Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Darts

Darts, the only sport where the ‘athletes’ require a steady nerve rather than getting into supreme physical shape. Training consists more of drinking pints of beer than training hard to obtain a body like a Greek Adonis. This is the allure of darts for many, where you can train down your local pub rather than on a sports field. 

A brief history of darts

Invented in England, the modern game was played in taverns and pubs in the UK during the last 100 years. However, darts was not always allowed in pubs; it was once prohibited due to concerns over whether it was a game of chance or skill, but regulations eventually changed to permit it. The first paper folded dart flight was patented in 1898 by an American, and in 1906 an Englishman patented the first metal barrel.

Traditionally a working man’s sport, darts popularity grew throughout the 1980s and ‘90s and since the new millennium, saw an increase in tournaments and increased prize money. The BBC played a significant role in broadcasting major darts tournaments, greatly increasing the sport’s visibility and popularity. However, the sport later lost some sponsorship and TV coverage, which led to fewer tournaments and reduced exposure for players and fans.

The leading tournaments and matches drew huge crowds complete with entertainment, drama and alcohol! Even the players enter the arena similar to boxing players to massive style fanfare and rock music.

As the game evolved, various regional dartboard variations emerged, such as the London Fives board with its unique segment layout, Log End boards from Yorkshire and Manchester known for their smaller size and lack of trebles, and the Jersey board popular in certain areas. Notably, John Lowe came close to achieving a nine-dart finish on a special ‘quad’ ring board during the 1993 PDC UK Matchplay, marking a memorable moment in darts history.

The objective of darts

In darts, players begin with a ‘score’ of 501 points with the aim to reduce this number to zero. They do this by throwing three darts during their turn before the opposition player has a go. There is a caveat though when players attempt to reach zero; the final points must be on a ‘double.’

The first to zero wins the ‘leg,’ with players needing to win a certain amount of legs to win a darts match.

The dartboard in darts

A dartboard is a circular board divided into twenty segments, almost like a pizza. Each segment holds a numerical value around the board. The outer ring around the segments constitutes doubling of the segment number. The inner circle denotes tripling of the scoring.

There are two small rings in the centre of the board, the ‘bullseye’ in the centre worth 50 points and the outer-bull worth 25 points.

For example, if a dart lands on the ’17 segment’, the player reduces their score by 17 points. If the second dart lands on the outer ring above the ’17 segment’, then they take another 2 x 17 points (34 points) off their score. If the final dart lands on the inner score above the ’20 segment’, then the score is tripled (3 x 20 points), removing 60 points off their score. So, the total amount deducted off their score is 111 points.

Hence, you’ll notice players attempting to hit the triple ’20 segment’ more often than other segments because if all three darts hit there, they would remove 180 points off their score – the highest amount a player can knock off their score.

Any darts that land outside of the segments will score zero points.

Types of games in darts

Darts isn’t just a single game—it’s a whole world of different games and variations, each with its own set of rules and challenges. The most iconic is “501” (or its shorter cousin, “301”), where each player starts with a set score and races to reach exactly zero, finishing on a double. This classic format is the backbone of most professional tournaments and is the game you’ll see in a typical darts match.

But the sport doesn’t stop there. “Cricket” is another fan favorite, where players score points by hitting specific numbers on the board, adding a strategic twist to the action. If you’re looking to test your accuracy, “Around the Clock” challenges players to hit every number on the board in order—a true test of consistency and skill.

For those who enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry, “Killer” is a game where players aim to eliminate each other by hitting designated targets, with the last player standing declared the winner. Darts players can also join “Tournaments” and “Leagues,” which bring together competitors of all levels for a mix of social fun and serious competition.

If you’re chasing the highest score, “High Score” games are all about racking up as many points as possible in a set number of rounds. On the flip side, “Low Score” games flip the script, challenging players to achieve the lowest score instead. With so many games and variations, darts remains a dynamic sport that keeps players and fans coming back for more, whether you’re playing for fun or aiming to achieve greatness in tournaments.

Scoring and highest score in darts

During darts, players are given three throws in a row before their opponent attempts to reduce their score. As mentioned, the aim at the beginning is to achieve three triple 20s scoring one hundred and eighty. Players who do this on their turn see the crowd scream in excitement!

To win a darts leg, players must reduce their score to exactly zero with the last throw landing on a double (the segments in the outer ring) or the bullseye. Players must check out their remaining score with the fewest darts possible, and being close to zero puts extra pressure on making the right finishing shot.

For example, if a player has a remaining score of 10, then they are not able to land on a single ‘10 segment’ because it is not a double. Thus, the player will aim for the ‘double 5 segment’ that scores the 10 points required to get their score to zero, and hence win the leg.

If attempting to hit the ‘double 5 segment’ and a player misses, landing outside the scoring segments, that dart scores zero points and the player still has 10 points remaining to win the leg. If a player hits the ‘double 3 segment’ they score six points and now require to hit the ‘double 2 segment’ to get to zero and win the leg.

If players ‘overshoot’ their attempted score (for example hitting a double 10 and scoring 20) then not only do they lose their turn (even if they have one or two throws left) but their score returns to what it was at the start of their last turn.

Professional darts: the big leagues

Step into the world of professional darts, and you’ll find a sport packed with drama, skill, and big rewards. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) stands at the heart of the action, organizing the sport’s most prestigious tournaments and events. The PDC World Championship is the crown jewel, where the world’s best players battle for the title of world champion and a hefty prize purse.

European darts events like the European Darts Championship and the UK Open attract top talent from across the globe, making every tournament a showcase of skill and nerve. Legendary players such as Phil Taylor have set the standard, winning countless titles and inspiring a new generation of darts players to aim for the top.

For those with dreams of turning pro, the PDC offers a pathway through open events and amateur tournaments, giving every player a shot at the big leagues. The sport’s popularity is boosted by live broadcasts on major sports channels like Sky Sports, bringing the excitement of every match to fans worldwide.

With high-stakes tournaments, global events, and the chance to earn significant winnings, professional darts is more than just a game—it’s a thriving sport where players can make their mark on the world stage and earn a living doing what they love.

Profile of a darts player

What does it take to become a top darts player? It starts with a passion for the sport and a drive to compete. Many professional players pick up their first darts at a young age, honing their skills in local leagues before stepping onto the national and international stage.

A successful darts player combines sharp hand-eye coordination with mental focus and strategic thinking. Hours of practice are the norm, as players work tirelessly to perfect their throw and master the rules of every game. But it’s not just about physical skill—mental toughness is key, especially when the pressure is on in a high-stakes match.

Behind every great player is a support team, from coaches to sponsors, helping them prepare for tournaments and stay at the top of their game. Modern stars like Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries have become role models, showing that with dedication and the right mindset, anyone can rise through the ranks.

A darts player’s career can span decades, with many competing at the highest level well into their 40s and 50s. For those who love the sport, the journey is as rewarding as the victories, making darts a game where commitment and passion truly pay off.

Darts popularity around the world

Although played across the globe, the best professional darts players hail from Western Europe, notably the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Formed in 1992, the Professional Darts Corporation runs the game’s leading players.

The PDC is the world’s premier competition, featuring players from and holding tournaments all over the world. The calendar runs all year round, with competitions usually following a tennis-style seeded knockout format.

The leading competitions are the UK Open, the Premier League (featuring matches across the British Isles and the Netherlands) and the World Matchplay. Finally, the World Championship is the season-ending tournament around New Year’s Day. Fans and players closely follow the results of these events to track rankings and performance.

Watching a darts match

Attending or tuning in to a darts match is an experience like no other in sports. The atmosphere is electric, with fans in colorful jerseys cheering on their favorite players and singing along to walk-on music. Each match pits two players against each other, with each taking turns to throw three darts per round, aiming to reduce their score from 501 (or 301) to zero.

The action is fast-paced, with every throw bringing players closer to victory or defeat. Matches are typically played in a best-of format, with the winner being the first to win a set number of legs. The tension builds as players approach the winning double, and the crowd’s excitement is palpable.

For fans, there’s more than just the thrill of the game—many choose to place bets on the outcome, with sportsbooks offering a wide range of odds and markets on every event. Whether you’re watching live at a major event or following the action online, expert commentators break down the strategies and highlight the key moments, making it easy to follow even if you’re new to the sport.

With its unique blend of skill, drama, and fan engagement, watching a darts match is a must for any sports enthusiast. It’s a great way to learn more about the game, the players, and the excitement that makes darts a standout event in the world of sports.

How to bet on darts: know the game

Whether or not you consider darts a traditional sport, its fiercely competitive nature and unpredictable outcomes place it firmly in the realm of serious betting opportunities. With its loud fanbase, packed arenas, and high-stakes tournaments like the PDC World Championship, darts has become a staple on many bookmakers’ platforms.

Matches are played in sets and legs, with players aiming to reach zero from a starting score (usually 501), finishing on a double. Precision, mental focus, and experience are vital—and those factors offer real betting angles.

What to consider when betting on darts:

• Player consistency: Top players often post high averages and finishing rates.
• Tournament history: Some players thrive under pressure; others struggle.
• Head-to-head records: Past encounters can reveal psychological edges.
• Stage format: Longer matches can favour more experienced players.

Popular darts betting markets: A betting market refers to the different categories or options you can wager on, such as the outcome of a match or specific in-game events.

• Match winner
• Correct score
• Number of 180s
• Highest checkout
• Total legs or sets

Bets in each market are settled based on the official result. If a match is incomplete or postponed for a valid reason, such as not being played to its conclusion, bets may be voided. When a bet is won, your winnings are determined by the odds at the time your bet was placed.

When viewing odds, you’ll often see a plus sign (+) to indicate potential winnings on an underdog, and a minus sign (-) to show how much you need to wager to win a set amount.

Utilise available betting tools, tips, and promotions to refine your strategy. For the latest odds or more betting information, click here to stay updated.

For more information about darts betting rules and available markets, check the bookmaker’s help section or dedicated darts betting guides.

New bettors can get insight from betting tipsters, while seasoned punters might turn to arbitrage betting platforms to spot line discrepancies between bookmakers.

With its fast pace, clear scoring, and iconic rivalries, darts offers a thrilling and strategic option for those wanting to combine entertainment with informed betting.