Game Pigeon How To Play Darts

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How To Play Darts On Game Pigeon
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How To Play Game Pigeon Darts

This article contains information about darts, including the board, dart types, and barrel grips, as well as the rules for 21 variants of the game.

Darts Practice routines : High Scoring | Checkouts & Doubles | Accuracy | Match Preparation

Why Practice? Well, basically this is a time that you can have to improve your game, practice out shots and focus on weak areas of your game. It is as important to practice hitting big scores as it is the double and finishing combinations. Remember a game isn’t won until the double is hit (most games).

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Like most sports or games warming up before a game is important. Unlike pure athletes you are unlikely to pull a muscle or suffer an injury playing darts, however, a good warm-up routine will prepare you for a match, it will help loosen your arm, improve your match games and improve your confidence.

If you feel your arm is a bit tight before you try to throw stretch your muscles by extending your arm while turning it. Flex and twist your wrist hands and fingers. All of this will help loosen your arm for throwing.

High Scoring

It doesn’t matter what standard of player you are but hitting high consistent scores in a game is an essential part of the game. A consistent high scorer is more likely to win a game than one that occasionally hits a 180 / 140 then 60 / 45. We have all been there at some stage but how do you improve? Practice of course and here are a few games I play to improve my game.

A good game to help you practice is to set yourself a target for hitting 60+, 80+, 100+, 120+, 140+ and dare I say the magic 180! Set a target against each score, let's say 10 you now have a virtual opponent! Start by trying to hit 60 or more with three darts if you hit 60 or more you score a point if you fail to score 60 then your virtual opponent scores a point the first to ten wins!

This sort of practice will help you focus on your scoring you will be able to play a virtual opponent that is consistent and as you win more move the target up. For warming up don’t set your target too high.

If in a match you can score 10 - 20 more than the person you are playing against you will have an advantage when you come to finish, it may mean you will have the first shot at the double, even if you throw second in a leg.

Checkouts & Doubles

Checkouts

Although I have placed a checkout chart on this site to help people not sure of finishing there are more way to finish than I have illustrated and in fact, many of the two darts out shots would not be considered by players when they have three darts in their hand. But it is important to practice finishing as much as heavy scoring. If you can’t hit doubles consistently then you will lose more games than you will win even if you are a heavy scorer.

There are many ways to practice doubles, you can play a game of round the clock hitting each double in turn and set a target of the number of darts you take to hit them all then try to better yourself by beating the previous score. This type of practice is fine but I would concentrate more on doubles that break down easily and the higher numbers example:

20, 10, 5
16, 8, 4, 2, 1
18, 9

Most games you will see played are finished on these doubles, why? Two reasons:

They break down easily that means if you hit the big number as opposed to the double you will still be on another double.
High score finishes often involve high doubles.

Doubles

I suggest you first choose a double let's say 16 and then set a time to score as many of the doubles as you can within the time. A 10 – 15 min on a Practice session should help you improve your chances when it comes to a match. If you can hit any double within two darts you are at a good standard.

Another way of helping you finishing is to play a game where you have to hit a number or combination of numbers before the double. An example of this could be 33 hit number 1 then double 16 once you hit it move the number up to 35 and Practice all the finishes. This will improve your ability to hit all sectors of the board as well as doubles.

Practice Game called '27'

27 is the number of points you begin with. Your first three darts are for double one, and so on until twenty and then bull. For each hit, you get the value of the double hit (three double fours would score 24). If you miss three darts at a double you lose the value of that double. If your score reaches zero you lose. A good score is 400, and a very good score is 600. Once again, keep a record of your scores and your personal best.

Improving your Accuracy

Boards

The game of darts is all about hand-eye coordination. Some board manufacturers also produce boards that have half-size doubles and trebles the aim of this is to help you improve your accuracy. If you have ever played on a Manchester Log-End Dartboard, then you will know what I mean. The doubles here are approximately 4mm wide! Playing on these boards will, without question, help you improve your game on standard board. But if you don’t have a board like this, then you can help improve your accuracy in the following way.

Targets

Close grouping of darts is always considered a good thing as this shows the consistency of throwing, but when you are throwing for trebles and doubles sometimes darts may cover/block a clear view of your objective and focusing on a smaller area is necessary. I have found you can enhance your accuracy by placing a sticker or matchstick in an area of the board that you want to hit. Here you aim for the sticker or matchstick, your focusing and hand-eye coordination will improve. If you are very skilful use a non-safety match and try lighting from your throw (Don’t worry it won’t set the board on fire!)

Since initially writing and posting this training exercise a dartboard manufacturer has produced a board that has the dots marked on it. Ideal from training but might not be the best for a match.

Darts Match Preparation - Warm-Up

If you can play others that are equal or slightly better than you before a match then this will help you when you come to play but if that’s not possible then have a virtual opponent. Set a game target i.e. number of darts to finish a game your virtual opponent will always hit. If you are a consistent 60 scorer set your target at 24 darts this sounds a lot when you look at the pro’s playing but I have watched and played in hundreds of pub and club games and you will be surprised how many games are won in 24 darts or more! Your objective is to score 501 and finish on a double within 24 darts. If you are of a standard that hits regular 100+ then set a target of 16 darts. A 16 dart game is considered very good throwing. The same rules apply score 501 with a double finish and see how many you win against your virtual opponent. If you are playing a 24 dart game and winning most or all bring the target down to 21 darts (i.e. a throw less and so on). This way you will feel some pressure to hit consistently.

There is no substitute for match play, the pressure is on, you either perform on the night or you don’t. Many good players can hit the big scores in practice but can’t when it comes to matches. I believe I fall into this category. Nerves and others expectations can all add to the tension and any tightening of the arm will inhibit your throw. The best advice I can give is to arrive early so you can have a good practice before your match, play the game through your mind and concentrate on your scores not your opponent's above all enjoy the game, we can’t all win all of the time.

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Not many games are as versatile as darts. You can play by yourself, with a friend, with several friends, or with a large group of teams. You can play at home, inside or outside, at a bar, or even a break room at work. There are many different games that you can play, and multiple variations of those games.

A dartboard is a great addition to your home gameroom. Your family will enjoy it, and it’s great for entertaining.

This article covers all the basics of darts: what you need to play, basics of the game, different games that you can play, how to throw darts correctly, as well as safety precautions.

What You Need to Play

A dart board (bristle, electronic, or magnetic)
At least 1 set of 3 darts (can be soft-tipped, steel-tipped, or magnetic)

There are different types of dartboards, but the standard dartboard is 18 inches in diameter and has 20 numbered sections shaped like pieces of pie. There is a double ring on the outside and a triple ring further inside. The bullseye is in the center. There is an outer bull and an inner bull. The inner bull is worth 50 points and the outer bull worth 25 points. This type of dartboard is sometimes called a “clock” dartboard. The 20 section is at the top and the board should be flush against the wall. Optionally, you can have a scoreboard on the wall as well. Most electronic dartboards have an LCD scoreboard display. See our recommendations for the best dartboards (bristle and electronic), best darts (steel tipped and soft tipped), best dart flights, best dart cases, best electronic dart scoreboards, and best dartboard surrounds.

Winmau Blade 5 Bristle Dartboard with All-New Thinner Wiring for Higher Scoring and Reduced Bounce-Outs

Franklin Sports Professional Wire Dartboard - Regulation Size Dartboard - 18' Inch Bristle Dartboard

Winmau Blade 5 Bristle Dartboard with All-New Thinner Wiring for Higher Scoring and Reduced Bounce-Outs

Franklin Sports Professional Wire Dartboard - Regulation Size Dartboard - 18' Inch Bristle Dartboard

Darts Basics

There are a lot of different games and ways to play, and even different dartboards.

The board should be hung so the bullseye is 5 feet and 8 inches from the ground, according to the Professional Darts Corporation.

If playing with steel-tip darts, the toeline or throwing line is 7 feet and 9.25 inches from the dartboard (this distance is referred to as the oche), according to the National Dart Association. If playing with soft-tipped darts, the toeline is 8 feet from the dartboard. You can mark the line on the floor with tape, paint, or chalk. Some tournaments use a small wooden board that sticks up from the ground as the throwing line.

Rules of Different Dart Games

There are many different games that you can play. Here is a summary of the rules for several popular games.

Game: 501

Player of team starts with 501 points (can also be played with 301 points). You win by being the first to reach zero. This game can be played by two or more players or teams. A player or team throws 3 darts, and the scores from those throws are subtracted from 501 until the player or team reaches 0.

You must throw a double to hit zero. For example, if you have 40 points remaining you must hit a double 20 to win the game.

This can be played as a single game, or as a “best of” series. For example, best of 5 (first player or team to win 3 games will win the series).

An optional rule, is that the players must start and end the scoring with a double. Under this rule, at the beginning of the game no points are awarded until the player throws a double.

Game: Cricket

There are either two players of two teams. Only numbers 15 – 20 and the bullseye are in play. Each player or teams takes turns throwing three darts in succession. The throwing of three darts is referred to as an inning or a turn. The player of team must score three of a particular number in order to close the inning. This can be done with three singles of the number, a single and a double of the number, or a triple of the number.

When a player or team scores three of a number in one inning, that player or team “owns” the number. After both players or teams have scored three of a particular number, that number is closed and no more scoring will take place from that number by either team or player. Numbers can be owned or closed an any order. For example, you do not have to start at 15 and work up to 20. After a player or team has “owned” a number, that player or team can continue scoring points on that number until the opponent closes the inning.

For closing the bullseye, the inner bull is a double and the outer bull is a single. So to get three, you would need one outer bull plus one inner bull, or three outer bulls.

To win the game you must be the player or team that closes all the innings first, and has the most points. If points are tied, the player or team that closes all innings first is the winner. If you close all of the innings first but you are behind your opponent in points, in order to win you must score on any numbers not closed until you are ahead of your opponent in points.

Game: Killer

Killer is usually played with three or more players or teams. To start the game, each player or team throws a dart with his or her off hand (with your left hand if you are right handed, and with your right hand if you are left handed). The number hit becomes that player or team’s number for the game. If the number has already been taken by another player or team, or if the throw misses the dartboard completely, the player makes another throw.

Each player or team will throw three darts in succession. First, you need to hit the double of your own number. Once you have done this you become a “killer”. After you are a killer you can aim for the doubles of the numbers of other players or teams. Each player or team has three lives. Whenever a killer hits a player or team’s double, that player or team loses one life. So the object is to kill off all of your opponents. But you also lose a life is you mistakenly hit the double of your own number. The game ends when only one player has any lives remaining.

Game: Baseball

Baseball can be played by two or more players or teams. There are nine innings, and each player or team will get a turn to throw three darts in the inning. Only numbers 1 – 9 are in play, and only one number per inning. In the first inning, only the number one is in play. In the second inning, only the number two is in play, and so on. Scoring is the same for each inning, regardless of which number is in play. A single is worth one point. A double is worth two points. And a triple is worth three points.

At the end of nine innings, the player or team with the most points wins. If the score is tied after nine innings, the players or teams who are tied will continue with extra innings, starting with number 10. If one player or team leads after 10 innings, the game will be over. If it is still tied, the game will keep going.

Game: Shanghai

Shanghai is somewhat similar to baseball. It can be played by any number of players or teams. The numbers in play are 1 – 7, and there are 7 rounds or innings. In the first round or inning each player or team will throw three darts in succession, and points can only be scored on the number one. In the second round or inning points can only be scored on the number two, and so on.

Unlike baseball, the scoring will be different for each round. In the first round you will earn one point for each dart that hits the number one, so the most you can earn is three points. In the second round you will earn two points for each dart that hits the number two, so the most you can earn is six points. And so on. The possible scores get higher each inning.

At the end of the seven rounds or innings, the player or team with the most points wins the game. The other way to win is by scoring a Shanghai. A Shanghai is when you get a single, double, and triple of the number in play with your three darts. If any player or team gets a Shanghai, the game is over and that player or team wins.

Game: Around the World or Around the Board

This game is played by two or more players or teams. Each player or team throws three darts in succession. In order to win you must be the first player or team to hit each number, 1 – 20. You can hit a single, double, or triple, but you cannot move on until you have hit each number in order. For example, you must hit one first, then attempt to hit two, and so on.

Game: 20 to 1

20 to 1 is a variation of Around the World. In 20 to 1 there can be two or more players or teams, and each player or team throws three darts in succession. You must hit each number is succession, starting with 20 and going down. After going all the way down to 1, the player must get a bullseye (outer or inner) to win.

Game: Legs

Legs can be played with two or more players or teams. All numbers on the board are in play, with singles, doubles, and triples being used for scoring. Each player starts with three legs. One player or team starts by throwing three darts in succession, scoring as many points as possible. The next player must score more points that the previous player or lose a leg. The last player with a leg remaining is the winner.

Game: 51 by 5’s

This game can be played by two or more players or teams. All numbers on the dartboard are in play. Singles, doubles, triples, and bullseyes are used for scoring. Each player throws three darts in succession. In order to keep any points from your round, the total number of points earned in that round must be divisible by 5. For example, if you had a single 5 and a double 10, that would equal 25 points earned. Twenty five divided by five equals five, so you would score a five for that round. If your score from the round is not divisible by five, you keep no points from that round.

The game goes on until one player or team reaches 51. But in order to win, the player or team must score all three darts in the final round (so if you have a number divisible by five after two darts, you can’t miss the board entirely on your third dart).

How to Throw Darts

There are a lot of different styles and techniques for throwing darts. Let’s take a look at the basics of grip, stance, and throwing motion.

How to Grip or Hold the Dart

The first aspect of properly throwing a dart involves your grip. While there are different techniques, what is most important is that you grip or hold the dart in a way that is comfortable and natural for you. There is no right or wrong way to hold the dart.

Grip the dart just tight enough that it does not slip out of your hard, but not so tight that it puts pressure or tension on your fingers.
The more fingers you use for the grip, the more control you can have. But more fingers on the dart also means that you will need better finger coordination so they are all releasing the dart together.
Any fingers that are not used in your grip should be spread apart from your other fingers that are used for the grip. Be sure that these unused fingers are not bumping up against your other fingers or pressing against your hand.
While there are a lot of different ways to grip a dart, the most common options are to use your thumb, plus two or three other fingers. The photo below shows an example grip using the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. The thumb and two fingers are lightly gripping the dart. The ring finger and pinky finger are kept away and not touching the other fingers.

How To Play Darts On Game Pigeon

Example grip with thumb and two fingers

Proper Stance for Throwing Darts

The correct stance is also important.

If you are right handed your right foot should be at the edge of the toe line, and your left foot behind it.
Your feet and shoulders should create a 90 degree angle to the toe line. This places your throwing should in front of you, facing the dartboard.
You weight should be mostly on your right (front) foot, with your left foot mostly for support and balance.
Lean forward very slightly.

If you throw left handed, this would be reversed. Your left foot would be forward and your right foot in the back.

Arm Motion for Throwing Darts

Keep your shoulder still.
The motion should be in your arm, with the rest of your body still.
The tip of the dart should be slightly up. If the tip is turned down, even just a little, it will have trouble sticking when it hits the board.
Use your eyes to line up the tip of the dart with your target on the board. Focus on the target.
To start the motion, keep your elbow still and move your forearm back towards you to generate some momentum and force.
Move your arm forward in the throwing motion. Keep it smooth and steady. You want some acceleration to throw the dart with some force, but you want to be under control.
As you extend your arm to throw the dart, your elbow should move slightly up. Sometimes you’ll hear that you should keep your elbow totally still, but this is not true. If your elbow is stationary it will cause the dart to go below your intended target.
Follow through with the motion after you release the dart. Your hand should wind up pointing towards the target. You can either snap your wrist or keep it locked. Snapping the wrist will give the throw more force, but uses more motion that you will need to control in order to have an accurate throw.

Starting position before the throwing motion