As a beginner in the world of darts, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common dart terms to better understand the game and communicate with other players. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing in tournaments, these terms will come in handy. In this article, we will be discussing some of the most common dart terms used in the game.
1. Understanding the Dartboard
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The Bullseye
The Bullseye is the center of the dartboard, which is worth the most points (50). It is divided into two parts, with the outer ring (the outer bull) worth 25 points and the inner circle (the inner bull) worth 50 points.
Scoring Zones
The dartboard is divided into different scoring zones. Each zone has its own point value, and players aim to hit specific areas to maximize their score. The outer ring, for example, is worth 1 point, while the triple ring is worth three times the number displayed on the dart.
Sectors and Segments
The scoring zones on the dartboard are often referred to as sectors or segments. These terms are used to describe specific areas of the board, such as the double ring, the treble ring, and the number areas.
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2. Dart Technique and Throws
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Throw
A throw refers to the action of throwing a dart. It includes the movement of the arm, the release of the dart, and the follow-through. A successful throw requires accuracy and consistency.
Stance
The stance refers to the positioning of the player’s body before and during the throw. The most common stances include the side stance, where the player stands sideways to the dartboard, and the front stance, where the player is facing the dartboard directly.
Grip
The grip refers to how a player holds the dart. There are various grip styles, including the pencil grip, where the dart is held like a pencil, and the claw grip, where the dart is held with the fingers curled around it like a claw.
Release
The release is the moment when the player lets go of the dart. It is important to have a consistent and smooth release to ensure accuracy. Some players prefer a smooth release, while others may use a flick or snap of the wrist.
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3. Scoring Terms
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Double
A double refers to the outer ring of the dartboard, which is marked with a double score zone. Hitting a double means landing a dart in this specific zone and scoring double the number displayed on the board.
Treble
The treble refers to the inner ring of the dartboard, which is marked with a triple score zone. Hitting a treble means landing a dart in this specific zone and scoring triple the number displayed on the board.
Bust
Busting occurs when a player exceeds the remaining score they need to finish the game. For example, if a player has 20 remaining and throws a dart that scores more than 20, they bust and do not score any points for that turn.
Check Out
A check out refers to the act of finishing the game by reaching exactly zero points. This is achieved by hitting specific combinations of numbers that add up to the remaining score, often requiring a double or a bullseye to finish the game.
Leg
In dart games such as 501, a leg refers to a single game within a match. A match consists of multiple legs, and the player who wins the majority of legs wins the overall match.
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4. Dart Equipment
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Dart Barrel
The dart barrel is the main part of the dart that players grip. It can vary in weight, shape, and material, depending on personal preference. Common materials include brass, tungsten, and nickel-silver.
Dart Flight
The dart flight is the wing-like structure at the end of the dart barrel. It helps stabilize the dart’s trajectory in flight by reducing drag. Flights come in various shapes and sizes, affecting the dart’s flight path.
Dart Shaft
The dart shaft connects the dart barrel to the flight. It can be made from various materials such as plastic, aluminum, or carbon fiber. The length and shape of the shaft can impact the stability and balance of the dart.
Dart Point
The dart point, also known as the dart tip, is the sharp end of the dart that pierces the dartboard. Points can be either steel or soft, depending on the type of board being used.
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5. Game Variations
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501
501 is one of the most popular dart games played around the world. In this game, players start with a score of 501 and take turns throwing three darts. The objective is to reach zero by subtracting the score achieved with each throw.
Cricket
Cricket is a dart game that involves scoring points by hitting specific numbers on the dartboard. The goal is to close all the required numbers before the opponent and score more points in the process.
Round the Clock
In Round the Clock, players take turns throwing one dart at a time. They must hit each number on the dartboard in numerical order, starting from 1 and ending with the bullseye.
301
Similar to 501, 301 is a game where players start with a score of 301 and aim to reach zero. The main difference is that the starting score is lower, making it a faster-paced game.
Double In/Double Out
Double In/Double Out is a game format often used in professional tournaments. Players must start the game by hitting a double and finish the game by hitting a double, with the score subtracted on each turn.
By familiarizing yourself with these common dart terms, you’ll be able to better understand the game, communicate with other players, and enhance your overall dart-playing experience. So remember, practice makes perfect, and understanding the terminology is a stepping stone to becoming a skilled darts player.
