How to Play Darts: Basic Rules & Dartboard Guide
Master the fundamentals of darts with our comprehensive guide to the dartboard, scoring system, and throwing technique. Perfect for beginners and a handy reference for experienced players.
Understanding the Dartboard
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with each section having different scoring zones. The board also includes a bullseye in the center.
Scoring Zones
- Single areas:Score the face value (1-20 points)
- Double ring:The thin outer ring scores 2x the face value (2-40 points)
- Triple ring:The thin inner ring scores 3x the face value (3-60 points)
- Outer bull:The green ring around the bullseye scores 25 points
- Bullseye:The center red circle scores 50 points (counts as a double)
Throwing Rules & Technique
The Throwing Line (Oche)
Players must stand behind the throwing line, called the "oche" (pronounced "ockey"). The standard distance is 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard.
Basic Throwing Rules
- Each player throws 3 darts per turn
- Darts must remain in the board when you retrieve them to count
- Players alternate turns throughout the game
- You may throw all 3 darts or stop after 1 or 2 if strategic
- Darts that bounce out or fall out do not score
Dartboard Height
The dartboard should be hung so the center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor.
Quick Scoring Reference
Maximum Possible Scores
- Single dart:60 (Triple 20)
- 3-dart turn:180 (T20 x 3)
- Bullseye:50 points
Scoring Multipliers
- Single:1x value
- Double:2x value
- Triple:3x value
Frequently Asked Questions
How far do you stand from a dartboard?
The throwing line (oche) is 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard. This is the standard distance used in all professional competitions.
What is the highest score with one dart?
The highest score with a single dart is 60 points, achieved by hitting the triple 20. Many people mistakenly think the bullseye (50 points) is the highest.
Why is triple worth more than double?
The triple ring is smaller and harder to hit than the double ring, so it rewards more points. Triple 20 (60) is the highest single-dart score, while double 20 scores only 40.
Popular Dart Games
Now that you understand the basics, explore the rules for popular dart games:
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