Understanding the Basics of Dart Scoring
Darts is a popular sport that is played by individuals or teams in pubs, bars, and even at a professional level. The objective of the game is to score points by throwing darts at a target, known as the dartboard. If you are new to darts and want to understand how to calculate your dart score, here is a guide to help you get started.
The Dartboard
The dartboard consists of numbered sections that are divided into various segments. The center of the dartboard is the bullseye, which has two sections – the outer bull and the inner bull. The outer bull is worth 25 points, while the inner bull (also known as the bullseye) is worth 50 points.
Surrounding the bullseye are the twenty numbered sections, ranging from 1 to 20. Each section has its own value, with the outer sections being worth more points than the inner sections. The double ring, located on the outer edge of the dartboard, doubles the value of the section it is hit on. Similarly, the triple ring, located just inside the double ring, triples the value of the section it is hit on.
Scoring a Dart Throw
When throwing a dart, the score is determined by the section of the dartboard that the dart lands in. Here are some key points to remember while calculating your dart score:
- When a dart lands on the outer bull, the player scores 25 points.
- If the dart lands on the inner bull (bullseye), the player scores 50 points.
- A dart that lands in the double ring of a numbered section doubles the value of that section.
- Similarly, a dart that lands in the triple ring of a numbered section triples the value of that section.
- A dart that hits the wire or does not stick into the dartboard does not score any points.
Calculating the Total Score
The total score in a game of darts is calculated by adding up the points scored in each throw. Typically, players take turns throwing three darts each, and the total score is determined at the end of each turn. Here’s an example to illustrate how the total score is calculated:
Player A throws their three darts and lands in the triple 20, single 5, and double 16 sections. This means they score 60 (triple 20), 5 (single 5), and 32 (double 16) points respectively. Adding up these scores, their total for the turn is 97 points. Player B then takes their turn and repeats the same process.
Winning the Game
The objective of the game is to reach a specific target score or to be the first player/team to reach zero. In some variations of the game, the target score is set at 501 or 301. Players subtract their score from the starting target score and continue until they reach zero. However, the game must end with a double or the bullseye.
For example, if a player has a remaining score of 32, they must hit a double 16 or bullseye to win the game. If they do not hit a double or the bullseye, their turn ends, and their score remains the same for their next turn.
Now that you understand the basics of dart scoring, you can start practicing and improving your skills. Remember to abide by the rules of the game and keep track of your score accurately. Enjoy playing darts and have fun!
