Imagine the thrill of a perfectly thrown dart landing dead-center in the bullseye. Darts is a game where precision and focus pay off. But before you can relish that winning moment, you’ll need to understand how those throws translate into points.
Don’t worry, the scoring system might seem a bit confusing at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be calculating scores like a champ!
One thing most websites won’t tell you is that even experienced players sometimes need a refresher on the finer points of dart scoring.
That’s where Dart Sports Pro comes in. We offer problem-solving tips and resources to help dart players of all levels make informed decisions and sharpen their game.
The Dartboard Breakdown
Think of the dartboard as your scoring map. Let’s break down the key zones:
- Numbers (1-20): These numbers circle the board in a seemingly random order. This unique layout is designed to reward accuracy and put your skills to the test.
- Doubles Ring: This thin, outer ring encircles the board. Land a dart here, and you’ll score double the number of the segment. For example, hitting the double ring of the “14” section earns you 28 points.
- Triples Ring: This narrow ring sits closer to the center. Snagging a triple multiplies the segment’s value by three! A dart in the triple ring of the “20” section gives you a whopping 60 points.
- Bullseye: The heart of the target! It’s divided into two parts:
- Outer Bull: Worth 25 points.
- Inner Bull: The most coveted spot, worth a hefty 50 points.
How Scoring Works
Now that you understand the dartboard, let’s get into the action! Here’s the basic flow of scoring:
- 3 Darts Per Turn: Each player gets to throw three darts per turn. Your goal is to rack up as many points as possible with those three darts.
- Subtracting from Your Score: In most popular darts games, you’ll start with a set score (usually 501 or 301). The total value of your three darts is then subtracted from your starting score.
- Example: Let’s say you throw a 10, a 5, and land a double 12. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Dart 1: 10 points
- Dart 2: 5 points
- Dart 3: Double 12 (counts as 24 points)
- Your total score for that turn is 39 (10 + 5 + 24).
Popular Darts Games
Now that you understand the basics of scoring, let’s explore some classic games you can play:
- 501: This is the ultimate test of darts skill. You start with 501 points and race to reach exactly zero. The catch? You must finish on a double (or the bullseye counts as a double).
- Cricket: In Cricket, your goal is to “own” specific numbers on the board (typically 15-20 and the bullseye). To own a number, you need to land three darts in it. Once you own a number, any additional darts in that segment count as points until your opponent closes it out.
Explore our 7 Darts Games You Should Know: What Is the Most Popular Dart Games?
Tips for Keeping Score
Keeping track of scores is just as important as throwing those darts! Here are a couple of tried-and-true methods:
- Scoreboard: Nothing beats the classic chalkboard or whiteboard. It’s easy for everyone to see, and there’s something satisfying about wiping the slate clean for a new game.
- Apps: If you prefer a tech-savvy approach, there are fantastic dart-scoring apps available. They often have features that calculate scores automatically and track statistics to help you analyze your game.
Explore our Dart Playing Techniques | Dart Sports Pro.
Conclusion
Remember, mastering the dartboard scoring system takes a little bit of practice, but it will quickly become second nature. The more you play, the more those calculations will become automatic. Now that you’ve got the scoring basics down, grab some darts, find a board, and challenge your friends! The fun is just getting started.
Why do I have to finish on a double in 501?
The “double out” rule in 501 is designed to add an extra layer of challenge and prevent players from getting lucky and checking out with a low-scoring final dart. It forces strategic thinking and rewards precise aiming at the end of the game.
What’s the difference between the outer bull and the inner bull?
- Outer bull (sometimes called the single bull) is worth 25 points.
- Inner bull (often called the double bull or just “the bull”) is worth a hefty 50 points. It’s the most valuable single spot on the dartboard.
Do darts that bounce out or fall off the board count?
No, darts that bounce out or fall off the board before sticking do not score any points. To count, the dart must remain embedded in the board until it’s retrieved.
