Thinking about trying darts? You don’t need years of experience or an expensive setup to enjoy your first game. These 10 answers explain the equipment, home setup, and simple games that will help you get started with steel tip darts.
Getting Started
1. What do I need to start playing darts?
You’ll need a set of three steel tip darts and a traditional sisal dartboard. For home play, mount the board securely, make sure it’s well lit, and mark a throwing line on the floor so you know where to stand. A surround or backboard helps protect your wall from missed throws.
2. How do I choose my first set of darts?
We recommend 24 grams as a starting point. Choose a set that feels comfortable to hold and releases smoothly. For help comparing weights, grips, and materials, read our Buying Darts For Yourself guide, or visit us to try different sets.
Parts of the Dart
3. What are the different parts of a dart?
The point is the metal tip that enters the board. The barrel is the weighted section you hold. The shaft, also called the stem, connects the barrel to the flight—the fins at the back that help keep the dart stable in the air. Start with the shafts and flights supplied with your set.
What Makes One Dartboard Better Than Another?
4. What should I look for in my first dartboard?
For steel tip play, focus on these three features:
- A quality sisal surface. Sisal is a tightly packed plant fiber that holds darts and closes around the small holes after you remove them.
- Thin wires with fewer obstacles. Wires divide the scoring sections. Thin, blade-style wires and a staple-free playing surface help reduce darts bouncing off the board.
- Easy-to-read numbers and clear colors. Modern board designs consider the number ring’s material and finish, the number font, and the board’s colors. Look for clear numbers, low-glare finishes, and good color contrast to help you read the board and focus on your target.
Browse our steel tip dartboards for your first home setup.
Setting Up at Home
5. How high should I hang my dartboard?
For standard steel tip play, the center of the bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches above the floor. Measure to the center of the bull, not the top of the board.
6. How far from the board should I stand?
Place the throwing line 7 feet 9¼ inches from the front face of the dartboard, measured horizontally. Measure from the board, not the wall behind it. Leave enough clear space to stand comfortably and retrieve your darts.
Types of Dart Games
7. How do I read the scores on the board?
A large section scores the number printed beside it. The thin outer ring scores double, and the thin inner ring scores triple. The outer bull scores 25 and the center bullseye scores 50. For example, hitting triple 20 scores 60 points.
8. How do I play 501?
Each player starts with 501 points and subtracts their score after each turn of up to three darts. In standard play, reach exactly zero by finishing on a double; the center bullseye also counts. If you go below zero, leave one point, or reach zero without a double, your score returns to what it was at the start of that turn.
9. How do I play Cricket?
Cricket uses 15 through 20 and the bull. Get three marks on each target to “close” it. A single counts as one mark, a double as two, and a triple as three; the outer bull counts as one and the center bull as two. After you close a target, extra hits score points until your opponent closes it too. Close every target with at least as many points as your opponent to win.
Caring for Your Dartboard
10. How do I keep my board in good condition?
Keep your sisal board dry—never soak or spray it. Rotate it regularly to spread out wear, then reposition the number ring so 20 sits above a black section at the top. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Need help finding the right setup? Long Island Darts can help you choose darts, a dartboard, and accessories that fit your needs and budget. Contact us or call (631) 229-9505 to get started.