How to Play Darts

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Getting Started with Darts

Darts is a game of skill and precision that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and abilities. Whether you're playing in a pub, at home, or in a tournament, the basic principles remain the same.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with darts and how to use our Simple Dart Counter app to keep score.

What You'll Need:

  • A dartboard (standard size is 18" in diameter)
  • A set of darts (typically 3 darts per player)
  • A clear throwing area (7' 9¼" from the face of the board to the throwing line)
  • Our Simple Dart Counter app for easy scoring

Basic Rules of Darts

The Dartboard Layout

A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered segments, plus the bullseye in the center:

  • The outer ring (double ring) is worth 2x the segment value
  • The inner ring (triple ring) is worth 3x the segment value
  • The outer bullseye (green) is worth 25 points
  • The inner bullseye (red) is worth 50 points
Dartboard Layout

Taking Your Turn

Each player takes turns throwing three darts. After throwing all three darts, the player retrieves their darts and the next player takes their turn.

The score is calculated based on where the darts land and the specific game being played.

Popular Dart Games

01 Games (301, 501, 701, 1001)

In 01 games, each player starts with a set number of points (301, 501, 701, or 1001) and aims to reduce their score to exactly zero.

How to Play:

  1. Each player starts with the same score (e.g., 501 points)
  2. Take turns throwing three darts and subtract the points scored from your total
  3. To win, you must reach exactly zero, with the final dart landing in a double or the bullseye (if "Double Out" is enabled)
  4. If a player scores more points than they have remaining or fails to hit a double when required, their turn ends without scoring ("bust")

Double In/Double Out: These optional rules require players to hit a double to start scoring (Double In) or to finish the game (Double Out).

Cricket

Cricket focuses on hitting specific numbers (15-20 and the bullseye) three times to "close" them, while scoring points on closed numbers that opponents haven't yet closed.

How to Play:

  1. Players take turns throwing three darts, aiming at numbers 15-20 and the bullseye
  2. Hit a number three times to "close" it (a triple counts as 3 hits, a double as 2)
  3. Score points by hitting numbers you've closed that opponents haven't (the value of the number for each hit)
  4. The winner is the first player to close all numbers and the bullseye with the highest (or equal) score

Cutthroat Cricket

A variation of Cricket where points are scored against opponents rather than for yourself.

How to Play:

  1. The rules are similar to Cricket, but with a key difference
  2. When you hit a number you've closed that others haven't closed, they receive those points (not you)
  3. The goal is to have the lowest score while closing all numbers
  4. The winner is the first player to close all numbers with the lowest score

Using the Simple Dart Counter App

Setting Up a Game

  1. From the home screen, select "Start New Game"
  2. Choose your game type (301, 501, Cricket, etc.)
  3. For 01 games, select Double In/Double Out options if desired
  4. Add player names (2-8 players)
  5. Tap "Start Game" to begin

Game Setup Screen

Game Type

501
Cricket
301
Cutthroat

Options

Double In
Double Out

Players

Player 1
Player 2
Add Player

Scoring During Play

For 01 Games:

  1. Enter each dart's score using the scoring pad
  2. The app automatically calculates remaining points
  3. If you bust, the app will reset your score for that round
  4. When a player reaches zero (with a double if required), they win

For Cricket Games:

  1. Tap the numbers (15-20 and bullseye) that you hit
  2. The app tracks marks and automatically calculates points
  3. The app shows which numbers each player has closed
  4. The game ends when one player closes all numbers with the highest score (or lowest for Cutthroat)

Viewing Results

After a game is completed:

  • The app displays the final scores and winner
  • You can view detailed statistics about the game
  • Choose to start a new game or return to the home screen

Tips and Techniques

Proper Stance and Throw

  • Stand with your dominant foot forward, weight balanced
  • Hold the dart like a pencil, with a relaxed grip
  • Aim with your dominant eye
  • Throw from the elbow, keeping your upper arm steady
  • Follow through with your throw, pointing at your target

Strategic Advice

For 01 Games:

  • Aim for high-scoring areas like triple 20 (60 points) early in the game
  • As you get closer to zero, plan your "out shot" carefully
  • Common out shots include double 16 (for 32 remaining) or double 20 (for 40 remaining)
  • Try to leave an even number that can be halved for an easier final double

For Cricket:

  • Start by closing the highest numbers (20, 19) to maximize potential points
  • If an opponent has a number open that you've closed, target it to score points
  • In Cutthroat, focus on closing numbers that others have open to prevent getting points
  • The bullseye is often left for last, but closing it early can be a strategic advantage

Frequently Asked Questions

General Darts Questions

What is the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The center of the bullseye should be 5'8" (1.73 meters) from the floor.

How far should I stand from the dartboard?

The standard throwing distance is 7'9¼" (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard to the throwing line (oche).

What weight darts should I use?

Darts typically range from 18-30 grams. Beginners often find 22-24 gram darts comfortable, but it's largely personal preference.

What's the difference between soft-tip and steel-tip darts?

Steel-tip darts are used with traditional bristle dartboards, while soft-tip darts are used with electronic dartboards. The scoring rules are the same, but soft-tip darts are typically lighter.

Game Rules Questions

What happens if I score more points than I have remaining in 01 games?

This is called a "bust." Your turn ends, and your score reverts to what it was at the beginning of your turn.

What's the highest possible score with three darts?

The highest possible score is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s (3 × 60 = 180).

In Cricket, what happens when all players have closed a number?

Once all players have closed a number, that number is no longer in play, and no one can score points on it anymore.

What's the difference between Cricket and Cutthroat Cricket?

In Cricket, you score points for yourself by hitting numbers you've closed that others haven't. In Cutthroat Cricket, you score points against your opponents, and the goal is to have the lowest score.

What does "Double Out" mean in 01 games?

"Double Out" means you must finish the game by hitting a double (the outer ring) or the bullseye. For example, if you have 32 points remaining, you must hit double 16 to win.

App-Specific Questions

Can I pause a game and resume it later?

Yes, the app automatically saves your game progress. You can close the app and return to it later, and your game will be right where you left it.

How many players can use the app at once?

The app supports 2-8 players for all game types.

Can I customize the game rules?

Yes, for 01 games you can enable or disable Double In and Double Out options. For Cricket games, you can choose between standard Cricket and Cutthroat Cricket.

Does the app track statistics over time?

Yes, the app keeps track of your game history, including wins, average scores, and other statistics to help you monitor your improvement over time.

What if I make a mistake entering a score?

The app allows you to undo your last entry or edit scores if you make a mistake.

Troubleshooting

The app isn't calculating my score correctly

Double-check that you've selected the correct game type and options. If you're playing with Double In/Out rules, make sure you understand how they affect scoring.

I can't add more than 8 players

The app is designed to support a maximum of 8 players to ensure a smooth gaming experience and reasonable turn rotation.

The game isn't ending when I reach zero

If you're playing with Double Out rules, you must hit a double to finish the game. If your final dart doesn't land in a double, you'll "bust" and your turn will end.

Ready to Play?

Now that you know the rules, it's time to start a game and put your skills to the test!

Start a New Game