Darts Rules for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Your First Game

Darts is easy to start: stand behind the throwing line, throw three darts, add the score and let the next player take a turn. The details matter once a match gets competitive, but you only need a small set of rules to enjoy your first game.

This beginner-friendly guide covers a standard steel-tip dartboard, safe setup, scoring and two simple ways to play. If you are playing socially, agree the format before the first throw and keep the rules consistent for everyone.

Dartboard basics

A dartboard is divided into 20 numbered wedges. Most of each wedge scores the number printed around the edge. The narrow outer ring is a double, worth twice the number, and the narrow inner ring is a treble, worth three times the number. The outer bull scores 25 and the inner bull scores 50.

• Single 20 = 20 points
• Double 20 = 40 points
• Treble 20 = 60 points
• Outer bull = 25 points
• Inner bull = 50 points

The numbers are deliberately arranged so that an inaccurate throw can be punished. A dart aimed at 20 may drift into 1 or 5, which is why control matters as much as power.

Set up a safe throwing area

Fix the board securely, mark a clear throwing line and keep the space between the line and board free of people, pets and breakable objects. Only retrieve darts when every player has finished the turn and the scorer has confirmed the total. Children should play with close adult supervision and equipment suited to their age and ability.

For official steel-tip dimensions, the centre of the bull is 1.73 metres from the floor and the oche is 2.37 metres horizontally from the face of the board. Our dartboard height and distance guide explains how to measure the setup accurately.

How a turn works

Players normally throw up to three darts per turn. Keep both feet behind the front edge of the oche while releasing each dart. A dart only scores if its point remains in the board until the total is called; a bounce-out scores zero and is not thrown again in standard play.

Add the three darts, record the turn total and remove the darts before the next player steps forward. Agree who throws first by tossing a coin or by throwing one dart each at the bull, with the closest player starting.

How darts scoring works

Score what the dart touches, not what the player intended to hit. The metal wires separate each scoring area. If a dart sits close to a wire, look at the point where it entered the board.

For example, a single 20, treble 5 and double 8 score 20 + 15 + 16 = 51. Say each dart aloud as it lands, then confirm the total at the end of the turn. This small habit prevents most disagreements.

Your first game: 301 or 501

In an X01 game, every player starts on the same number—usually 301 for a quick beginner match or 501 for the familiar full version. Subtract each turn from the remaining total. The winner is the first player to reach exactly zero.

Many matches use “double out”, which means the winning dart must land in a double. If you need 32, double 16 wins. If you score more than you need, leave 1, or reach zero without the required double, the turn is a bust: none of that turn counts and your score returns to what it was before you threw.

For a relaxed first game, play straight out instead. You still need to reach exactly zero, but the final dart can land in any scoring segment. Once everyone is comfortable, add double out.

Easier games for new players

You do not have to begin with 501. Around the Clock asks players to hit 1, then 2, then 3 and continue around the board. It teaches number locations without mental arithmetic. For a bigger group, see our guide to fun darts games for families and friends.

Common darts terms

• Leg: one complete game, such as a race from 501 to zero.
• Set: a group of legs used in some match formats.
• Oche: the line a player stands behind to throw.
• Checkout: the combination used to reach exactly zero.
• Bust: an invalid turn that returns the player to the previous score.
• Bed: one scoring section of the board.

Beginner darts FAQs

Do you have to throw all three darts?

No. A turn allows up to three darts. If you finish the game with the first or second dart, the turn ends immediately.

Does a dart count if it falls out?

In standard steel-tip play, it must remain in the board until the score is called. A dart that bounces or falls out scores zero.

What is the easiest darts game?

Around the Clock is one of the easiest to explain because players simply aim for the numbers in order. Straight-out 301 is a good next step.