HOW TO PLAY DARTS: THE BASICS OF DARTS GAMEPLAY

So you want to learn how to play darts. Love that for you.

Darts is one of those rare games that works for everyone: pub people, competitive people, people who “just want a nice little hobby”, and people who absolutely should not be trusted with complicated rules.

This guide covers the basics: darts rules, darts scoring, setup, throwing technique, and a few classic darts games to get you going. And if you want to skip the “what do we play then?” debate, we’ve also got Darty Party: 12 darts games & simple scoreboards you can pull out whenever you need instant structure (and instant bragging rights).

IS DARTS A SPORT? (YES. ALSO: DON’T TELL THE PUB LEAGUE.)

If your definition of “sport” includes skill, practice, nerve, and the ability to do maths under pressure… darts qualifies. It’s played competitively worldwide, it has governing bodies, and professionals train like you’d expect (just with more tungsten and fewer shin pads).

It’s also brilliant casually, which is the whole point. You can take it seriously or take it somewhere silly. Both are correct. We insist you try a bit of both. 

The modern game grew in England (hello, heritage). It likely started as soldiers throwing shortened arrows at targets, then evolved into the pub game we know now. The standardised board numbering you recognise today is often credited to Brian Gamlin (late 1800s), though plenty of people will argue about it after two pints. That’s darts culture.

DARTS EQUIPMENT: WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED

You do not need a NASA-level setup. Start simple:

• Dartboard (bristle is standard; magnetic is great for younger players / low-drama homes)
• 3 darts per player (most sets come with extras because walls happen)
• Oche/throw line marker (tape, a mat, or something you won’t trip over)
• Scoreboard (whiteboard, paper… or the simple to use ones in Darty Party)

If you’re buying darts: tungsten barrels tend to be slimmer, brass tends to be cheaper, magnetic for a magnetic dartboard. Any will do while you’re doing darts for beginners. Although magnetic darts are less liekly to leave your wall looking like a colander as you practice your throw. 

HOW BIG IS A DARTBOARD?

Standard dartboard size is 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter. If you’re practising for proper pub/league conditions, go standard.

HOW FAR DO YOU STAND FROM A DARTBOARD? THE OCHE AWAITS

How far do you stand from the dart board is a common question that gets asked. Now here at Games Explained (Darty Party HQ) we've got a few answers for you. And you can choose what feels right

For a standard setup:

• Throw distance: from the oche (throw line) to the face of the board is 7 ft 9.25 in (2.37 m)

Playing at home with mixed ages and abilities? You can keep it standard or adjust for younger/smaller players. Just agree it upfront so no one starts a “my line is different to your line” inquiry mid-game.

This is where a bit of tape, a handily positioned doorframe or tile marker comes in handy.

HOW HIGH SHOULD A DARTBOARD BE?

Again, how high should a dart board be is another regularly asked question. And fair play to you that's not something their teaching in schools alongside trigonometry (which is a shame as darts is a great way to get good at maths and mental arithmetic).

For a standard setup:

• Board height: bullseye centre at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) from the floor

So if you're a classicist, that'll mean getting your measuring tape out and lining that bullseye up perfectly.

If, however, you're not training for the World's Darts Championship, have younger or smaller players, or you just don't care that much you can take the Darty Party approach.

Put the bullseye at eye level for the median average height. This tends to be 5ft, 6.5 inches (168.9cm).

HOW HIGH DOES A DART BOARD NEED TO BE FOR KIDS?

If you've got younger kids, save yourself some sanity, and hang it lower.

We have one dartboard for adults and one dartboard below it for kids at Darty Party HQ, because we're here for the fun, not frustration and meltdowns before we've finished a game.

DARTS SCORING: THE BITS THAT MAKE IT FEEL LIKE WIZARD MATHS

The dartboard is numbered 1–20. Your score is the number you hit, plus multipliers:

• Single (big segment): face value
• Double (thin outer ring): x2
• Treble (thin inner ring): x3
• Outer bull (green ring): 25
• Bullseye (red centre): 50

The most common way to play darts (Classic 501) boils down to reducing a starting score to zero, Once you’ve got that, you’ve basically got playing darts the OG way covered.

Of course, here at Darty Party HQ, we say, why stop there? There is untold fun to be had with a dartboard, you just need the inspiration, and the games.

SO IF YOU'VE BEEN WONDERING “HOW DO I PLAY DARTS?” HERE ARE YOUR HOW TO PLAY DARTS RULES; IN A NUTSHELL.

• Each player throws 3 darts per turn.
• Take turns from the oche (no toe over the line).
• Only darts that stay in the board count.
• Add/subtract points depending on the game.

Want the rules laid out, printed, and zero-arguing? That’s exactly why Darty Party exists: 12 darts games, simple instructions, and scoreboards that work for every game.

POPULAR DARTS GAMES (AND WHY YOU’LL HAVE A FAVOURITE WITHIN 10 MINUTES)

If you want classic pub darts, start here:

501 (CLASSIC DARTS RULES)

You start at 501 and subtract your scores until you hit exactly zero. Most games use a double-out finish (your final dart must land in a double).

The Classic 501 darts pack is ideal for beginners who want to learn one of the best-known darts games without drowning in pub-league energy. Plus you'll get our Shake It Up variations, to switch this classic up and add simplicity, strategy or chaos. 

CRICKET (THE STRATEGIC ONE)

You’re trying to “close” numbers 15–20 plus bull. You close a number by hitting it three times (single = 1, double = 2, treble = 3). Once closed, extra hits score points unless your opponent has also closed it.

For a quick, beginner-friendly version of Cricket darts, grab the standalone game pack with printable scoring and easy-to-follow rules, plus Shake It Up variations because variety + more playing, less arguing. 

AROUND THE WORLD (THE BEGINNER-FRIENDLY ONE)

Hit 1, then 2, then 3… all the way to 20 (sometimes finishing on bull). Great for accuracy practice and for anyone who wants a clear mission.

Want more than one game from your dartboard? Darty Party turns it into a full games system with 12 darts games, 30+ ways to play, quick-play cards and printable scoreboards.

HOW MANY LEGS IN A SET OF DARTS? (THE MATCH FORMAT EXPLAINED IN NORMAL PERSON LANGUAGE)

A leg is one game (often one 501 game). A set is a bundle of legs. Competitive matches are usually “best of” formats, for example:

• Best of 5 legs (first to 3 legs wins)
• Best of 3 sets, with each set being best of 5 legs

At home, you can absolutely make this up. Decide the format before anyone starts losing. 

HOW TO THROW A DART: A BEGINNER TECHNIQUE TO HELP

You don’t need to copy a pro’s entire vibe. Just nail the basics:

• Stance: stand side-on, dominant foot forward, steady balance
• Grip: hold the barrel lightly but securely (death-grip = wobble city)
• Elbow: keep it stable; think “hinge” not “windmill”
• Release: smooth, straight, and follow through towards the target

Pro tip for darts techniques: pick a specific target (like treble 20) and focus on a consistent throw, not a heroic one.

DARTS STRATEGY: HOW TO GET BETTER AT DARTS WHILST PRETENDING YOU’RE NOT COMPETITIVE

Three simple upgrades:

• Play the big, safe target. Missing a treble by miles is worse than taking the single on purpose.
• Practise finishes. In 501, checkouts win games. Start with common ones (40, 32, 24, 16).
• Keep your routine. Same breath, same stance, same throw. Consistency beats chaos.

DARTS PRACTICE: EASY DRILLS THAT ARE FUN TO DO

• Singles only: hit 20 three times in a row (then 19, then 18…)
• Around the World: 1–20 in order (track how many turns it takes)
• Checkout ladder: start at 40 (double 20), then 32, 24, 16

Want practice to feel more like a games night? Pull a random game from Darty Party and play it properly. You’ll improve while having fun, which is… suspiciously effective. Great games for practice include, Around the World, Grand National, and Shanghai. 

QUICK-START CHECKLIST (FOR WHEN PEOPLE ARE HOVERING WITH DARTS IN HAND)

• Board up, bull at 5 ft 8 in or eye level if you're like us. 
• Oche down at 7 ft 9.25 in (technically, but you know how we feel about this, take your pick between fun or pub league energy)
• Pick a game (501 / Cricket / Around the World… or one of the 12 in Darty Party)
• Three darts each, take turns, no toe over the line

FINAL WORD: MAKE IT SIMPLE, MAKE IT FUN, PLAY AGAIN

If you came here asking “how to play darts rules” or “how do I play darts”, you’re now officially ready to play. Start with a classic, learn your darts scoring (easy with our scoreboard and games pack), and don’t overthink it.

And when you’re ready to level up the fun (with zero complicated nonsense), grab Darty Party: 12 darts games + scoreboards and keep it on standby for every gathering, rainy evening, and “we should do something” moment.

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