As all my friends at the time were keen dart players, I thought it was about time I perfected the art of dart playing, and after many failed attempts, and lessons from my pals, it wasn’t long before I was competing on the local darts team.

So before I could learn all the ins and outs of dart playing, the first thing I needed to master was correctly holding and throwing the darts to aim for precision.

Of course, this was many, many years ago, and without tooting my own horn, I’ve only got better as time has passed, and I would like to share those skills with other hopeful dart players.

If you’re new to darts and wondering where to begin, then getting the hang of holding the throwing the darts is the place to start. You probably don’t think there’s much to it, but in fact, it’s the key to the entire game, and once you’ve got it down, you’ll be getting those bullseyes in no time.

Holding the Dart

There are a few things to pay attention to when holding a dart that will ensure precision throwing. However, how you hold your dart is whatever you find the most comfortable, and every dart player has their preferred method of holding the dart.

Here are three things to consider when taking grip of your dart:

The Grip

You want to ensure you’ve got a firm grip on your dart. A loose grip can be a risk factor, as it could fly out of your hand at the wrong time. However, at the same time, gripping your dart too hard can mean you don’t have the same precision.

The Barrel

Darts come in various shapes and sizes, which can determine how you hold them. This can be something worth looking into before you buy, as people’s preferences differ. What one person finds comfortable, another may not. For example, I love these Steel Tip Darts 12 Pack Set with Nonslip Iron Barrel for comfort and weight distribution. I also love the style.

Winsdart ADKX Steel Tip Dart Set

$27.99

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Another great option, especially for beginners in darts, is this Paper Wound Dart Board with Six Brass Tipped Darts. It’s inexpensive and can be hung anywhere in the house, meaning you can get your practice in at home.

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Trademark Games Dart Board and Six Brass Tipped Darts

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Consider the length of the barrel when looking at darts, a longer barrel allows for more fingers to grasp the dart. At the same time, a shorter one means you can grip the dart without the use of all fingers.

Fingers

When I was first being taught how to hold a dart correctly, I had no idea there were many different fingers that you can use, and it’s all down to preference. For example, while some people might use their thumb and index finger, others might use all five fingers for a full grip. I use my thumb, index finger, and middle finger for extra grasp.

Handy Tips on How to Hold a Dart

Holding a dart very correctly is a common struggle when people first start, so below are some handy tips to get you on your way.

• Point the Dart Up – When you’re ready to release the dart, ensure the tip is pointing slightly upwards. This way, your dart won’t take a nosedive when gravity takes hold.
• Determine the Center of Gravity – Get a good feel for your dart, place it on your palm, and feel the weight. When you hold your dart, there should be a small gap between the center of gravity of the dart and your hand.
• Keep Fingers Out of the Way – If you’re holding your dart with two or three fingers, then ensure that your free fingers are as out of the way as possible by moving them to the side, don’t make a fist, as this will make accuracy challenging.

Preparing to Aim

If you watch professional dart players, you will notice that aim, consistency, and a steady hand is key. Each time they approach the dartboard, they assume the same stance and distance, stand hard, and prepare to throw.

Below I will talk you through, step-by-step, how to stand and how to control each part of your body for the perfect alignment from your shoulder down to your wrist. This way, you will be able to conquer the natural parabolic curve that occurs when a dart is thrown.

Shoulders

One part of your body that should remain as still as possible while throwing a dart is your shoulders. Even as your arm extends and your wrist flexes, your shoulder does not move.

Elbows

While preparing to aim your dart, you bring your arm backward, hand towards the shoulder, and then to a 90-degree angle with your elbow remaining in the same position, pointing towards the dart board.

The Wrist Snap

The key to throwing a dart with precision is all in the wrist action. A wrist snap means that the dart leaves your hand with a bit of force behind, causing it to travel at a higher speed. However, it’s important to allow the wrist snap to happen at the perfect time; leave it too late, and your dart will be fired too low toward the floor.

The Follow Up

So that’s how you hold and prepare to throw a dart for ultimate precision. One more thing I should mention is that if you want to end your throw perfectly, make sure you follow up your throw after the release, pointing your fingers towards the target and keeping your arm straight. Want to learn more about the art of darts? Check out my guide on the master of scoring darts.

The post How To Hold A Dart (The Basics Of Proper Dart Grip) appeared first on Bar Games 101.

If you want to learn how to play darts or get better at your favorite dart games, you need to learn the fundamental mechanics of holding and throwing a dart.

Mastering these basic mechanics will make you a more accurate player. And, just as important, it will make you more consistent.

Learning how to throw darts consistently starts with an understanding of these mechanics followed by lots of practice.

(Scroll down for a summary)

The Grip

The first step in becoming a consistent darts thrower is learning how to properly hold the dart.

To throw an accurate dart, you need to have the right grip. This comes down to finding the right balance between comfort and control.

The best place to start is with a basic “pencil” grip.

This means holding the dart barrel between your thumb and first two fingers. This is how most of us would hold a pencil.

Do not hold the dart too firmly. It should be relaxed, but still firm enough to retain control.

The thumb provides support for the dart during your throw. The top two fingers (your pointer and middle finger) simply guide and steady the dart.

Some players like to use their thumb and three fingers instead of two. This is often a matter of personal preference.

However, it also depends on the type of dart barrel.

For example, if you have a thicker barrel or longer barrel, or one with some deep grooves, it might be more comfortable to use three top fingers.

If you have a smaller barrel, you may need just two fingers and a lighter grip.

(Learn about selecting the right set of steel tip or soft tip darts.)

Again, this will depend on how much control you can retain. Some players try to fit as many fingers as possible, as this may increase accuracy.

Practice different versions of the pencil grip and see what works best for you. Just remember not to hold the dart too tightly – a common beginner’s mistake.

Here’s a good tutorial on improving your darts grip:

The Stance

Darts stances tend to vary from player to player.

Like other aspects of dart mechanics, the right dart stance is personal and depends on how comfortable you are while maintaining control and consistency.

But there are a couple fundamentals each player should remember.

First, remember that the throwing foot of your dominant hand should be placed forward.

So, if you’re right handed, place your right foot forward.

Your feet can be placed at an angle, or parallel to the throwing line. It depends on what feels right. Either way, you should have your front foot up against the throwing line.

Your weight should shift to the front foot. The back foot is there for support.

Second, try to keep your knees locked during your throw. You should not be bending, bouncing or rocking during the throw.

Try to keep your feet firmly planted and minimize movement as much as possible.

Of course, you can lean forward towards the board, keeping your weight on the front foot. This is only natural.

But too much movement will hurt your accuracy and consistency.

Check out this article for more information about the proper darts throwing stance.

The Throw

Getting Set Up

First thing to focus on with your darts throw is the setup. This is how you position your arm and sight your target before releasing the dart.

Your upper arm should be raised. For some players, this means raising the upper arm so it’s parallel to the floor.

Basically, you want the arm raised so your hand holding the dart lines up in front of your face.

When you bring your dart in front of your face, you can line it up with your line of sight.

Take your time and sight the specific target you’re are aiming for.

Movement and Release

Remember that the movement of the throw comes from your forearm and wrist. There should be minimal, if any, movement in your upper arm and shoulders.

When you release the dart, remember that the amount of force does not need to be excessive. You are only trying to reach a board that is about 5 feet from the end of your throwing arm (the distance is even shorter if you’re playing on an electronic dart board.)

Keep the release smooth and controlled.

During your release, your upper arm should stay steady, and your forearm should move quickly. Again, this doesn’t mean forcefully.

The final movement comes from your wrist as it moves in tandem with your forearm. This is a fluid and natural movement.

Your shoulder should always remain still during the release.

Related: Read our full overview of how to play darts

The Follow Through

Finally, after throwing the dart, MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THROUGH. Not following through is perhaps the most common beginner mistake (along with throwing the dart too hard).

You should extend your arm after the release directly at the dartboard. This should follow the natural movement of your throw.

Make sure you always follow through and do it with consistent technique.

Just focusing on this aspect of your throw can make a huge difference in your accuracy.

Learn more on the importance and technique of a proper darts follow-through:

How to Throw Darts Consistently: Putting it all together

To sum it up, here are the fundamentals of good dart throwing mechanics:

• Use a “pencil” grip on the dart barrel, holding it with your thumb and first two or three fingers
• Keep your grip firm but relaxed
• Stand at the throwing line with your throwing side first and weight shifted to front foot; many players like to stand with their feet at a 45-degree angle.
• Keep your knees locked and limit movement; lean if necessary
• Sight your target
• Raise your upper arm and bring the dart in front of your face, in alignment with your aim
• Keep your upper arm still during the throw and limit any shoulder movement
• Use a quick fluid motion with your forearm and wrist to throw
• Don’t throw too hard
• Follow through
• Practice, practice, practice

Keep these tips in mind and you will become a more accurate and consistent darts player in no time.

For more on how to practice, check out a few of these solo dart games.

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High quality dartboards are made from premium natural fibers, such as Kenyon sisal, that are designed to withstand countless dart games and last a very long time.

But these boards, also known as bristle dartboards, still need some basic care and maintenance to make sure they don’t wear prematurely.

In this post, we’ll share a few steps to help you maintain your bristled dartboard and make sure it stays in good condition for the long haul.

1) Rotate Your Board Regularly

Certain parts of your dartboard are more prone to wear and tear than other areas.

For instance, because they are targeted more frequently, segments such as the 20 and 19 will wear faster than other parts of the board.

To prevent this uneven appearance and damage, make sure you rotate your dartboard on a regular basis.

If you play often, this means rotating the board at least weekly.

WINMAU Diamond Plus Tournament Bristle Dartboard

$79.99

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How to Rotate Your Dartboard

Bristle boards include a removable metal scoring ring.

To rotate your dartboard, remove this ring and turn the board clockwise. You should rotate it until the next black section is at the top of the board. This would mean rotating the 12 segment to the 20 segment. Now replace the ring.

Keep turning the board in this manner, so the 12 replaces the 20, each time you rotate the board.

Rotating the board not only preserves the appearance of the board, it also keeps the bristles in better shape so you’ll have less bounce outs in those common Cricket and 01 numbers.

Note that rotating the board does not change the position of the bull’s eye.

If you’re wearing out the bull, then kudos to you.

2) Never use water or other liquids to clean the board

You may hear people recommend using water or other gentle liquids to clean a dartboard.

But the tightly packed, natural bristle fibers on a nice dartboard are not supposed to get wet. Period.

You should keep the board as dry as possible.

This also means avoiding damp areas of extra humid spots where you hang the board. Try to keep it cool and dry if possible.

Also, if you play darts outside, make sure you don’t leave the board out in the rain, or at least keep it in a protected dry area.

3) Use smooth, sharp darts

Many of the new steel tip darts are precision engineered to improve grip, increase accuracy and reduce bounce outs.

But some new designs can also wreak havoc on the bristle fibers.

Mind the Hooks

Steel tips with hooked ends, for instance, might set more securely in the board.

But these hooked darts will tear at the bristle fibers when removed from the board. Over time, it will look like strings have been pulled from the board.

Avoid Blunt Tips

Or, you may have a nice set of steel tip darts that have not been sharpened in a while and the tips have become blunt.

A blunt tip will pack down the fibers on the board. These fibers are designed to naturally heal when the dart is removed. That’s why no holes are visible and the surface remains firm.

Using a blunt tip can weaken the natural healing response and create holes on the board’s surface.

Lookout for Burrs

Finally, dart tips can develop burrs or other inconsistencies if not cared for. With lower quality darts, this happens sooner.

Make sure you check the dart to make sure there are no burrs before playing and sharpen them regularly. And change your dart tips regularly.

Try not to over sharpen the darts though. A very sharp tip can actually increase bounce outs or split the segments wires upon impact.

Here’s a video about how to sharpen your darts.

4) Twist, Don’t Pull

Pulling the dart from the board can increase damage to the tightly packed bristle. With certain darts, the damage is worse.

For example, you should never forcibly pull a mechanical steel tip dart from the board.

These darts have movable or retractable tips that set into board very firmly, which makes them great for reducing bounce outs and minimizing deflections.

But the mechanical action also makes it harder to remove the dart from the board. And if you try to yank the dart straight out, it can damage the sisal fibers.

Instead, simply twist the dart to remove it from the board.

5) Don’t Overdo the Setup

Usually I would say there is nothing wrong with having a nice cabinet and dartboard setup to showcase your board and keep things tidy.

But make sure you don’t overdo it and use a heavy cabinet or fixtures that add too much weight without proper mounting.

There are countless stories of beautiful dartboards that come crashing down because of heavy cabinets that weren’t secured to the wall properly.

Just keep it simple and make sure the board is mounted securely.

Learn more about how to find the best dartboard cabinet for your space. 

Use Minimal Lighting

Also, go easy on the lighting.

Excessive bright lighting can dull the board over time. Light fixtures also present a hazard if they are not mounted correctly near the board.  Use minimal lighting with high quality clamps

Use Backing to Protect Your Walls (But Not Too Heavy)

Make sure to also use some form of dartboard backing (affiliate link).

This will protect your walls and provide a barrier between the board and wall, which can prevent warping.

Following these simple tips will preserve’s your dartboard’s appearance and quality for many years to come.

The post Dartboard Maintenance: 5 Ways to Make Your Board Last Longer appeared first on Bar Games 101.

Having the best soft-tip darts for beginners is not always about getting the best aerodynamics and grip, although those help a lot too. Sometimes the best simply refers to having darts that can withstand the punishment.

There are multiple components that make up a dart, so everything should be durable from tip to flight. Below you’ll find different alternatives of what the best may look like from a buyer and player’s perspective.

(Playing on a bristle dartboard? Check out here for our steel tip dart recommendations.)

Best Soft Tip Darts for Beginners – Reviews

1. Viper Sure Grip

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Viper Sure Grip Soft Tip Darts, Black, 16 Grams

$15.49 −$1.66 $13.83

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You can find the Viper Sure Grip in two weight classes: 16g and 18g. This is nice to see as the low weight makes them very easy to learn the sport with.

The Sure Grip has an interesting design which features a 2BA reinforced tip, aluminum locking hole on the shafts, and a rubber grip sleeve that helps improve your release.

These darts are ergonomic and balanced as far as aerodynamics are concerned. The extra-secure locking mechanism allows you to play for longer before you need to refit them.

The slim flights have a holographic design which looks cool but the fit is not amazing. The overall quality of the Sure Grip is impressive and the price is ok for a 3-pack deal.

Pros

• Reduced drag
• Strong tips
• Improved locking mechanism
• Rubber grip sleeve

Cons

• Flights may fall off on impact

2. Gwhole Soft Darts

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GWHOLE Soft tip Darts Set Aluminum Metal Body Plastic Tip Professional Dart Set Bar Supply for Adult Electronic Dart Board 12 Set

$20.99 −$6.00 $14.99

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These darts are engineered for use with electronic dartboards. This is one of the cheapest 12-packs you can find, though the quality could stand to be improved upon.

On the bright side, no matter how wobbly the tips may be, you do get 200 soft tips to use with your 12 darts. You also get 16 flight replacements and you get to choose between four different styles.

Although there’s no rubber grip on the barrel, the design features striations and grooves that should give you a solid grip on each throw. However, you will have to dry your hand after a while since moisture won’t do you any favors without a rubber grip.

Pros

• 200 tip replacements
• 12-pack
• Ergonomic barrel design
• Affordable

Cons

• Low-quality tips

3. Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts

Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts (18-Gram)

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These darts are expensive for a reason. They’re by the top brand in electronic dartboards and probably the best soft-tip darts for beginners and intermediate players. The Arachnid Tungsten Soft Tip Darts sets come in at a consistent 18 grams and you can choose between 80% or 90% tungsten composition.

The aerodynamics is superior to a lot of other models on the market, and the durability is off the charts. Treat them well and they might just take you from zero to pro without breaking.

What’s even better is that the package includes three spare flights, seven spare points, three spare aluminum shafts, as well as a sturdy deluxe carry case with a clip-on feature. You’ll already look the part even if your game still needs improvement.

Pros

• 80/90% tungsten
• Spare parts included
• SideRider case included
• Superior aerodynamics

Cons

• Expensive
• Average grip

4. Cyeelife Soft Tips Darts

CyeeLife Soft tip Darts Set 18g,100 Extra Tips+Tool+12 Aluminum shafts with Rubber Rings+16 Flights 16 Flight Protectors,Professional Plastic Darts for Electronic Dartboard

$15.99

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Another beginner and budget-friendly option would be the Cyeelife Soft Tips Darts 15-pack. The overall quality is above average but even so, you get plenty of replacements to deal with any issues along the way.

The pack has 15 darts, 180 soft tips, 30 flights (both standard and slim styles), and 15 replacement aluminum shafts.

If you’re looking for value for the money, these might be the ones. You can have enough darts in one pack to play with your entire family or friends without exchanging hands after each round.

The level of precision that you can achieve will depend a lot on your skill, but you shouldn’t expect professional-level performance.

Pros

• Affordable
• 15-pack
• Multiple spare parts included

Cons

• Some packs may be missing some replacement parts so make sure everything is there

5. Wolftop Soft Tip Darts

Wolftop 12 Pack Soft Tip Darts 18 Grams - Professional Darts Plastic Tip Set for Electronic Dart Board - Aluminum Shafts, Standard Dart Flights and Extra Dart Tips

$14.99

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Wolftop doesn’t make the most durable soft-tip darts, but they make up for this by offering good balance, a cool finish, and budget-friendly price.

The nickel-plated barrels are well-balanced. They also have a decent grip thanks to the large grooves. Coming in at 17 grams, they’re good for beginners of all ages but they start losing value as the player’s technique improves.

This 12-pack also comes with 36 extra tips but not replacement aluminum shafts or flights. However, due to the quality of the locking mechanism and tight fit of the flights, these replacement parts shouldn’t be needed for a long time.

Pros

• 12-pack
• Affordable
• Replaceable tips
• Ergonomic grip

Cons

• No replacement flights and shafts
• 17g darts are only for complete beginners

Buyer’s Guide

How to Pick Your Material

When it comes to the best soft-tip darts, there’s only one material that stands out. If you want the best balance and impact resistance, there’s no better choice than tungsten. Soft-tip darts that have a 90% tungsten composition will handle intense daily use.

A titanium finish also helps with impact resistance, although it may not be as flashy as painted soft tip darts.

However, if you’re shopping on a budget and you’re certain you’re going to hit the board instead of the wall or the ground, brass is a solid option too. It’s quite durable for the most part and it comes at a cheaper price.

Weight

The most popular soft tip darts weigh either 17 or 18 grams. The latter is the best choice at any given time as it provides enough weight even when you’re starting to refine your release technique.

FAQ

How many replacements do you need?

Having a ton of tips, flights, and shaft replacements may seem like you’re getting a better deal for your money. However, that’s not always the case.

More replacements may simply mean that the overall quality of the soft-tip darts is not as good as advertised. On the other hand, if you’re buying them for kids, sometimes going for less quality and plenty of spare parts is advised.

Conclusion

Picking the best soft-tip darts isn’t just about finding the most comfortable fit for your hand. Depending on how good you are and what level of quality you’re looking to get, you may need to look for specific features and learn to adjust to them.

Any set of soft-tip darts discussed in this article is a good choice if you’re learning the sport, and some of them may even last you a lifetime.

The post Best Soft Tip Darts for Beginners appeared first on Bar Games 101.

But are they worth the hassle?

If you’re not ready to commit to a full electronic dartboard, these digital dart scorers can be used alongside a traditional bristle dartboard.

Now you can have the authentic feel of steel tip darts and quality dartboard, but with added electronic features like scoring, handicapping and player rankings.

While this is an intriguing concept, many players still prefer using a classic dart scoreboard with chalk or erasable markers.

Let’s look at these two options so you can decide for yourself.

Basic Dart Scoreboards

First, why would you need to improve upon the traditional method of darts scoring with an electronic dart scoreboard?

What’s wrong with the basic green chalk board or white dry erase board?

Like many of us, you might prefer the traditional method of keeping score in a darts match.

These scoreboards can be mounted in a darts cabinet or next to the dartboard at the appropriate height. You just need chalk or a marker and an eraser.

On Sale

Viper Chalk Scoreboard: Cricket and 01 Dart Games, Green, 23.5" H x 15.5" W

$29.99 −$4.00 $25.99

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Classic dart scoreboards usually come pre-formatted with scoring columns for popular dart games like Cricket or 301/501.

Depending on the game you’re playing, you simply write the players initials on the board and add any relevant scoring columns.

If playing cricket, you just mark when a segment is hit using the X and O method, and keep track of scores in the left column.

With 01 games, you subtract each the score of each turn from the running points balance.

Pretty straightforward, and no batteries required.

Yet there are some limitations to traditional scoreboards.

For example, these scoreboards are not always the best option for scoring multiplayer games or other games beyond cricket.

You may need more room for other players’ initials (although it’s common to have two boards, and that is enough for most us).

And, most importantly, the math can get complicated and messy when you’re marking scores, and erasing previous scores and mistakes during the games.

After many games, the remnants of earlier scores get harder to erase. And the scoreboard gets harder to read and unsightly.

Luckily, you can still use pretty much anything to keep score of a darts match. Even a napkin and pen will do at times.

Plus, a basic dry erase dart scoreboard or chalk board is not an expensive purchase, so buying a replacement is not a big deal.

So, are electronic dart scoreboards worth a look?

The Advantages of Using an Electronic Dart Scoreboard

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Viper ProScore Digital Dart Scorer Electronic Dartboard Scoreboard For Up to 8 Players, with 40 Games and 655 Game Options, Including Cricket and X01, Black

$49.99 −$18.69 $31.30

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More Games

The big advantage to using an electronic dart scoreboard with a traditional bristle board, as I see it, is the number of games you can play.

These digital scoring units come packaged with dozens of dart games and game variations.

You just set the game and it automatically tracks the scoring, which you enter manually, according to the game you’re playing.

This means that you can play 301 or 901 and not have to do any math.

The board will automatically register segments, calculate scores and show you your points balance.

For example, the Viper ProScore Electronic Dart Scoreboard (affiliate link ) has 40 games with 600 options programmed and ready to play, including cricket and cricket variations (single player, doubles only, with or without scoring, etc.), 301 – 901 games, Shanghai, Halve-It, Shoot Out, Killer and many more.

You can add up to 8 payers for these games.

Handicapping and Player Ranking

Many electronic dart scoreboards include handicapping and ranking features. For instance, you can add a handicap level (i.e. 1 – 4) to a player before the game.

The game will begin with pre-marked numbers, if playing Cricket, for the higher handicap player in order to level the playing field. The board will also record games and rank players based on win/loss totals.

Portability and Memory

While you can mount one of these scoreboards within a dartboard cabinet or to the wall, you can also take the scoreboard with you when playing on a different board.

It will store the info, and you can introduce some new games to players at a different location.

These boards are battery powered and easy to remove.

The Best of Both Worlds

For many players, using a nice bristle dartboard with an electronic dart scoreboard offers the best of both worlds: authentic feel and quality combined with a digital interface, memory and computer functionality.

Some scoreboards, like the Touch Pad Scorer from Arachnid (affiliate link), even let you play against the computer. This can be a fun and challenging alternative to practicing or playing solo dart games.

The addition of LED lights and voice prompts are also a nice touch.

Arachnid Touch Pad Dart Scorer

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Disadvantages of a Digital Scoreboard

With all the bells-and-whistles, there are still some negatives to using an e-scoreboard.

Small in Size

First, an electronic dart scoreboard is relatively small. Don’t be deceived by the pictures.

Some of these boards, including the Viper ProScore, are only about the size of a large calculator. That’s a lot of information crammed on to a small screen that must be visible from a dart throwing distance.

Also, the red scores, which are LCD back-lit on the ProScore, can be difficult to read.

E-Scoreboards Require Power

Like electronic dart boards, these scorers are usually powered by either A/C or batteries. The Touch Pad takes 4 AA batteries for instance. While it’s nice to have options to power the scoreboard, adding power is not something you normally need to worry about with a simple bristle dartboard setup.

Most electronic scoreboards have automated sleep functions and don’t draw much power. Battery life is decent as well. It’s just more of an inconvenience.

Manual Entry and Game Set Up

Although the scoring and game formats are automated, you still need to input your score and set up the game.

With some electronic scoreboards, it takes some time to learn how to program the game, adding another level of complexity to a game that should be pretty simple. We’re ust throwing darts at a board after all.

Yet the manual entry is better on some boards than others.

With the Touch Pad Scorer, for example, you just touch the corresponding segment on the scoreboard to register your score. You can touch single, double, or triple and it will calculate scores and update the game.

So, in summary, here are the pros and cons to using an electronic dart scoreboard:

Pros

• Automated scoring and points calculation
• Tons of games and game variations built in
• Portability and memory functions
• Cool features like handicapping, player ranking, voice prompts, play against the computer

Cons

• Smaller size; hard to read from a distance
• Requires A/C or battery power
• Manual entry and input
• Initial learning curve and can be buggy at times
• Cost

Conclusion: Digital vs. Analog

While I appreciate the advantages and functionality provided by a digital darts scorer, and certainly understand why others like these when combined with a nice bristle board, I still prefer the basic ‘analog’ scoreboard.

I like the simplicity.

More specifically, I like a green chalk scoreboard mounted within a cabinet.

That’s just my personal preference, though.

What about you?

The post Pros and Cons of Electronic Dart Scoreboards appeared first on Bar Games 101.

Darts has been played in some form or fashion since medieval times, with the first traditional ‘clock’ pattern dartboard developed in the late 19th century.

Given its long history and international popularity, it’s not surprising that there are many terms of art that have developed alongside the evolution of the game.

Some of these terms are more accepted and established than others.

If you enjoy playing darts and want to show that you are familiar with the fundamental rules of the game, you should – at the very least – learn some of the established terms still used today.

Just commit the following dart terms to memory and you’ll be good to go.

Most Common Darts Terms

1. Busted: This is when you exceed the number of points required to go out. This happens all the time in 01 games.

2. Cork: A better term for the bull’s eye. Can also be used as a verb, as in to “cork” to see who throws first.

3. Double: A dart that lands within the double outer ring on the dartboard. (Learn more about the Fundamentals of Darts Scoring)

4. Double Bull: The inner or middle portion of the bull’s eye; also known as a double bull.

5. Double In / Double Out: Hitting the double area to begin a game (i.e. 301) or end a game (i.e. 301 and 501). Learn more about going ‘out’ in 01 matches.

6. Eights: A better way to say the number “18”.

7. Fat: Another way to refer to the large part of a numbered wedge; in other words, a single rather than double or triple.

8. Fives: Another way to say “15”.

9. Flight: The flight is the tail of the dart that allows it to cut and float through the air.

10. Hockey (aka Oche): The dart throwing line (see dartboard setup and measurements); can also be a raised 1 ½ inch board to mark the throwing line (don’t trip over it).

11. Leg: This refers to a game in a match. For example, if you’re playing cricket with a buddy, you might say the best of three legs. Each leg is a game.

12. Match: The match would be a series of complete games.

13. Mugs Away: This means the loser of the game gets to start the next game.

14. Nines: Another way to say “19”.

15. Pie: Refers to any numbered wedge on the dartboard.

16. Robin Hood: The rare occasion when a dart sticks to another dart on the board (i.e. in the flight).

17. Round: Refers to any three-dart turn.

18. Sevens: A cool way to say 17.

19. Shaft: The middle of the dart that screws into the barrel and holds the flight.

20. Shanghai: As mentioned here, a Shanghai is when you hit the triple, double and single of the same number in one three dart turn. Can also just refer to the name of the game.

21. Sixes: A better way to say “16”.

22. Slop: Not what you were aiming for, but still a scoring dart. We’ll take it. Learn how to improve your mechanics to throw more consistent and accurate darts.

23. Splash: Means to throw two darts at the same time to determine the order of play. This is sometimes done with the opposite hand to make things interesting and level the playing field.

24. Straight In: When you don’t need to double in; for example, in a game of 501, you can play straight in / double out.

25. Ton: A score of 100 points.

26. Ton-Eighty: A score of 180 points; aka the highest possible score in a single three-dart turn.

27. Tops: Slang for hitting a Double 20 (aka Double Top).

28. Tough Darts: I hear this one a lot; it basically means “nice try” when you get close to your mark or the dart bounces out.

There you have it. The above dart terms should be enough to get you started.

However, there is plenty of darts slang out there that we did not cover.

So we’ll be updating this list from time to time, but please feel free to leave a comment and add favorite term or two to the list.

The post 28 Common Darts Terms You Should Know appeared first on Bar Games 101.

Here, we’ll help you master the basics of darts scoring so you can quickly get started with the most popular dart games, such as 01 games (301 and 501) and Cricket.

The Darts Scoreboard

First thing’s first: Proper darts scoring requires a scoreboard.

If you play on an electronic dartboard, the scoreboard will most likely be attached to the cabinet and can be programmed to automatically record scores.

If playing on a traditional bristle dartboard, you can use a basic chalk scoreboard or dry-erase board.

A dart scoreboard should have printed grids for Cricket and 01 games.

If the scoring grid is not pre-printed, then you can easily create your own grid on a blank board.

The dart scoreboard should mounted within 4 feet from the dartboard at no more than a 45 degree angle from the board.

The scoreboard should also be clearly visible in front of the player at the throwing line.

Along with a dart scoreboard, you’ll need someone to keep score.

In most cases, that will be you or your opponent in a friendly match. In serious league games or sanctioned tournament, you must have an actual “chalker” keeping score.

The Scorekeeper

If you’re playing in a league event or sanctioned tournament, you must have someone acting as a ‘chalker’ to keep score.

However, most of us are just playing for fun at the bar. In this case, make sure you leave the darts in the board until your score is recorded.

A scoring dart must stay in in the board for at least 5 seconds after the final dart has been thrown in a turn.

For 01 games, the chalker (or you) will mark the scores made in a turn in the outer columns of the scoreboard. The total remaining score will go in the two middle columns.

You can ask the chalker what you scored or how many points you have left. But you cannot ask the chalker about out combinations.

For out combinations, you need to consult and memorize your 01 out chart.

If you throw a dart and it lands between connecting wires on the board, your score will be the higher of the two wedges in question.

Related: Learn about basic dart throwing mechanics to throw more consistently.

Math Mistakes in Darts Scoring

Accurate darts scoring is a true test of our basic arithmetic skills.

If you make a mistake in your arithmetic (i.e. error in subtraction in 01 games, or error in addition in scoring Cricket matches), that mistake must be corrected before your next turn.

In doubles, the mistake should be corrected before your teammate’s next turn.

If the mistake remains when you or your teammate starts the next turn, the score will stand as written.

The above principles apply to most if not all games. Below are some specific rules to be aware of when playing 01 games or Cricket.

>>Related: A full overview of how to play darts

Darts Scoring in 01 Games (i.e. 301 or 501)

Darts scoring in 01 games like 301 and 501 is pretty straightforward.

Depending on the game you’re playing, you start with the total number on top.

So, for a game of 501, you would start by writing 501 at the top of the scoreboard.

You then record the total score for each turn in the outer column and then subtract that number from the total score and update the remaining score in the inner column.

The remaining score should be updated after each turn. 

301: Double IN

To start a game of 301, you must first hit a double of any number on the board. You cannot start subtracting from 301 until you have accomplished this.

501: Single IN

To start 501, you just need to land a single of any number before you can start subtracting from the total.

301/501: Double OUT

In both 301 and 501, and all 01 games for that matter, you win by doubling out to reach zero. The best way to do this is to aim for high scoring numbers (i.e. 20, 19, 18) and then understand the best out combinations to make a quick exit.

In an 01 game, the game ends as soon as you or your opponent hits the double required to reach zero. Subsequent darts do not count.

‘Busting’ in 01 Games

A “Bust” happens when you score more points than needed to reach zero. If that happens, you just go back to your previous points total. This is also the case is if you end with 1 point left, since this number cannot be halved, or if you reach zero without doubling out.

>>Learn more common darts terms

Darts Scoring For Cricket

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In the game of Cricket darts, you only score based on the numbers 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15 and the inner and outer Bull.

You must score three of a given number to close that number. This can be done with three singles, a double + single, or a triple.

Once you close a number, you can score points on that number until your opponent closes the same.

The double and triple count as 2 or 3 times the numerical value of that number when keeping score.

You add the scores to the previous balance in the outer column of the scoreboard.

To close the bull, the outer bull counts as a single and inner bull counts as a double. The numerical value of the single bull for scoring is 25. The bull’s eye is worth 50 points.

The numbers in Cricket can be closed and scored on in any order. Of course, you may modify this rule by agreement before the game (for example, decide if you are playing in order and that all shots must be called).

>>Remember, single player dart games are also great for practicing your skills and scoring

Like all other dart games, you must verify and record your score before removing darts from the board.

In Cricket, you win once you’ve closed all the numbers and have the highest numerical score.

If both sides are tied in points or have no points, the winner is the first to close all the numbers.

If you close the numbers first but are still behind in points, you must continue playing until you’ve exceeded your opponent’s points in order to win.

This quick review of basic darts scoring rules, etiquette and practice for 301, 501 and Cricket will give you a foundation for most games played on a dartboard. 

The post Darts Scoring: Master the Basics appeared first on Bar Games 101.

Having an off night throwing darts at the bar? It’s not because you suck at darts. There must be some other reason, right?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

For generations, darts players have been coming up with excuses for why they’re terrible at the game of darts on occasion.

Some excuses are pretty generic. I’m tired, for example. Or it’s been a long day. Yada yada yada. But there are also plenty of valid (or at least valid sounding) excuses that may work for other bar games but are uniquely crafted for darts.

We’ve compiled a list of 20 of the best darts excuses to explain why you’re having such an off night.

These darts excuses are tried and true, so feel free to use when necessary.

Excuse #1. I’ve had too much to drink

This is an obvious one, but still a perfectly viable excuse for your sloppy darts.

Too much booze can wreak havoc on your accuracy. Drinking too much can also explain your surprisingly poor math skills when scoring games of 301 and 501.

Excuse #2. I haven’t had enough to drink

The opposite of number 1, this excuse is often the case for those of us who need a little lubrication before we can get in our darts groove.

Excuse #3. It’s too cold in here

Some bars are just always cold. And it’s certainly harder to throw darts in a frigid environment.

Your hands are cold; your joints are stiff. You can even see your breath. This is a valid excuse for why you can’t even hit the board.

Excuse #4. It’s too warm in here

On the other hand, the bar may just be a bit too hot and humid for your liking. And sweat can cause some major darts mishaps. Make sure they turn on the AC. But see above.

Excuse #5. I’m not used to these darts (shafts, flights, barrels, etc.)

With all the variations in steel tip darts, using a different set of darts can cause major problems.

Whether it’s the length of the shaft, the shape and weight of the barrel, the strange and uncomfortable knurled grip pattern, or the size of the flight, if you typically throw with your own darts at home, the bar set might not be up your standards.

Excuse #6. I can’t get used to this lighting

Is it too dark or too bright? Are there distracting lights or reflections? All very common and valid reasons for your poor dartsmanship.

You may just need some more time to adjust to the lighting before you start landing ton-80’s.

Excuse #7. I went to the gym earlier

Doing curls or bench presses before your darts match? Good for you. Your friends will be impressed. After all, darts alone will not do much for your physique.

But all that lifting will made your arms tired, and now your darts form is compromised.

Excuse #8. I haven’t played in a while

This is an easy one that can be used for just about any bar game.

I’m a little rusty. Haven’t been practicing much. Haven’t played 501 in years. You name it, these are all perfectly good reasons for your lack of accuracy and consistency.

Excuse #9. The music is too loud

Or maybe it’s just not your style. If they’re blaring techno or blasting tunes from the 80’s, it can really screw up your game. The opposite may also be true; i.e. “it’s too quiet in here”.

Excuse #10. I didn’t get to warm up

This one comes up in league play quite a bit.

If you’re running late, you may have missed some valuable pregame warm-up time. You need to work out the kinks before throwing darts that count.

Excuse #11. I’m distracted by the game(s)

If your favorite team is on TV, and it’s a close one, darts might not be enough to hold your attention.

And if you’re at a sports bar, the darts match might be competing with 50 other screens. Focusing on your cricket match becomes a near impossibility.

Excuse #12. The dartboard’s off center

The board may be positioned too far to the left or right. Or it’s too high or low.

Either way, a sloppy dartboard setup may be the reason you’re a couple inches off your targets. You’ll now need to adjust your stance and alignment to accommodate for these mistakes.

Excuse #13. The darts are sticky

Bar darts get spilled on. Dropped on the floor. Grabbed by sweaty or filthy hands. If you have some sticky darts, your release will pay the price. Make sure you use plenty of hand sanitizer too.

Excuse #14. The ceiling is too low

A low ceiling is not ideal for your darts form. This is especially true of you like to throw with an arc, as is the case when you use darts with larger flights.

A low ceiling can also be a visual distraction during your release. Time to find a new place to play darts. Or just get used to it.

Excuse #15. I’m not used to playing with soft tip darts

Many bars have replaced the bristle dartboards of old with fancy new electronic dartboards and soft tip dart sets.

Using these newfangled safety darts may throw you off your game a little. Plus, soft tip darts tend to bounce out more often than steel tip darts. At least that’s one reason you can’t seem to close out that 20.

Excuse #16. The floor is uneven

An uneven floor or loose carpet can do real harm to your otherwise perfect darts stance.

If the floor is causing you to lean a little or change your weight distribution, you will have a much harder time throwing straight.

Or maybe you should just go back to excuse #1. Because the floor is actually perfectly level.

Excuse #17. My shirt’s too tight

Wearing your muscle shirt to the bar? More power to you. But good luck throwing darts. That tight shirt might restrict your throwing motion a little bit. Be sure to let everyone know.

Excuse #18. I need my glasses

But I didn’t know you wore glasses? Your response: Only when I throw darts. Or, you’re not wearing your contact lenses. Harder to argue with that one.

Excuse #19. My allergies are killing me

That’s right. Just blame it on allergy season. Your itchy eyes, lethargy, constant sniffles and sneezing are definitely bringing you down this evening.

Excuse #20. I let you win

The final entry on our list of darts excuses, this is the classic excuse of “I let you win” or “I wasn’t trying”. You’re obviously a superior darts player, so this is really the only plausible explanation for your consecutive losses.

You just want everyone to have fun.

The post 20 Darts Excuses to Use When You’re Having an Off Night appeared first on Bar Games 101.

But how you stand is a vital part of your overall darts game.

If your stance is shaky, inconsistent or misaligned, the rest of your game suffer.

In this post, we’ll review 5 key tips to improving your dart throwing stance.

Nothing here is rocket science. Yet these are the elements that, if practiced, will help you develop a repeatable and effective throwing stance.

And your overall game will improve.

So, what are the magic ingredients for a better darts stance?

1. Line Up Centered with the Dartboard

Lining up is the first element in finding the right stance when you throw darts.

Try to line up so you are centered with the dartboard. Skilled players might choose a spot to the left or right. But this only happens after lots of practice.

The center spot may or may not be where the center of the toe line is. That’s because, in some bars, the toe line (“oche”) is not always correctly aligned with the center of the board.

For this reason, you’ll want to find the center by using the dartboard as your guide.

Find that spot on the floor that aligns with the board’s center and memorize or mark that spot so you line up there every time you throw.

As I’ll mention throughout this article, consistency is one of the key ingredients to a good dart throwing stance.

If you’re wondering how far to stand from the dartboard, the official distance to the throwing line is 7 feet 9 ¼ inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard.

> > Learn more about dartboard measurements

2. Stand With Your Throwing Side First

Feet placement can be a little tricky at first.

Some players place both feet even on the toe line with their whole upper body facing forward towards the dartboard.

You may even see some skilled players using a full forward stance. And, if you’re new to darts, this might feel like a natural and stable throwing stance.

But, for most us, this type of forward stance will not do us any favors.

Instead, stand with your throwing side first.

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So, if you’re right handed, you should stand with your right side towards the dartboard and your right foot up against toe line.

Your right knee should be locked. But a little bend is okay if it helps with accuracy or makes it more comfortable.

Your left foot would be behind the right foot, shoulder width apart or a little closer if it feels more natural.

This is a better stance because it helps keep your torso, shoulders, eyes and throwing arm in alignment.

It also limits any side-to-side arm movement.

These factors will improve your accuracy and consistency.

>> Check out single player darts games for practice.

3. Stand at an Angle

Now that you’re standing with your throwing side first, you need to find a comfortable and effective angle for your stance.

Many experts say the best stance is completely sideways. This means that you’re standing at a roughly 90° angle with the face of the dartboard. Your feet would be almost parallel (see below for my attempt at an illustration of this).

But standing completely sideways might be a little extreme for most players. And you don’t want to struggle with maintaining this stance, because your shot will suffer.

Instead, stand with your torso and shoulders in alignment and at an angle somewhere between 45° – 90°. Your shoulders should stay level and parallel to the ground.

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Your front foot can remain flat and at angle that feels comfortable at the toe line. Your rear foot can also be angled outwards and slightly elevated if that helps you maintain balance. But if elevating your rear foot does not add stability, just keep your feet flat.

Even slight adjustments in pivoting your front foot or turning your back foot can make a big difference to your accuracy and consistency.

• Related: Learn how to throw darts more consistently

Experiment with what works best and feels natural. Then try to stick with this stance for all of your throws.

The key is to find an angle that feels natural, stable, comfortable and balanced so you can maintain proper weight distribution.

Which leads us to the next tip . .

4. Balance Your Weight

Proper weight distribution may be the key ingredient to an effective dart throwing stance.

With your feet shoulder width apart, the flat front foot should carry more weight than your back foot.

The front foot is your base. The back foot is there to help you stay balanced. Again, if lifting off your toe with your back foot helps with balance, that’s okay.

It’s important to find the right balance between your feet to eliminate fatigue and improve your overall accuracy.

Many players find a comfortable and balanced weight distribution to be around 80% front foot, and 20% back foot.

Over time, as you tinker with this stance, the right weight distribution will develop naturally.

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A Note About Leaning

With most of your weight focused on your front foot base and your knee locked, there is a tendency to lean forward when throwing.

A little leaning is natural. It also may improve your throws at times, as you are moving your body closer to the dartboard.

But too much leaning is not recommended. The farther you lean towards the board, the more weight you put on that front foot, and the more you will use and strain additional muscles when throwing, including your back.

Leaning too much will also decrease weight on your back foot and make you less stable.

Remember, you want to be comfortable and consistent with your throws. So, while a little bit of leaning is natural, too much leaning or lunging will hurt your game.

5. Calm Your Body

The final tip to improve your dart throwing stance is all about stillness.

One common mistake beginner dart players make is moving too much when they throw.

This is often a result of lunging forward or moving the upper arm and shoulder too much during the throwing motion.

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Your shoulder should remain steady during the throw. And your spine should remain straight and still while your arm is loose and controlled.

Key Point: The throwing motion comes from above your elbow and should only involve your forearm, wrist and fingers.

Beyond this, even slight upper and lower body movements can destroy your accuracy.

This is especially true when a player lunges towards the board during the throw. If you catch yourself lunging, try to correct this as much as possible.

If lunging becomes routine, you will have a hard time repeating these movements exactly with each throw. So it will be harder to remain consistent with your stance and form.

Just watch the pros play.

You won’t see much, if any, excessive movement when they throw. They are solid and stable.

—-

In summary, your stance is one of the most important aspects of your dart game.

The more you practice your stance, the closer you will come to having a throw that is balanced, comfortable and consistent.

Plus, you will land way more triples. And that’s the ultimate goal, right? Top image credit:

By Sven Mandel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62447663

The post 5 Simple Tips to Improve Your Darts Stance appeared first on Bar Games 101.

But dart practice should be more than just throwing at random numbers on the dartboard.

It’s better to add some structure and challenge so you can actually improve and get better at your favorite dart games.

All it takes is a little creativity and discipline.

Whether you’re playing with soft tip darts on an electronic dartboard or steel tip darts on a standard bristle board, you can come up with plenty of single-player games and practice ideas

To get you started, here are a few easy single-player dart games and practice routines to try out.

• Related: Learn basic mechanics to throw consistent darts

20, 19, & Bullseye

This one isn’t really a game. It’s more a method of practice. If you only have a few minutes and want to get some quality practice time in, try to aim for just the 20, 19 and Bullseye.

These are the highest-scoring numbers on the dartboard and the most common targets in 01 games. So, it goes without saying that any aspiring dart player should become very comfortable with these target numbers.

To make it fun, take 10 shots at the 20 and record how many times you hit it in a column. Then do the same in separate columns with the 19 and bullseye.

After 10 shots of each, start a new row and try to beat your previous round. You can keep adding rows to see how your skill progresses.

Don’t Forget to Practice Your Weak Spots

You can also try a version of this game with your weak spots on the board. These are the numbers that seem to always get in the way of a successful Cricket or 01 game.

For example, many players have trouble with closing out the 15 in Cricket or doubling out on the 16 in 01 games.

If you’re comfortable with the 20, 19 and bullseye, start focusing on these weak spots using the same format described above.

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Twenty-Eight

The object of this game is to reach a total of 28 points. But the only way to do this is by aiming at the Cricket numbers: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15 and Bulls.

There are 7 numbers, so you must hit each number 4-times to reach a total of 28 points.

If this sounds too hard, you can start by just playing to 7 instead. This way you just try to hit a single of each Cricket number with each 3-dart turn.

As your skill increases, make the number higher to challenge yourself. For example, you could make the goal number 14 by hitting each number twice.

This is an excellent way to practice Cricket, one of the most popular dart games.

101

Playing 101 is a fun way to practice for competitive 01 games, such as 301 and 501.

Try to double-in to start the game. If you can’t double-in on your first dart, just subtract whatever number you land on and start playing from there.

The real goal of this game is to familiarize yourself with the various out combinations under 100.

Trying to figure out an efficient out pattern with less than 100 points is a very common scenario when playing 301 or 501.

For example, let’s say you start your game of 101 by throwing a single 20. Now you would have 81 points remaining. Your goal in any 01 game should be to double-out as quickly as possible.

Consulting your 01 out chart, you know that you can double-out by hitting a triple 19 and double 12.

Or if you enter on a single 19, you can double out on triple 14 and double 20.

If you miss on these numbers, you need to figure out the next best out route.

Playing 101 is a great way to challenge yourself and a very effective way to practice 01 games and memorize out combinations.

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Solo Around the World

Around the World is a fun and simple dart game to play with friends. And it’s also the perfect way to practice on the entire dartboard.

All you’re trying to do here is go around the dartboard from numbers 1 – 20. You can either start or finish on the Bulls.

You get three darts to hit each number. Once you hit the number in sequence, you move on to the next target.

There are several ways to make this more challenging.

For example, try playing with one dart per turn. If you miss that number, you must start over from the beginning.

When you hit a double you can move two numbers ahead. If you hit a triple, then jump three numbers ahead. Very advanced players can try throwing only at the triples for each number.

Or, you can make it really fun and try to Shanghai each number (a single, double, or triple)!

Playing solo Around the World is a great way to kill time and work on unfamiliar parts of the dartboard.

Solo Baseball Darts

In the dart game of Baseball, you try to get as many points as possible in innings (numbers) 1 – 9.  If you miss an inning number, you get an out.

When playing Baseball by yourself, play the same way: try to score as many runs as possible per inning with each 3-dart turn. Once you get three outs, or when the round is over, start over and try to beat your previous score.

That’s it. This is a simple and fun way to play a few games on your own.

Consecutive 301 Games

Getting through a game of 301 is difficult for new dart players. But advanced players and competitive league throwers are very familiar with this game.

When playing 301 by yourself, you follow the same rules as a normal game. But you have the luxury of continuous play, so the practice benefits can be huge.

Play a game of 301 and try to double-out as quickly as possible. When you double-out, start the next game right away by subtracting those points.

This way you remain focused in the mindset of subtracting from 301 as efficiently as possible with common 3-dart or 2-dart out combinations.

Cricket Against Yourself

This is another simple solo dart game. Just play a round of Cricket and record your marks for each number on the scoreboard. Only throw 3-darts per turn.

After you complete one round, start a new column. Your previous round is now your opponent, and you can try to beat each number by scoring more marks in the next round.

Darts is one of the best bar games to play on your own. Pretty much any dart game can be adapted and played in single player mode.

Or you can simply spend countless hours on your strong numbers, weak numbers, and out combinations.

The possibilities are endless!

The post Throwing Solo: 7 Single Player Dart Games for Fun and Practice appeared first on Bar Games 101.