Rules and Scoring in Darts: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're watching the World Darts Championship or playing a casual game at your local pub, the basic rules remain consistent. The game is typically played with two players or two teams, each taking turns to throw three darts per visit to the board.

• Objective: The primary goal in most games of darts is to reduce a player's starting score (commonly 501) to exactly zero. The game is won by reaching zero with a double (hitting the outer ring of the dartboard).
• Throwing order: Players alternate turns, and the order of who goes first is determined by a single dart throw closest to the bullseye.

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Darts scoring might seem complicated at first, but it’s straightforward once you get the hang of it. Here’s a breakdown of how the scoring works in a typical game of 501.

• The dartboard: The dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with each segment worth the corresponding points. The outer ring doubles the score for that segment, and the inner ring triples the score.
• Bullseye: The centre of the board, known as the bullseye, is divided into two parts. The outer bull scores 25 points, while the inner bull scores 50.
• Starting score: In the most common version of the game (501), players start with a score of 501 and subtract their scores from this total.
• Ending the game: To win, a player must reduce their score to exactly zero and finish by hitting a double. For example, if you have 40 points left, you must hit a double 20 to win.

When it comes to professional darts, such as in the World Darts Championship, matches are structured into legs and sets.

• Legs: A leg is a single game of darts, with the first player to reduce their score to zero winning the leg.
• Sets: A set is won by being the first player to win a predetermined number of legs, usually best of five legs. The number of sets needed to win a match varies depending on the tournament or stage of the competition.

How many sets in a darts match can vary, but in major tournaments like the World Darts Championship, it’s common for the number of sets to increase as players progress through the rounds.

A key part of mastering darts is getting your grip right. There isn’t one “perfect” grip, but a few key pointers can help:

• Relaxed grip: Hold the dart gently between your thumb and two or three fingers. A relaxed grip allows for better control and accuracy.
• Balance: Make sure the dart feels balanced in your hand, with your fingers spaced evenly along its length. Avoid gripping it too tightly, as this can reduce your precision.

In professional darts tournaments, matches are typically divided into sets and legs. The number of sets can vary based on the format of the competition, with major tournaments often requiring players to win several sets to advance. In some cases, a match might be the best of 5 sets, while finals may require the best of 13 sets or more.