Discover the world of dartboards and the thrilling game of darts. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from construction and rules to different game variations.
Explore the differences between recreational and professional boards, learn about popular games like 301 and Cricket, and dive into the exciting world of Baseball Darts. Get ready to aim, throw, and hit the bullseye!
What is Dart Boards?
Dart boards are circular boards with numbers, which are the target in the game of darts. They are typically made of sisal or cork and have a metal wire grid that divides the board into different sections. The center of the board is called the bullseye, and the outermost ring is called the treble ring.
Points are scored by hitting different sections of the board with darts. The number on the section that is hit is the number of points scored. If a dart hits the wire grid, no points are scored.
Dart boards are used in various Dart games, including 501, cricket, and worldwide. It can also be used for practice, and many people enjoy playing darts for fun and recreation.
A standard dartboard consists of the following components:
- Bullseye: The center of the dartboard, divided into two parts:
- Bullseye Inner (Red or Green): Worth the most points. In the center.
- Bullseye Outer (Black or White): Surrounds the inner bullseye and has a slightly lower point value.
- Triple Ring: A narrow ring located just outside the bullseye. Hitting this ring triples the points for that section.
- Double Ring: A wider ring just outside the triple ring. Hitting this ring doubles the points for that section.
- Outer Single Ring: The large outer ring is worth the standard point value for each section.
- Numbered Sections (20 to 1): These are the numbered sections of the dartboard, each with a specific point value. They are arranged around the board in a circular pattern.
- Wiring: Thin metal wiring separates the segments and numbers. The wiring defines the scoring sections and helps the darts stick to the board.
- Board: The circular playing surface where players throw their darts. It’s usually made of sisal fiber or cork material, providing a self-healing property to maintain durability.
Please note that the colors and numbering may vary slightly on different dartboards, but this is the standard layout of a traditional dartboard.
Construction of Dart Boards
- Materials: It can be constructed from various materials such as softwood, cork, compressed paper, or plastic for electronic dart games. The choice of material affects the durability and gameplay experience.
- Standard Dimensions: A tournament dart board typically has a diameter of 15.5 inches (39.4cm). The center of the bullseye is placed 5 feet 8 inches (173cm) from the ground and 7 feet 9 1/2 inches (237cm) from the player. The area around the board should be protected from errant throws.
- Number Arrangement: The numbers on a traditional dart board are arranged around the perimeter in a specific sequence: 20-1-18-4-13-6-10-15-2-17-3-19-7-16-8-11-14-9-12-5. This sequence is believed to be randomly distributed to prevent point-rich regions.
- Scoring Areas: It is divided into 20 numbered segments, each with 2 single, 1 triple, and 1 double scoring area. The bullseye consists of an outer ring worth 25 points (single bull) and an inner circle worth 50 points (double bull). Skilled players aim for the triple 20 section for maximum effectiveness.
Types of Dartboards: Exploring the Best Options
It comes in different types, each with unique features and suitability for specific settings. Understanding the various kinds of dartboards will help you select the ideal one for your needs. Let’s explore the most common types:
1. Bristle Dartboards
Description: Bristle dartboards are the most popular and widely used. They are made of compressed sisal fibers, offering a realistic experience with steel-tip darts.
Ideal for: Professional competitions, tournaments, and serious players.
Pros: Realistic feel, self-healing surface, durability.
Cons: Quality and density may vary; higher cost than other types.
2. Electronic Dartboards
Description: Electronic dartboards feature a surface with thousands of tiny holes where soft-tip darts stick. They are commonly found in entertainment venues and are perfect for casual play.
Ideal for: Casual settings, pubs, game centers, and families.
Pros: Variety of games and scoring options, safe for children, no need for sharp darts.
Cons: Not suitable for competitive play or professional practice.
3. Wooden Dartboards
Description: Made of different types of wood, such as cork, beech, birch, or poplar, wooden dartboards offer a classic look and durability.
Ideal for: Formal settings, vintage enthusiasts, and long-lasting boards.
Pros: Classic aesthetics, durability, with proper maintenance.
Cons: Dart holes remain visible and require regular maintenance, like waxing and oiling.
4. Magnetic Dartboards
Description: Magnetic dartboards use darts with magnets at the tip, ensuring safety and ease of use.
Ideal for: Family game time, children, beginners.
Pros: Safe for kids, affordable, minimal maintenance.
Cons: Less realistic experience; magnets may stay on over time.
5. Cork Dartboards
Description: Cork dartboards are made of cork sheets glued together, offering a unique playing experience.
Ideal for: Beginners, players seeking a different feel.
Pros: Affordable, fresh playing experience, minimal maintenance.
Cons: Need help finding. Dart holes remain visible.
Choosing the Right Dartboard
Consider your preferences, playing environment, and intended use when selecting a dartboard. If you’re a professional player, opt for a high-quality bristle dartboard. Electronic, wooden, magnetic, or cork dartboards offer different advantages for casual play.
Families with young children may find magnetic or cork dartboards the safest option. Select a dartboard that suits your interests, budget, and playing needs, and most importantly, enjoy the game!
Dart Games
- 301 and 501 Countdown: Players start with a score of 301 or 501 and take turns throwing three darts. The value of each scoring dart is deducted from the current score. The objective is to reach precisely zero points before your opponent. If a player’s score goes below zero, that turn’s score is not counted.
- Cricket: The goal of Cricket is to hit each scoring segment from 15 through 20 three times. Scoring segments from 1 to 14 do not count. Single, double, and triple hits have different point values. The first player to close all numbers by hitting each segment three times wins.
- Count Up: Players start with a score of zero and add their score each round. The first player to reach a predetermined score or the player with the most heightened score after a certain number of games succeeds.
- Around the Clock: This game focuses on improving accuracy. Players aim to hit every number on the dartboard numerically before their opponents. Only darts that hit the intended number count.
Recreational vs. Professional
- Wiring: Recreational dart boards have round wiring, while professional boards have sharp, bladed wiring. Intense wiring reduces the chances of darts bouncing off the board when hitting the wiring, allowing them to reach the scoring areas.
- Sisal Density: Professional boards use higher-density sisal in the score fields, resulting in a more durable and smoother playing surface. This reduces imperfections like humps and bumps caused by dart tips penetrating the board.
- Training Dart Boards: Training dart boards are available for serious dart players. These boards have smaller triple and double fields, challenging players to make accurate throws. A training board can improve focus and precision, benefiting players in regular matches and tournaments.
Baseball Darts
Baseball Darts is a game that combines the skills of darts with the rules of baseball. It is played on a specific dartboard with two sides representing the teams. Here are the basic rules:
- Innings: The game consists of nine innings, each with two halves. The visiting team throws in the top half, while the home team throws in the bottom.
- Scoring: Each throw represents a pitch, and the dart’s landing location determines the result. Hits advance runners on bases, and the objective is to score runs. Strikes, balls, outs, and other baseball terminology apply to dart throws.
- Simple Rules: Different dart locations correspond to specific outcomes such as singles, doubles, triples, home runs, strikes, balls, fouls, and outs. Each team aims to score more runs throughout nine innings.
That wraps up our comprehensive guide to dart boards and dart games. Whether you’re a recreational player looking for casual fun or a professional honing your skills, the world of darts offers a variety of exciting possibilities. So gather your darts, step up to the oche, and let the games begin.
Further Reading
If you want to dive deeper into the world of dartboards and explore additional information, check out the following resources:
- How Far Do You Stand Away from a Dart Board? – Learn the proper distance to stand from the dartboard and improve your throwing accuracy.
- Best Dart Boards for Garage – Discover the top dartboard options suitable for your garage setup, whether playing for fun or practicing your skills.
- What Are Dart Boards Made Out Of? – Gain insights into the materials used in dartboard construction and their impact on gameplay.
- American Darts – Learn about the unique rules and gameplay of American darts, a popular game variation.
These resources provide additional knowledge and insights to enhance your dartboard experience and help you explore related topics. Happy reading and continued success in your dart-playing endeavors!
Concluding Statement:
In conclusion, dartboards offer a range of options for entertainment and play. From professional bristle dartboards to electronic boards for casual fun, wooden boards for a classic touch, magnetic boards for family-friendly play, and cork boards for a unique experience, there is a dartboard for every preference.
Consider your needs and enjoy the thrill of the game as you aim for the bullseye and have hours of fun with friends and family. Prepare for an exciting dartboard journey, and let the games begin!
For more reading about the Dartboard Reviews & Guide, and for more about Dart Sports Pro.
Frequently Discussed Topics:
Q. What materials are dart boards made of? Dartboards can be constructed from various materials such as softwood, cork, compressed paper, or plastic for electronic dart games. The choice of material affects the durability and playing experience.
Q. How are scoring areas divided on a dart board? A dart board is divided into 20 numbered segments, each featuring 2 single, 1 triple, and 1 double scoring area. The bullseye consists of an outer ring (single bull – 25 points) and an inner ring (double bull – 50 points).
Q. What are some popular dart games? Some popular dart games include 301 and 501 Countdown, where players aim to reach precisely zero points before their opponents, and Cricket, where players try to hit specific scoring segments multiple times. Count Up and Around the Clock are other enjoyable games to improve accuracy.
Q. How do professional dart boards differ from recreational ones? Professional dart boards have sharp, bladed wiring, reducing the chance of darts bouncing off. They also feature higher-density sisal in the scoring fields for increased durability and smoother play. Recreational boards often have round wiring and lower sisal density.
Q. What are Baseball Darts? Baseball Darts is a game that combines the skills of darts with the rules of baseball. Players throw darts to score runs, advance runners, and make outs. It’s an exciting and unique game variation that can be played on a specific dartboard.
Q. Are there training dart boards available? There are training dart boards designed to challenge players and improve their skills. These boards have smaller triple and double fields, enhancing focus and precision. Training on these boards can benefit players in regular matches and tournaments.
Relevant Source:
- Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) official website: https://www.pdc.tv/
- British Darts Organisation (BDO) official website: https://www.bdodarts.com/
