Darts Rules
Darts Rules
Darts is a sport with a rich history, evolving from a pastime enjoyed in British pubs to a globally recognized competitive game. Its simplicity and accessibility make it appealing to everyone, whether you’re a casual player or an avid follower of professional darts competitions.
In this guide, we’ll explore the history and origin of darts, explain the rules of the game, and discuss its professional side, including top players, famous tournaments, and how to watch PDC darts.
The History and Origin of Darts
The history and origin of darts dates back to the medieval period. It began as a military training activity where soldiers would throw spears or arrows at the bottom of a barrel to improve their aim. Over time, the game became popular in taverns, evolving into what we know today. The dartboard became standardized, and the modern game emerged in the early 20th century in Britain.
The Dartboard and Dartsboard Set
A standard dartboard consists of 20 numbered sections, each offering different points, from 1 to 20. At the center lies the bullseye—green for the outer ring (25 points) and red for the inner bullseye (50 points). Many casual players use a basic dartsboard set, which includes a dartboard, darts, and sometimes additional accessories like chalk or scorecards.
How to Count Darts Scores
Knowing how to count darts scores is key to playing well. In a standard game, players aim to reduce their starting score, usually 501, to zero.
Points are subtracted from the total score with each throw. Scoring depends on where the dart lands: a dart hitting the outer ring of a numbered section scores double, while the middle ring scores triple. To win, a player must hit a double (or bullseye) to bring their score to exactly zero.
Types of Darts Games
Darts is more than just a single game. There are several types of darts games, each with its own set of rules. Popular games include:
- 501 – The most common professional game, where players start with a score of 501 and work their way down to zero.
- Cricket – Players aim to “close” certain numbers on the board by hitting them three times.
- Around the Clock – Players try to hit every number in sequence from 1 to 20.
Professional Darts Competitions and Darts Organizations
Darts has grown into a major professional sport, governed by several darts organizations. The most prominent is the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), which organizes many top-tier tournaments.
The World Darts Championship, held annually by the PDC, is the pinnacle of the sport, attracting players from all over the globe. Professional darts competitions are televised, and fans can easily learn how to watch PDC darts through major sports networks or online streaming platforms.
| Competition | Organizer | Description |
| World Darts Championship | Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) | The most prestigious event in darts, held annually. The competition determines the world’s best player, with participants from all over the globe. |
| Premier League Darts | PDC | A league competition featuring the top players in the world, played over several months in different cities across Europe. |
| UK Open | PDC | Often referred to as the “FA Cup of darts,” this tournament features a random draw after each round, making for unpredictable matchups and excitement. |
| World Matchplay | PDC | Held annually in Blackpool, this tournament is known for its unique legs format, played in a knockout style. |
| Grand Slam of Darts | PDC | An event that features players from both the PDC and BDO (British Darts Organization) in a mixed tournament. |
| European Championship | PDC | A tournament that features the top-ranked players on the PDC European Tour, focusing on European talent and competition. |
| World Cup of Darts | PDC | A unique team competition where players represent their countries, with pairs playing both singles and doubles matches. |
| World Masters | World Darts Federation (WDF) | One of the longest-running darts tournaments, hosted by the WDF. It has both men’s and women’s categories and attracts a global field of players. |
| BDO World Darts Championship | British Darts Organization (BDO) | The original darts world championship, now overtaken in prominence by the PDC’s version but still an important part of darts history. |
| WDF World Cup | World Darts Federation (WDF) | A major international team event, where countries compete for world champion status in both singles and team formats. |
| PDC Players Championship | PDC | A series of ranking events where players accumulate points for qualification to major tournaments like the World Darts Championship. |
The Top 10 Darts Players and Women Darts Players
| Top 10 Darts Players | Country | Women Darts Players | Country |
| Michael van Gerwen | Netherlands | Fallon Sherrock | England |
| Gerwyn Price | Wales | Lisa Ashton | England |
| Peter Wright | Scotland | Mikuru Suzuki | Japan |
| Jonny Clayton | Wales | Aileen de Graaf | Netherlands |
| Rob Cross | England | Lorraine Winstanley | England |
| Nathan Aspinall | England | Anastasia Dobromyslova | Russia |
| Dimitri Van den Bergh | Belgium | Deta Hedman | England |
| James Wade | England | Corrine Hammond | Australia |
| Gary Anderson | Scotland | Trina Gulliver | England |
| Dirk van Duijvenbode | Netherlands | Rhian O’Sullivan | Wales |
Darts today boasts a roster of incredibly talented athletes. Who are the top 10 darts players? The list includes legends like Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, and Gerwyn Price. While men have historically dominated the sport, there has been a growing presence of women darts players, with icons like Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton making headlines for their achievements on the world stage.
Darts Today
Today, darts is a global phenomenon. Thanks to televised tournaments, online platforms, and international competitions, the game continues to attract new fans and players alike. Whether you’re practicing with a dartsboard set in your garage or cheering on your favorite player at the World Darts Championship, the game offers endless excitement for everyone involved.
Darts is more than just a pub game. Its history and origin reflect centuries of evolution, while its dartboard and scoring rules provide a fun challenge for casual players. The rise of professional darts competitions, such as the World Darts Championship, has propelled the sport to new heights. From top athletes to rising women darts players, darts today is a game enjoyed by millions worldwide.