How to Play Darts: A Beginner's Guide

Last updated 10 November 2026

You only need a board, three darts and someone to play against. This guide covers everything you need to step up to the line and play a proper game.

The dartboard

A standard board is divided into 20 numbered wedges. Around the board, clockwise from the top, the numbers run: 20, 1, 18, 4, 13, 6, 10, 15, 2, 17, 3, 19, 7, 16, 8, 11, 14, 9, 12, 5. High and low numbers are placed next to each other, so a small miss is punished. A dart aimed at the 20 that drifts left lands in the 5.

Each number has four scoring areas:

The highest single dart is treble 20, worth 60, so three darts can score a maximum of 180. Darts outside the double ring, or that fall out, score nothing.

Throwing

• Stance: stand side-on to the board, with your throwing-side foot forward against the line. Most of your weight goes on your front foot.
• Grip: hold the dart lightly, with enough fingers to control it but no squeezing. There is no single correct grip.
• Throw: move only your forearm, from the elbow, and follow through towards the target. Keep your shoulder and body still.
• Consistency beats style. The aim is to do the same thing every time.

Make sure your board is at the right height and distance: see the dartboard setup guide.

Your first game of 501

1. Both players start on 501. Decide who goes first, for example by each throwing one dart at the bull.
2. Take turns to throw three darts. Add up your three darts and subtract the total from your score.
3. Get to exactly zero. Your final dart must be a double, or the inner bull.
4. If you go below zero, leave yourself on 1, or reach zero without a double, you have bust. Your score goes back to where it was at the start of the turn.

Finishing is the tricky part, so keep the checkout chart handy. The full rules, with a worked example, are in the 501 guide. For a first game, you can also switch off “double out” on the scoreboard so that any dart can finish.

Which game to start with

• Around the Clock: no arithmetic, and it teaches you the board.
• High Score: every dart counts, and you can measure your average.
• 301: the classic game, but shorter.

The games overview compares all nine games on DartScore.uk.

Etiquette and safety

• Never walk between a player and the board, and don't stand close to the board while someone is throwing.
• Only collect your darts once everyone has finished their turn.
• Stay quiet and still behind the thrower.
• Shake hands before and after a match. It is a long-standing tradition.

Heard a term you don't recognise? Check the darts glossary.