Dart Rules
Every Professional Darts Corporation tournament is operated under the rules laid down by the Darts Regulation Authority.
Click here to view the DRA Rulebook
Below is a basic guide for beginners to the sport of darts.
There are a number of different versions of the sport and also a number of different dartboards which are used around the world.
Here you can find details of the most commonly played version - 501 - used in all PDC events on a standard dartboard.
Dartboard Measurements
Standard height from the floor to the bullseye on the dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches, while the oche (distance between the front of the board and the toeline) should measure 7 feet 9.25inches.
Basic Rules
In a game of 501 the object is for one player or a team to be the first to reach zero from starting total of 501.
In simple terms, after three darts are thrown, the throwing player subtracts the total scored from his current total until he reaches zero.
In order to reach zero each player must finish by throwing a double i.e. if player one has 36 remaining he must hit double 18 to win, while if player two has 45 remaining he must hit single 5, double 20 to win - or a another combination of scores provided the final dart scores on a double.
Some versions of the game require a 'double start' whereby players must begin the game with a double as well as 'checking out' on a double. The Sky Bet World Grand Prix uses the 'double in, double out' rule.
Games can be played to a 'Best of' format whereby a player or team winning three legs in a 'Best of Five Leg' competition wins the match.
The Stan James World Matchplay is played on a 'Best of' format with legs as the scoring format, as is the Budweiser UK Open. Many tournaments will be played in 'Set' format, whereby players must win a set by winning the Best of Five legs, before claiming the match in the Best of Five Sets.
The PDC World Championship, Sky Bet World Grand Prix and Las Vegas Desert Classic are all played using the Set format, with differing lengths of games at each tournament.
Darts rules taken from Planet Darts.
For further information on the rules of darts, visit the Planet Dart's Website. |
