Hey there, dart fans! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, welcome to the world of American darts. Today, I’m going to guide you through the process of playing American darts as if you and your opponent in a game together. Imagine you are standing side by side at the oche (the throwing line), sipping on your favorite beverages, and trading tips as you aim for the bullseye.
What do you need to know
Before we throw our first dart, let’s talk about the essentials.
Dartboard: In American darts, people play on a wooden dartboard-real wood!-made of basswood. This differs from the bristle board known in English-style darts. It’s marked with numbers 1 to 9 in a circular arrangement- the bullseye is at the center. There is no treble ring; the double ring is just inside the outermost edge.
Darts: American darts are usually feathered and made from wood or plastic, with a steel tip. The feather flights are colored and give the darts an excellent look. Believe that, they are a real treat to throw!
Players and Teams: You can play solo, head-to-head, or in teams. For this game, let’s imagine we’re playing doubles—two players per team.
The Scoring Rules of the American Darts
American darts revolves around simple, straightforward scoring games. The most popular format is Baseball, a game that mirrors the innings of America’s favorite pastime. Each round corresponds to an inning, from the first through the ninth.
The goal is to hit the numbers that match the inning. For example, in the first inning, you’re aiming for the “1” section of the board; in the second inning, it’s the “2” section, and so on. Bullseyes come into play for bonus points in some variations, but for now, let’s keep it classic.
Each player gets three darts per inning, and your score for that round is the total of all valid hits. Only darts that land in the correct inning’s section count, so accuracy is everything. Trust me, there’s nothing like the thrill of nailing a triple on your last dart to pull ahead in a tight match.
How to Play this Game
Stepping up to the board, it’s game time. You are playing American darts with a twist—Baseball style. If you’re new to this, don’t worry. By the end of nine “innings,” you’ll be calling the shots like a pro.
Now, you are playing on an American-style dartboard with no triples, just singles, doubles, and bullseyes. The goal? Score points by hitting specific sections of the board, inning by inning. Each inning corresponds to a number, starting with 1 in the first inning, 2 in the second, and so on, all the way to 9.
Alright, you are first. The rule here is simple: in the first inning, you can only score by hitting the 1 segment. Each dart counts. A single is worth 1 point, a double gives me 2, and if you miss? Well, that’s a strikeout in dart terms—zero points.
Your first dart lands smack in the single 1—safe hit! The second…just misses the wire. No points there. Third dart? A double 1! That’s 3 points to start the game.
Now it’s your opponent turn. Your opponent grabs his darts and aims for the 2s. This inning works just like the first, but now your opponent is focused on the 2 segment. Consistency is key here. You will admit, by the third inning, you always start sweating. Those triples, like the 3, can feel tight.
You and your opponent are into the thick of it now, chasing doubles for big points. As the innings progress, the pressure builds. The 5s and 6s, especially, feel like game-changers. When you hit a double 5 for 10 points, it’s a fist pump moment.
Inning 9 is where champions are made. Your opponent target is the 9s, and by now, every point counts. Your strategy? Stay calm, breathe, and let muscle memory guide the dart. Your first dart lands single 9. Second dart? Double 9! That could clinch the game.
After nine innings, you both tally up the scores. Whoever has the most points wins. Just like in baseball, there’s strategy, focus, and the thrill of clutch moments.
Tips for Improvement
- Consistency is key. If you are new, spend time practicing your grip, stance, and release. Over time, you’ll develop a natural rhythm.
- Darts is a game that requires both mental and physical skills. Clear your mind, visualize the target, and trust your throw.
- Don’t be afraid to lose because that’s the fastest way to learn. Observe how the experienced players throw and pick up on their techniques.
- And don’t strangle the dart, do not overthink the throw of it. The release is much smoother, hence more accurate, when your hand and head are relaxed.
Etiquette for this Game
American darts is quite different from the more traditional “English style darts” in that players do not remove the thrown darts; instead, they are left on the board for the next player. This is done for a variety of practical purposes:
- Instead of each player possessing a particular set of darts, almost all situations use a common set. Thus, all you would need to do if you were to retrieve the ones you just threw is to simply pass the darts on to the next player right away.
- Considering this, it is really quicker for the next shooter to take the darts off of the board than for the previous shooter to do so and then pass a handful of three sharpened steel darts onto the next player.
- The score of the player that played previously may be displayed and verified by the player who plays after him. This way, a scorekeeper does not have to stand near the board anymore.
- Each player needs to approach the board prior to, and not after, throwing because dart maintenance items – like a potato or sharpening stone – are usually kept at the board in order to wet the tips of the darts. With this, the player can easily prepare the darts to his liking.
How do you Score American Darts?
To earn points in darts, the dart must land in one of the scoring areas. If it misses or lands outside these areas, no points are given. The outer bullseye is worth 1 point, and the inner bullseye is worth 2 points. Points are added together, and the game usually involves reaching a set total first, which requires good aim.
Players try to hit certain numbers depending on the game, like 301, Cricket (American Version), or Baseball. Points are counted based on where the darts land, and missed shots get no points. To score high, players need good strategy and aim.
How do you Throw American Darts?
Playing American darts demands accuracy, steadiness, and good technique. Begin with a balanced position, facing the board at a small angle. Hold the dart securely but not too tightly, gripping it near the middle for better control. Lift your arm to eye level, making sure the dart points toward your target.
Use a smooth movement, pulling your forearm back and then pushing it forward, releasing the dart when your arm is fully stretched. Don’t overuse your wrist, as the main motion should come from your forearm. Keep practicing regularly to build muscle memory and improve your aim for the smaller, more difficult American dartboard.
What is the Distance for American darts?
The configuration of the boards varies slightly. The height from the floor to the bullseye measures 5 feet 8 inches, while the throwing distance for British players is 7 feet 9 inches. In contrast, for American darst, the height to the center is 5 feet 3 inches, and the distance to the throwing line is 7 feet 3 inches.