STANDARD DIMENSIONS

 From The Floor To The Centre Of The Bull is 5ft-8ins. Minimum Throw is 7ft-9 ¼ins. Diagonal From Centre Of Bull To The Back Of The Oche is 9ft-7 ½ins. Length Of Raised Oche is 2ft. Height Of Raised Oche is 1½ ins.

CHOOSING A SET OF DARTS

The right dart is a matter of testing darts and what you feel comfortable with. When you settle on a set stick to them changing darts after a bad game will not solve the problem. This is where the old adage comes in Practice, Practice and more Practice. The weight of a dart is a matter of what you feel comfortable with, the most common weights I have seen used range from 24grams to 28grams but there are lighter and heavier available. The flights also come in a range of shapes and sizes experiment to find the one that suits you. And finally keep your darts sharp and remember that practice makes perfect.

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH IT ALL

When you pick up a dart it should be as natural as picking up a pen to write. The grip should be relaxed and smooth and should not give you a cramp. Too much pressure can cause this so remember RELAX. If you find that your darts are inclined to slip check your grip or try using finger grip wax, chalk or resin.

ADDRESSING THE BOARD

Every player has his own way of addressing the board (the stance). Some prefer to stand facing the board, some with their right leg forward against the oche, others with their right leg forward toes pointing at the board, the decision is yours there is no set rule as long as when you throw you do not lose balance. If you’re off balance when you throw then all 3 darts will not hit their intended targets. Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must to this game; if you don’t comfortable at the oche due to your clothes it will affect your game. With this in mind find a stance your happy with and stick to it.

THROWING YOUR DARTS

When throwing your darts you will need to develop rhythm, speed, release and follow through. Maintain the same rhythm for every dart. Speed, throw the dart not the javelin, release clean release with every dart and follow through this is where a lot of players lose out because they don’t follow through. You must follow through to the number that you are aiming at. People will tell you that you should not move at the oche all good and well if darts aren’t obstructed but when they are you have no choice so this is all a matter of practice. You’ll understand when you have to move. 

Finally darts is just a game of sport not a game of life and death. It is there to be enjoyed by everyone; if you cannot enjoy it then you are preventing someone who can. GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOUR DARTS COMPETITIONS.

Games To Play

301,501,etc

 These games are great for beginners. The games can be double in or double out. Each player throws for the bullseye the closest one starts the game. The object is to go from x01 to zero in the least no of darts before your opponent finishing on a double, eg your throw consists of T20+20+1=81, 501-81=420 and so on until you finish on a double eg 32=D16. The least no of darts needed for 301 is 6, for 501 is 9 etc.

Around The Clock Doubles

Players decide the starting order and then throw for the doubles in order 1,2,3etc first player to finish on the bull is the winner

Sudden Death

This is a very fast game. Players throw for the bull to determine order of play. Each player tries to get the highest score possible the player with the lowest score after each round is eliminated until there is only one player left.