting small arrows at a target consisting of interlocking rings of different colors.
Dart features include:
- Players: Darts can generally be played alone or by two players. It can also be played with more players, but in this case the rules of the game and the scoring system may change.
- Dartboard: It is in the shape of a flat disk and has point values and colored rings on it. The center of the dartboard is called the bullseye and gives the highest score (50). The rings are ranked according to their point values as 20, 19, 18, 17, 16,…1. Additionally, dartboard has sections that give double and triple point values.
- Dart Arrows: Dart arrows with metal tips and stabilizing parts usually made of feathers are used. Players usually shoot 3 darts at the same time. The weight and size of darts may vary depending on the players.
- Shooting Distance: There is a set distance for shooting at the dartboard. This distance is usually 2.37 meters from shoulder level. Some dartboards have a line that indicates the throw distance.
- Winner: The first player to reach the specified score (for example, 501) wins the game. A player is considered to have won the game when he reaches exactly 0. If a player drops to less than 0 points, he wins no points in that round and moves on to the next round.
Darts Terms
It may be useful to know many terms to achieve success in the game of darts and make the game more enjoyable. Here are some terms frequently used in darts:
General Terms:
- Barrel: The part of the dart that is held.
- Flight: The part at the back of the dart that provides balance.
- Oche (Shooting line): The line behind the player that determines the shooting distance.
- Point: The metal-tipped part of the dart. (Used in steel type darts)
- Type (Tip): The plastic-tipped part of the dart. (Used in soft type darts)
- Checkout: The number of points that must be scored to end the game.
- Double: The thin metal ring on the outer or middle ring. A dart thrown into this area gives twice the value.
- Triple: The second thinner metal ring following the thin metal ring in the outer or middle ring. A dart thrown into this area gives three times the value.
- Bullseye: The circular area in the exact center of the dartboard. It is worth 50 points.
- Double Bullseye: The smallest circle located right in the middle of the Bullseye. It is worth 100 points.
- Legs: The number of sets that must be won in a game. Usually games are played over 3 or 5 legs.
- Sets: The section earned by winning a certain number of legs. A game is usually played over 3 or 5 sets.
Terms Related to Scoring and Shooting:
- Bag of Nails: 26 points obtained by throwing all three darts on 1.
- Bed: The numerical zone on the dartboard.
- Bust: The player exceeds the number of points required to checkout.
- Ton (Ton): 100 point shot. (For example: Ton-80, 180 points shot)
- Shanghai: 180 points scored by throwing all three darts in Triple 20 (T20). It is the highest scoring achievement for darts players.
- Robin Hood: One dart hits the tip of another dart and both darts fall off the dartboard. Darts are re-thrown from beyond the throw line without scoring.
Other Terms:
- Mucky Darts: Shots that violate the rules of the game.
- Gamble: A risky shot attempt.
- Practice: Work done to improve dart throwing.
- Showdown: A very competitive match with an uncertain outcome.
Darts Benefits
In addition to being a fun and social activity, darts provides various benefits to those who play. Here are the main benefits of playing darts:
Physical Benefits:
- Hand-eye coordination: When throwing darts, you need to use your hand and eye coordination to make accurate shots at the target board. This coordination can improve over time and benefit you in your daily activities.
- Motor skills: While dart throwing, grasping, lifting and throwing the dart improves your motor skills.
- Light-paced movement: Although darts is not an activity that requires constant running, it may include light-paced movements such as getting into a shooting position and taking the darts. These movements can increase blood flow by slightly speeding up the metabolism.
Mental Benefits:
- Concentration: High concentration is required to be successful in the game of darts. It is important to focus on the goal and not get distracted.
- Developing a strategy: Especially in doubles games or games that aim to reach certain scores (for example, 501), players must develop strategies. They must decide how and in which area they will shoot. This process can strengthen strategy development skills.
- Problem solving: During the game, you may encounter shooting errors or need to change your plans according to the opponent’s shots. In such situations, you need to use your problem-solving skills.
Other Benefits:
- Stress reliever: Playing darts is a good choice to get away from the stress of daily life and have fun. Focusing on the goal can relax the mind.
- Socializing: Darts is an activity usually played with friends or in social settings such as pubs. In this way, it provides the opportunity to socialize and spend time in a fun environment.
- Suitable for all ages: There is no specific age limit for playing darts. People of all ages can enjoy the benefits by playing this game.
In addition:
- You don’t need expensive equipment to play darts. You can easily start playing with a dartboard and a few dart arrows.
- It is not necessary to have special skills to play darts. You can improve your skills with practice over time.
Darts Game Rules
Darts is a game that is both fun and requires skill. Knowing the game rules makes the game more enjoyable and ensures that it is played fairly. Here are some of the most commonly used rules in the game of darts:
Players and Teams:
- Darts can be played between two or more players.
- Players can play alone or in teams of two.
- A maximum of 4 players can take part in a game.
Equipment:
- A standard dartboard, darts and shooting line are required.
- Darts may have metal tips or plastic tips.
- The shooting line is located 2.37 meters from the dartboard.
The purpose of the game:
- Players compete by throwing darts to areas on the dartboard to score points and be the first to finish the game.
Rating:
- Points are awarded according to the areas hit by the darts.
- Darts hitting the outer ring earn double points, darts hitting the middle ring earn normal points, darts hitting the bullseye earn 50 points, and darts hitting the double bullseye earn 100 points.
- Darts hitting the double and triple zones earn double or triple that number of points.
- Players have the right to throw 3 darts per round.
- The first player to reach a certain number of points total, such as 301, 501, or 701, wins the game.
Shots:
- Players must shoot from behind the shooting line.
- Darts must be thrown by hand.
- Feet must be stable while throwing darts.
- Darts that do not hit the dartboard or fall to the ground do not score points.
- If one dart hits the tip of the other dart (“Robin Hood”), both darts are re-thrown from beyond the throw line.
Win:
- The first player to reach a set score wins the game.
- Usually games end when a player wins a certain number of legs or sets.
Additional Rules:
- Players can decide before the game what rules will be played.
- In some games, the player who hits the double or triple areas first can close that area and opponents cannot throw darts into that area.
- In some games, players can earn higher scores by “splitting” each other’s darts while taking turns shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the highest score in darts?
The highest score in Darts is 180. This point is achieved when all three darts hit the Triple 20 (T20) zone. Also known as “Shanghai” for darts players, this throw is an extremely difficult and rare feat.
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What is the oldest record of Darts?
The exact origin of the dart is unknown, but there is some evidence dating back to the 14th century. It is thought that the tradition of shooting arrows and bolts in pubs in England turned into a game of darts during this period.
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What is the most expensive dart in the world?
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world’s most expensive dart was sold for £1 million (approximately US$1.3 million) in 2007. This dart has a special design made of gold and diamonds.
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What is the smallest dart used in darts?
The smallest known dart is the dart produced in 2018 and has a diameter of 0.5 mm. These darts are thinner than a human hair and barely visible to the naked eye.
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What is the heaviest dart used in darts?
The heaviest known dart is the one weighing 50 grams. This dart is about 10 times heavier than a regular dart and requires a lot of strength and skill to throw.