Darts is one of those sports that looks incredibly simple until you actually give it a go.
You stand in front of a board, throw three darts and try to hit the numbers you’re aiming for. Easy enough, right?
Then you pick up a set of darts, aim for treble 20 and somehow end up hitting a five, a one and the wall.
We’ve all got to start somewhere!
One of the best things about darts is that it’s relatively inexpensive to get into, doesn’t require a huge amount of space and can be enjoyed by people of different ages and abilities.
Whether you’ve been inspired by watching professional darts on television or simply fancy setting up a board at home, this darts for beginners guide covers everything you need to know.
From choosing your first darts to understanding scoring and improving your throw, here’s how to get started.
1. What Equipment Do You Need to Start Playing Darts?
You don’t need a cupboard full of expensive equipment to enjoy darts.
In fact, there are only a few things you’ll need for your first game.
A Dartboard
For traditional steel-tip darts, you’ll want a bristle dartboard.
These are typically made using compressed sisal fibres, which allow the darts to stick into the board while helping the surface recover after they’re removed.
A decent bristle board can last a long time if you look after it properly.
You’ll also find electronic dartboards designed for soft-tip darts.
These can be popular for casual home use because many include automatic scoring and different games.
However, if you’re interested in playing the same style of darts you see in major professional competitions, a traditional bristle board is the way to go.
A Set of Three Darts
You’ll need three darts to play.
Each dart consists of four main parts:
- Point: The tip that enters the dartboard.
- Barrel: The section you grip when throwing.
- Shaft: The part connecting the barrel to the flight.
- Flight: The fin-shaped section at the back that helps stabilise the dart.
Different combinations can change how a dart feels and travels through the air.
You don’t need to understand every variation straight away.
A comfortable, affordable set is perfectly adequate when you’re learning.
A Safe Playing Area
You’ll need enough room to stand at the correct throwing distance and throw without anybody walking in front of you.
It’s also sensible to protect the wall around your board.
A dartboard surround can help prevent damage from stray darts, while a floor mat can protect flooring and mark the throwing line.
2. How Much Do Beginner Darts Cost?
One of the attractions of darts is that you can get started without spending hundreds of pounds.
As an approximate UK budgeting guide:
| Equipment | Estimated price |
|---|---|
| Basic bristle dartboard | £25–£50 |
| Beginner steel-tip darts | £10–£30 |
| Dartboard surround | £20–£40 |
| Darts mat | £20–£50 |
| Spare flights and shafts | £5–£15 |
These are illustrative price ranges rather than live retailer quotes.
You could spend less by buying a dartboard-and-darts bundle or using equipment you already own.
And if you’re just trying darts at a local venue, you might not need to buy anything immediately.
My advice would be to spend enough to get equipment that’s comfortable and reliable, but don’t feel pressured into buying professional-level darts straight away.
3. How High Should a Dartboard Be?
Getting your dartboard at the correct height is important, especially if you’re planning to practise regularly.
For a standard steel-tip setup, the centre of the bullseye should be:
1.73 metres (5 feet 8 inches) above the floor.
Measure from the floor to the centre of the bullseye, not to the top or bottom of the board.
Make sure the board is securely attached to a suitable wall or stand.
You should also leave enough clear space around it so that nobody can accidentally walk into the throwing area.
4. How Far Away Do You Stand When Playing Darts?
For standard steel-tip darts, the throwing line is known as the oche.
The horizontal distance from the face of the dartboard to the throwing line is:
2.37 metres (7 feet 9¼ inches).
That’s measured from the front face of the board, not the wall behind it.
You may also see a diagonal measurement of approximately 2.93 metres from the centre of the bullseye to the throwing line, which can help when checking your setup.
Soft-tip darts can use different distances depending on the competition or equipment, so check the relevant rules.
For traditional steel-tip darts at home, the 2.37-metre distance is the one you’ll usually want.
5. Understanding the Numbers on a Dartboard
A standard dartboard contains 20 numbered sections arranged around the board.
Each section is divided into scoring areas.
Here’s how they work:
Single: The larger sections of each numbered segment score the number shown.
Double: The narrow outer ring scores twice the number.
Treble: The narrow ring roughly halfway between the centre and the outside scores three times the number.
Outer bull: The green ring around the centre scores 25 points.
Bullseye: The red centre scores 50 points.
For example, hitting treble 20 scores 60 points.
That’s the highest score possible with a single dart on a standard board.
Three treble 20s in one visit gives you the famous 180.
Of course, you don’t need to start chasing 180s on your first day!
6. How Do You Play 501 Darts?
If you’ve watched professional darts, you’ll probably be familiar with 501.
It’s one of the most common games played in competitive darts.
Both players start with 501 points.
Each player takes turns throwing up to three darts, and their scores are subtracted from their remaining total.
The aim is to reach exactly zero.
However, there’s one important rule.
You must finish on a double.
For example, if you have 40 points remaining, hitting double 20 wins the leg.
If you have 32 left, double 16 is another popular finish.
If you score more points than you have remaining, leave yourself on one, or reach zero without hitting a double, you’ve gone bust.
Your score returns to what it was at the start of that visit, and your turn ends.
Don’t worry if this sounds confusing at first.
After a few games, it becomes much easier to understand.
7. How Should Beginners Hold a Dart?
There’s no single grip that works perfectly for everybody.
Some players hold their darts with three fingers, while others prefer four.
The important thing is finding a grip that feels comfortable and allows you to release the dart smoothly.
Try holding the barrel firmly enough that it doesn’t slip, but not so tightly that your hand becomes tense.
Your grip should feel natural rather than forced.
It may take some experimenting before you discover what suits you.
And remember, the way a professional player holds their darts won’t necessarily be the best approach for you.
8. How to Stand When Throwing Darts
Your stance can make a difference to your balance and consistency.
Most players stand with their leading foot close to the oche and their body angled slightly towards the board.
Try to keep your position comfortable and stable.
You don’t need to lean dramatically towards the dartboard.
In fact, leaning too far forwards can make it harder to maintain balance.
The aim is to find a stance you can repeat every time you throw.
If you’re constantly moving your feet or changing your position, it becomes more difficult to develop a consistent technique.
9. How to Throw a Dart Properly
Throwing darts is more about control and repetition than strength.
You don’t need to throw particularly hard for the dart to reach the board.
Start by raising the dart towards your eye line and aiming at your chosen target.
Keep your body relatively still and allow your forearm to move naturally as you throw.
Release the dart smoothly and let your hand continue forwards towards the target.
This is often called the follow-through.
Don’t worry if your first few throws feel awkward.
Like most sports, darts takes practice.
The more consistently you can repeat your throwing action, the easier it becomes to understand why certain darts land where they do.
10. What Weight Darts Should Beginners Use?
Darts come in a wide range of weights, and choosing the right one is largely a matter of personal preference.
For steel-tip darts, many beginners find something in the 22–24 gram range a comfortable starting point.
However, that doesn’t mean those weights will suit everybody.
Some players prefer lighter darts, while others find heavier darts easier to control.
If possible, try a few different weights before buying an expensive set.
You might be surprised by how different two sets of darts can feel, even when they look similar.
There’s no need to keep changing equipment every week, though.
Once you’ve found something comfortable, give yourself time to get used to it.
11. Five Simple Darts Practice Games for Beginners
Standing in front of a board and repeatedly aiming for treble 20 can become frustrating.
Fortunately, there are plenty of simple practice games that make learning more enjoyable.
Around the Clock
Start by aiming for number one.
Once you hit it, move on to number two, then three, and continue all the way to 20.
You can make the game harder later by requiring doubles or trebles.
This is a brilliant way to practise different parts of the board.
Bullseye Challenge
Throw a set number of darts and count how many land in the outer bull or bullseye.
Try to beat your previous score.
Doubles Practice
Choose a double, such as double 16, and give yourself a set number of darts to hit it.
Once you’re comfortable, try another.
Practising doubles is particularly useful if you want to play 501.
100-Point Challenge
See how many darts it takes you to score at least 100 points.
Record your result and try to improve it over time.
Cricket
Cricket is a popular darts game involving numbers 15 to 20 and the bull.
Players work to close numbers by hitting them three times, with doubles counting as two hits and trebles as three.
Scoring rules depend on the version you’re playing, so it’s worth learning the full game once you’re comfortable with the board.
12. Common Mistakes Beginner Darts Players Make
Everybody makes mistakes when they’re learning.
Here are a few worth watching out for.
Changing Your Throw Constantly
It’s tempting to change your grip, stance or throwing action every time you miss.
But constantly making adjustments can make it difficult to develop consistency.
Try to give each approach a fair chance.
Throwing Too Hard
Darts doesn’t require enormous amounts of power.
A smooth, controlled throw is generally more useful than trying to force the dart towards the board.
Only Practising Treble 20
Treble 20 is important, but it isn’t the only part of the board that matters.
Doubles, trebles and different numbered sections all deserve attention.
Expecting Immediate Results
Watching professional players makes darts look easy.
But those players have spent years developing their technique.
Don’t be discouraged if your first few sessions aren’t particularly impressive.
Buying Too Much Equipment
New shafts, flights and barrels can be fun to experiment with.
However, expensive equipment won’t automatically make you a better player.
Practice matters far more.
13. How Often Should Beginners Practise Darts?
You don’t need to spend hours at the board every day.
In fact, short, focused sessions can be more useful than practising for ages without a clear goal.
You might start with 15–20 minutes a few times a week.
Spend some time practising your scoring, then work on doubles or play a simple game.
If you’re enjoying yourself, there’s nothing wrong with playing longer.
But remember to take breaks if your arm or shoulder becomes tired.
The most important thing is finding a routine you can maintain.
14. Can You Play Darts at Home?
Absolutely, provided you have a suitable and safe space.
A spare room, garage or dedicated games room can work well.
You’ll need a secure place to mount your board, the correct throwing distance and enough space to move around safely.
A surround and floor protection are sensible additions.
Good lighting also makes a difference, particularly if you plan to play regularly.
Make sure children and pets cannot enter the throwing area while darts are being thrown, and store steel-tip darts safely when not in use.
You don’t need a professional-looking darts setup to enjoy the sport.
A simple board and a comfortable place to throw are enough to get started.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Learning Darts
Darts is easy to try, but there’s always something new to learn.
You can spend years improving your scoring, experimenting with different finishes and trying to hit that elusive 180.
But when you’re starting out, none of that needs to matter.
Find a comfortable set of darts, learn how the board works and enjoy throwing a few arrows.
Don’t compare yourself to the professionals on television or worry about every missed double.
The important thing is having fun and gradually improving.
And if you do manage to hit your first 180, you’ll certainly remember it!
Want to explore the sport further? Have a read of our Bullseye Thrills: A Dive into the World of Darts article for more about the world of darts.