Darts

1 Overview

Darts is a throwing sport played on a circular target (dartboard) using small pointed projectiles (darts). While often played recreationally in pubs, darts has professional international competition. The most common games are 501 (or 301) and Cricket.

2 The Dartboard

A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections (1–20) arranged in a specific order around the board. Each section has:

• Single area: Face value of the number.
• Double ring (thin outer ring): Double the section value.
• Triple ring (thin inner ring): Triple the section value.
• Outer bull: 25 points.
• Bullseye (inner bull): 50 points (counts as a double).

The highest single-dart score is the triple 20 (60 points). The maximum score in one turn (3 darts) is 180 (three triple 20s).

3 Setup & Distance

Hanging height: Bullseye at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor.
Throwing distance: 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm) from the face of the board to the oche (throwing line). Measure diagonally, the distance is 9 feet 7.5 inches (293 cm).
The oche: A raised ridge or tape line on the floor. Players must stand behind it when throwing.

4 501 / 301 Rules

Each player starts with 501 (or 301) points. Players alternate turns, throwing 3 darts each turn. Subtract the score of each dart from your total.

Double out: To win, your final dart must reduce your score to exactly zero, landing in a double or the bullseye. If you go below zero (bust), your turn is cancelled and your score reverts to what it was at the start of that turn.

Example finish: You have 32 remaining — throw double 16 to win.

In 301, players must also start on a double (double in) in some variants.

5 Cricket Rules

Cricket is a 2-player (or team) game using only the numbers 15–20 and the bullseye. To "close" a number, you must hit it 3 times in any combination of singles, doubles, and triples. Once you close a number, you can score points on it until your opponent closes it too.

• Hit a number once: mark 1 slash (/).
• Hit twice: mark an X.
• Hit three times: mark a circle (O) — the number is closed.

Once a number is closed by both players, nobody can score on it. The winner is the first player to close all numbers AND the bull, and have equal or more points than their opponent.

6 Throwing Tips

• Grip lightly — tension causes inconsistent throws. Hold the dart firmly but without squeezing.
• Keep your elbow up — your elbow acts as a pivot point. Keep it at a consistent height.
• Follow through — extend your arm fully toward the target after releasing.
• Find your stance — most players stand at an angle (not square) to the board. Experiment.
• Aim for triple 20 in 501/301 — it's the highest-value area for rapid scoring.