Basic Dart Rules

Dart knowledge for the beginner

The game of darts has many variations and styles of play. By learning the basic rules of darts you will be able to easily pick up even the most complicated games.

The easiest dart game to learn is called "01." Since this is the most basic game, learning the rules and practicing your throw are the best ways to begin enjoying darts.

The object of the game

The goal and basic rules of 01 is to be the first player to reduce your score from a predetermined initial number down to zero. The name 01 refers to the number of points that each player starts with at the beginning of the game.

For example, a common beginning score at tournaments is 501. House rules might also dictate that games begin with scores like 301, 601, 801, or 1001. Higher beginning scores are most often used in team play.

Taking turns

The basic rules of 01 state that players alternate turns, throwing three darts each turn. After the three darts are thrown, players retrieve their darts and subtract their collected points from the beginning score before the next player's turn begins.

Darts that do not stick or completely miss the board are worth zero points and cannot be retrieved or re-thrown during that turn.

Counting down to zero

In order to finish a game of 01, a player's score must reach exactly zero, and the winning dart must contact a "double" section on the dartboard. (A double section is the slender scoring section along the outside of the dartboard or the bull's-eye.)

Landing on zero, known as "going out", can be the most challenging part of the dart game. For example, say a player has 18 points remaining. To win, that player could hit a double nine to reach zero. A player with an odd-numbered would need to continue throwing until his or her score is an even number, doubling out is impossible with a number that cannot be evenly divided.

Talk like a pro

You'll understand the basic rules of darts better - and have a lot more fun - if you become familiar with the terminology particular to playing darts. For instance, scoring 100 to 150 points in a single turn is called a "ton," while throwing a score of 151 or higher is called a "high ton." Throwing three bulls-eyes in one turn is known as a "hat trick."

Like most games, you need to learn the basic rules of darts to move on to the many exciting games and variations available. With so many choices it's no surprise that darting is a favorite pastime for millions of people around the world.

More information on dart boards