Your Comprehensive Guide to the Oche and the Board

Darts is a popular game of skill and precision enjoyed by people around the world. While it might seem simple, understanding the rules and scoring can enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the game. This guide provides a full introduction to the game of darts for beginners, helping you grasp the basics and get ready to step up to the oche with confidence.

The Objective of Darts

The primary objective in most darts games is to be the first player to reduce a predetermined score (typically 501 or 301) to exactly zero by throwing darts at a circular board divided into numbered sections.

The Dartboard and Equipment

The Dartboard

A standard dartboard is 17.75 inches (45.1 cm) in diameter and is divided into sections by thin metal wires. Key features include:

• Numbered Sections: The board is divided into 20 numbered sections, ranging from 1 to 20.
• Double Ring: The outer ring of the board. Hitting a number in the double ring scores double the value of that number.
• Treble Ring: The inner thin ring. Hitting a number in the treble ring scores triple the value of that number.
• Bullseye: The small inner circle at the centre of the board, worth 50 points.
• Outer Bull (Single Bull): The ring surrounding the bullseye, worth 25 points.

The Darts

Darts are small projectiles with a pointed metal tip, a barrel for gripping, a shaft, and flights (wings) for stability in the air. Players typically use a set of three darts.

The Oche (Throwing Line)

Players must stand behind the oche, a line marked on the floor, when throwing their darts. The standard distance from the oche to the face of the dartboard is 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 metres).

Basic Gameplay (501 or 301)

Here’s a simplified overview of a standard game:

1. Starting Score: Each player begins with a score of 501 (or 301).
2. Taking Turns: Players take turns throwing three darts per round.
3. Scoring: The points scored by each dart are subtracted from the player’s current total.
4. Winning: The first player to reach exactly zero wins the game. The final dart thrown to reach zero must land in a double or the bullseye. If a player goes below zero, the score for that round is a “bust,” and their score reverts to what it was at the start of that round.

Scoring Examples

• Hitting a single 20 scores 20 points.
• Hitting the double 20 scores 40 points.
• Hitting the treble 20 scores 60 points (the highest score with a single dart).
• Hitting the outer bull (single bull) scores 25 points.
• Hitting the bullseye scores 50 points.

Key Terms to Know

• Leg: One game of darts (from the starting score to zero).
• Set: A match can be played over a predetermined number of legs.
• Checkout: The final score needed to reach exactly zero, which must involve a double or the bullseye.
• Ton: Scoring 100 points or more in a single round (three darts).
• 180: The highest possible score in a single round, achieved by hitting three treble 20s.

Etiquette and Respect

While darts is often played in a relaxed setting, there are some common courtesies to observe, such as waiting for the previous player to finish their throw before approaching the oche and avoiding distracting other players.

Getting Started

To start playing darts, you’ll need a dartboard and a set of darts. Setting up the board at the correct height (bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches from the floor) and distance from the oche is important. Practicing your throwing technique and understanding the scoring system are the first steps to enjoying the game.

Enjoying the Game

Darts is a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed with friends and family. With a basic understanding of the rules and scoring, you’re ready to step up to the oche and aim for that perfect checkout!