A Beginner’s Guide to Darts

A fun, timeless game that many people love is darts. From the amateur dart player to the skilled professional competing in major tournaments, it combines precision, strategy, and fun. It’s no wonder the game is an excellent choice for players of all skill levels. 

If you’re new to it and want to learn how to play darts, we’ve got the perfect beginner’s guide to darts for you. We’ll cover all the basics you need to know as a beginner so you have what you need to enjoy a fun game at home or sharpen your skills to start competing.

What is Darts?

Darts have long been a favorite pastime for so many because it’s simple, accessible, and fun for anyone and everyone. With just a dartboard, a set of darts, and a small area to play, anybody can enjoy the game. Not only that, it is great for casual gatherings and competitive play. 

You can set it up while hosting a fun night with friends, practicing solo to improve your game or participating in local leagues. The game has a rich history, starting as a leisure activity all the way back in medieval England in the 19th century. 

Today, darts is a globally recognized sport with professional tournaments and leagues worldwide.

What Equipment Do You Need to Start Playing Darts?

As with any game, you’ll need the right equipment before you start playing darts. Fortunately, setting up for darts doesn’t need a big investment. Here are some of the things you need to get the ball rolling:

Dartboards

Dartboards come in several varieties. Traditional bristle dartboards, made of compressed sisal fibers, are the go-to choice for steel-tip darts and tournament play. On the other hand, electronic dartboards are ideal for beginners because they track scores automatically.

Magnetic boards offer a safe option for kids and families. There are plenty of high-quality dartboards for beginners to explore to pick the one perfect for your setup. As a beginner, we recommend using a traditional setup to learn the ropes.

Darts and Accessories

Darts consist of three main components: shafts, flights, and tips. Soft-tip darts are lightweight and safe for electronic boards, while steel-tip darts are better for bristle boards. In order to get the most out of the game, it's important to choose the right dart shafts and dart tips when investing in your setup.

The American Darters Association (ADA) provides detailed advice on selecting dartboards and accessories you should check out for help before finding the right accessories for your setup.

What Are the Different Types of Darts?

Though they might look the same, there are different variations of darts. Choosing the right darts for beginners is important for a smooth start. You can find two primary types of darts, each more suitable for different dartboard types and playing styles.

Steel-Tip Darts

Steel-tip darts are heavier and suitable for bristle dartboards. Advanced players and professionals love using these because they are accurate and durable, making them excellent for frequent play.

Soft-Tip Darts

Soft-tip darts are light and safer, making them better for electronic dartboards and beginners. With these, your chances of damaging walls or floors is a lot lower. Their design also makes them ideal for casual play.

As a beginner, you can consider investing in soft-tip darts with an electronic dartboard. Of course, investing in steel-tip dartboards with a bristle dartboard can get you a good start as a serious player.

You can also personalize your darts with different shafts and flights to match your style and improve aerodynamics. Once you’re familiar with the game, we recommend purchasing customizable accessories.

How to Play Darts for Beginners

There are tons of variations of darts, but start with the basics when you’re learning how to play darts for beginners. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for beginners:

Setting Up Your Dartboard

The right setup is the key to having a good time playing darts. You should mount the dartboard where you have enough space to play. The bullseye should be 5 feet and 8 inches from the floor. For the throwing line, the point where you throw the darts from, should be 7 feet 9.25 inches away from the board.

While you can move in closer or further, this is the standard distance. Starting with this setup can help you practice in a setup similar to competitive games and hone your skills properly. Here’s a quick video we’ve made to help you learn how to set your dartboard up.

Learning the Throwing Stance

A good stance is essential for accuracy. Stand with your dominant foot forward and slightly angle your body. Hold the dart gently between your thumb and first two fingers, maintaining a relaxed grip. Aim with focus and release the dart in a smooth, controlled motion for the best results.

It may be a good idea to check out a few YouTube videos on the throwing stance. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. A detailed guide can help you understand the best setup for yourself.

Understanding How Scoring Works in Darts

The dartboard has several numbered sections with different points for each section and inner and outer rings that triple or double the points. The bullseye scores 50 points. If you want to check out professional rules and tips, you can check Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).

What Are the Basic Dart Rules You Should Know?

Getting a hang of the basic dart rules is important to enjoy the game. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essentials.

The Basic Rules

Players throw three darts in each round, aiming to score points based on where the darts land on the dartboard. The board has several numbered sections, with the bullseye and outer rings offering additional scoring options.
In standard games like 301 or 501:

• Players start with a set score (301 or 501)
• Each throw deducts the score earned from the total
• To win, the final score must be reduced to exactly zero, with the last dart landing in a "double" (outer ring or double bullseye)

If a player scores more than needed to reach zero, their turn is void, and their score resets to what it was before the round.

Dart Games for Beginners: Fun and Easy Ways to Start

Dart games for beginners provide an engaging way to practice and enjoy the sport while improving accuracy, building confidence, and introducing strategic play.

Around the Clock

A great game for honing precision, Around the Clock aka Around the World challenges players to hit numbers sequentially from 1 to 20. The goal is to hit each number in order, moving to the next only after successfully striking the current target. It’s perfect for solo practice or casual group play.

Knockout

In this competitive game, players get three darts for every round to outscore their opponents. If a player scores less than the leading score for the round, they’re eliminated. Knockout is a fast-paced way to develop focus and accuracy under pressure.

301

Starting with 301 points, the players try to lower their score exactly to or as close as possible to zero. The final dart must land on a double. This game emphasizes scoring strategy and understanding the dartboard layout.

Kicking things off with these dart games for beginners can give you a great start to your journey of becoming a darts player.

Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Game

Getting the right start when practicing darts can help you a lot to develop your game and style. Improvement comes with the right techniques. Here are a few quick tips for beginners:

●       Maintain a steady grip and consistent stance.

●       Focus on your follow-through to improve accuracy.

●       Practice with soft-tip darts to build confidence and avoid damage to your playing area.

Why Invest in Quality Darts and Accessories?

Playing with high-quality darts and accessories makes the experience so much better. You can enjoy the game while improving your skills. If the game turns out to be something you want to explore competitively, starting with a high-quality setup can give you an excellent chance at becoming a pro.

If you’re looking for the right equipment, knowledge, and tips, GLD Products is the perfect place. Explore our Viper Dartboards and accessories to get everything you need and start playing today!