When it comes to darts, there are a variety of boards used for different purposes, but the American dart board holds a special place for enthusiasts across the world. It has gained prominence, especially in the U.S., where it is frequently used in casual games as well as official tournaments. But what exactly makes this board distinct? Let’s dive into its unique features, history, and usage.
History of American Dart Board
The beginning of American dart boards dates back to the early 20th century, evolving from an English dartboard variation. Often referred to as the “Standard American Dart Board,” it generally has a larger bullseye and makes use of softer-tipped darts for safety and accessibility. First popularized in bars and recreational clubs, its design became an icon with the rise of league competitions in the United States during the mid-1900s.
Several companies like “Widdy” and “Darto” produced the boards, utilizing primarily wood as the material, as opposed to the bristle used in the English boards. The American dartboard became the standard for casual and competitive play alike over time, which very much so characterized this uniquely American twist on the game of darts-a combination of skill, tradition, and socializing.
Design and Construction of the American Style Dart Board
American dart board has many differences from a common English dartboard, and here are some of them. American dartboards are made from basswood, using only the end grain sections of the wood. Boards come with rotatable centers that can be flipped such that the board does not wear out at a given angle.
The American board possesses thin steel wires that indicate the scoring sections and not wide steel strips, which is standard for most boards. The wider steel dividers on English boards contribute to the chance of fumbling and dropping on the floors.
On the other hand, the reduced thickness of American-style number rings, which measure approximately 0.01 inches (0.25 mm), is fully embedded into the surface, thereby leaving a narrow slit that prevents a dart from bouncing off as soon as it makes contact with the steel.
In addition, the placement of scoring areas on an American board differs from that of an English board. In particular, the cork of an American board is one section that is distinguished neither as ‘inner’ nor as ‘outer’. The sequence of numbers (20, 1, 18, 4, and so on) still matches the order on a standard English dart board.
Furthermore, the treble ring is placed at the perimeter, closer to the outer edge than from the center to the outer edge, and the double ring lies adjacent to the treble. The rest of the area on the board represents the only scoring line.
You will note that the bullseye is red, as a single area is red and the double ring is red, while the outermost triple ring is uncolored. The entire scoring area is surrounded by a highly visible blue out-of-bounds line.
American Style Darts
The ends of the American darts are made of wooden barrels with turkey feather flights attached around the barrel. At the end of this wooden part, a metal tip is screwed in. The visible part of this metal tip can be either brass or what is called tempered steel.
A lead weight is attached to one end of the metal tip, which is the part that goes into the wooden barrel. By placing the heaviest part of the metal tip into the wood, the center of gravity moves from the tip towards the center of the dart, helping it fly more steadily.
American Dart Board Height and Distance
The “American” dartboard has a slightly modified basic shape and is positioned a few inches closer and lower than the “English” dartboard. The main part: The height of the cork is 1.60 meters (5 feet 3 inches). The required distance is 7 feet 3.25 inches or 221 centimeters from the back of the dartboard.
So, the throw line is 106.4 inches or 2.70 meters from the center of the cork. But, the American Baseball Darts Association (ABDA) says the distance should be 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) from the front of the dartboard. The distance from the center of the cork to the throw line is 107.4 inches or about 2.73 meters.
Gameplay on an American-Style Dart Board
American-style dart games prioritize simplicity, making them ideal for casual settings like bars, arcades, and family game rooms. Some popular games associated with this board include:
Baseball Darts
Players aim to “score runs” by hitting designated sections corresponding to bases (e.g., single, double, triple).This game mirrors the rules of baseball, complete with innings and outs.
High Score
Each player throws three darts per round, aiming to achieve the highest cumulative score over a predetermined number of rounds.
Around the Clock
Players must hit every number on the board in sequential order, from 1 to 10 or 1 to 20. The bulls-eye typically serves as the final target.
Cricket (American Style)
This variation of Cricket uses the simplified scoring zones of the American board, making the game faster and easier for beginners.
American Dart Board Cabinet
An American dart board cabinet is multi-functional with an aesthetic design that brings beauty to a darts arrangement. Constructed from wood or composite material, it measures standard size and houses a regulation-size dartboard safely.
The front of the cabinet doors may be constructed from chalkboard or dry-erase materials on the door or may include game score panels. Retractable pockets help to place darts there in the proper order to play.
Designed to catch darts that barely hit the walls, this cabinet also protects the dartboard when closed. It comes in various styles and colors, from a simple and elegant minimalist design to a classic rustic wooden appearance.
Why Is the American-Style Dartboard Unique?
The American dartboard has a special, old-fashioned appeal, often linked to cozy, country bars and local leagues in the northeastern United States. Its hand-crafted design and special way of playing have kept it popular, even though bristle boards are more common worldwide.
For many fans, using an American dartboard is more than just playing a game—it’s a way to connect with a past time of dart-playing history.
What is the difference between An American Dart Board and An English Dart Board?
American and English darts have differences in equipment, board design, and how the game is played. American darts usually use a bigger, wooden dartboard with nine scoring areas, and the darts are made of wood with turkey feather tips. Scoring is simple, often just about hitting certain spots for points.
On the other hand, English darts use a bristle dartboard with smaller sections like doubles, triples, and a bullseye. The darts are typically made of tungsten or brass with synthetic tips.
English darts focus more on strategic scoring, like aiming for triples or finishing games like 501. These differences show how the sport is influenced by culture and location.