How to Play Darts

If you're competitive, think about mastering this game in the family room den before braving the scene at the local watering hole. Here's how to get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nonskid Tapes
• Measuring Tapes
• 2 Sets Of 3 Darts
• Dartboards

1. Hang the dartboard so that the center is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor.

2. Mark the throwing line, called the 'oche' (rhymes with 'hockey'), with nonskid tape. The line should be 7 feet, 9 1 /4 inches from the face of the dartboard (not the wall), according to the World Darts Federation.

3. Make sure the tape mark lies so that the front edge is the actual line. In other words, a player may step on the tape, but not past it.

4. Give each player or team three darts, and determine who throws first by having each player or team representative throw one dart. The player or team whose dart is closest to the center, or bull's-eye, gets to go first.

5. Warm up, as competitive dart players do, by alternating throws until each person has thrown nine darts.

6. Once the game begins, take your turn by throwing your three darts.

7. Add up the score. Each part of the board has a number, and that is the dart's score.

8. Count a dart that misses the board completely as a throw. The score for that dart is zero.

9. Remove your darts and allow the other player to throw.

10. Alternate until the game is over. There are numerous dart games, including the simple one in which players throw five sets, and whoever has the highest score wins.

Tips & Warnings

• Another popular game is to have each team begin with a set number of points (such as 301 or 501) and then try to reduce its score to exactly zero. Whatever number you hit with the dart is subtracted from the total. The team that hits zero first wins.

[brettkun]

on 6/21/2007 Where can I get some free info on how to throw darts with precision and accuracy? Did a google and was very disappointed. Would rather go gamble and hang out at my own site htp://www.gamblecan.com/default.aspx

[amazinguy]

on 1/31/2007 hi!!!!!

[Redshredder]

on 1/29/2007 Louis ---

Practice practice practice, my friend. If you have your own set of darts (highly recommended) you will eventually get accustomed to their weight and you'll know how hard or soft you will need to toss them. Everyone has his/her own technique for throwing a dart. I hold my dart vertically over the spot where I want it to go, then just float it out there, using only my elbow joint. Finally, as with any other competitive game or sport, play against someone who is better/more experienced than you. That will force you to strive to be better. And have fun!!

[louis_bull]

on 1/16/2007 how can i improve on my shot accuracy?

[louis_bull]

on 1/16/2007 how can i improve on my shot accuracy?