Darts is a classic game with a rich history, offering a unique blend of physical and mental exercise. It’s a cost-effective hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a great choice for family fun. The game can improve your concentration, confidence, and hand-eye coordination. To get started, all you need is a dartboard, a set of darts, and a little bit of space. Happy darting!
Darts
as a hobby
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Helpful content to get started
The page is curated to inspire and help you get started with darts as a hobby.
Overwhelmed? Play a random video or podcast to start getting familiar with darts.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment. Refer to the listed resources for further research.
Videos
Short visual inspiration.
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Podcasts
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Darts is one of the oldest established games in the world, born in English pubs.
Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Average: Average scored by three darts thrown or over a leg, set, and game of darts.
- Barrel: The part of a dart that players hold/grip. These usually come as tungsten but can also be brass, nickel, or steel.
- Bounce-Out: A bounce-out occurs when a dart hits a wire or another dart and bounces out of the board. Bounce-outs do not count towards your score.
- Bull or Bullseye: The bull is the center part of the dartboard. It comprises two sections, the outer bull (colored green) and the inner bull (colored red). The outer bull is worth 25 points while the inner bull is worth 50.
- Bust: A bust in darts is when a player’s score is reduced to zero without being a checkout.
- Check-Out: Check-out is when you hit the exact amount of points that you need to win the game.
- Cover Shot: A cover shot in darts is where your intended target is blocked by a dart so you switch to a different number.
- Double: The outer ring of the dartboard is worth double points for the corresponding number. A double is used to check-out in a game of X01.
- Leg: In darts, a leg means a single game in a set or match.
- Maximum: A maximum in darts is a score of 180.
- Oche: Pronounced ‘ockey’, the oche is the throw line in darts. In a professional game, the oche is also a platform leading up to the board.
- Set: A set in darts is used to track legs. A typical game of X01 darts will be made up of legs, sets, and game.
- Treble (or Triple): The inner ring on a dartboard is worth three times the score of the corresponding single.
Term Videos
First Steps
How to break the ice and make a start. One Aha! moment is all you need.
- Purchase a quality, yet affordable set of a dartboard and darts.
- If you’re concerned about potential damage to your wall, consider buying a wall protector.
- Start by making your first few throws.
- Then consider following a free online course to establish your foundational skills and progress from there.
- Consider using an app for a structured training plan and for keeping track of your scores and progress.
First Steps Videos
John Lowe was the first player to get a perfect score in the classic 501 game.
Products
Essentials to have.
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How-Tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
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Playing darts can help improve your concentration, confidence, and hand/eye coordination.
Books
Get read-y.
Articles
Further reading.
Video Articles
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Websites
Go-tos for information.
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Movies & TV
Nothing like a good film or a show for inspiration.
Movie and TV Trailers
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The game of darts has had regulatory bodies for almost 100 years.
FAQS
Get a clue.
Q: What are the benefits of playing darts?
A: Playing darts can improve your hand-eye coordination, concentration, mental arithmetic, and social skills. It is also a fun and relaxing way to spend your leisure time.
Q: What equipment do I need to play darts?
A: You will need a dartboard and darts, and a safe place to hang the board and throw the darts. You may also want to get a wall protector, a dart mat, a scoreboard, and a case for your darts.
Q: How can I protect my wall from darts?
A: While you can improvise DIY solutions, there are dedicated wall protectors that can save you time and frustration.
You can also start with magnetic darts and dartboard.
Q: How do I choose the right darts for me?
A: There are many factors to consider when choosing darts, such as the weight, shape, size, material, and grip of the barrel, the length and shape of the shaft, and the shape and size of the flight. The best way to find out what suits you is to try different combinations and see what feels comfortable and accurate for you.
Q: How do I improve my dart skills?
A: The key to improving your dart skills is to practice regularly and consistently. You can practice by yourself or with a partner, and try different games and drills to challenge yourself. You can follow free online courses. Consider using apps for a training plan, and keeping track of your scores and progress.
FAQ Videos
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Apps
Smart start.
App Trailers
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Courses
Get smart.
Video courses and trailers
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Community & Near You
Get together.
Related Videos
Darts is a game that benefits your health, involving a unique blend of physical and mental skills.
Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
Video Tips
Brian Gamlin, an English carpenter, invented the dartboard numbering that is still in use today.
Related Hobbies
Explore related hobbies.
Additional Information
Hobby attributes.
| Attributes | Value |
|---|---|
| Activities | |
| Fields | |
| Locations | |
| Participants | |
| Skills | Balance, Concentration, Fine Motor Skills, Hand-eye Coordination, Mindfulness, Patience, Perseverance, Self-esteem |
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