Darts Scores is a beloved pub game that has evolved into an international sport, offering both competitive and casual fun. While its origins can be traced back to medieval times, the game has grown in sophistication, with structured competitions like the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) tournaments attracting millions of fans globally. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding how darts scores work is crucial for both playing and appreciating the game.
In this article, we’ll dive into the scoring systems used in darts, popular formats, how scoring influences strategy, and a few tips for improving your score. Whether you’re new to darts or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will cover everything you need to know about darts scores.
Key Scoring Formats
Darts games come in various formats, each with its unique rules and scoring systems. Let’s explore the most popular ones:
501 (or 301) – The Standard Game
The most common format in professional darts is 501, though 301 is also widely played. In this format, each player starts with a score of 501 points and aims to reduce their total to zero. Players take turns throwing three darts, and the score of each throw is subtracted from their total.
Winning the Game: The game ends when a player reaches exactly zero, with the final dart having to land on a double or the bullseye. For instance, if you’re left with 32 points, you must hit the double 16 to win.
Strategy: In 501, players often aim for the highest-scoring areas (such as the treble 20) to quickly reduce their total points. Precision is key, especially as the game nears its end, when you need to strategically finish on a double.
Cricket
Cricket is a popular darts game in pubs and is also played professionally. The objective of this game is to “close” certain numbers (20, 19, 18, 17, 16, and 15) by hitting them three times. The twist is that you must close the number before your opponent does, while simultaneously scoring points on closed numbers.
Scoring: Each time you hit a number that hasn’t been closed yet, you score points equal to the value of the number. For example, hitting a single 20 earns you 20 points, while a triple 20 closes that number and earns 60 points.
Strategy: Players often target the high-value segments, such as the treble 20, to accumulate points and prevent their opponent from scoring on closed numbers.
Around the Clock
This game is usually played for practice and by beginners. The objective is simple: hit each number on the board in order, starting from 1 and working up to 20, followed by the bullseye. The first player to hit all numbers in sequence wins the game.
Scoring: No points are scored in this game. The focus is on accuracy and consistency, as players try to hit each number in order with a limited number of darts.
Killer
Killer is a fun, competitive darts game typically played in larger groups. Each player starts with a score of three lives. The goal is to eliminate opponents by hitting their number, while simultaneously protecting your own number by avoiding its value.
Scoring: Players are assigned a number, and they must hit that number to avoid losing lives. The game continues until only one player remains with lives intact.
Understanding the Importance of Strategy in Darts Scoring
In darts, the scoring system heavily influences strategy. While beginners may focus purely on hitting the dartboard, competitive players develop strategies based on probability, consistency, and precision. Here are a few insights into how scoring impacts decision-making during a game:
High-Value Targets: Treble 20 and Bullseye
For experienced players, hitting the treble 20 (worth 60 points) is one of the most important targets. This area is central to quickly reducing your score in games like 501. Similarly, the bullseye (especially the 50-point inner bullseye) is a critical scoring target, especially when players are closing in on the final stages of a game.
Doubling Down: The Role of Doubles
As you approach the end of games like 501, knowing how to finish on a double is crucial. If you have 40 points remaining, for example, you must hit double 20 to win the game. Knowing which doubles to aim for and understanding the various combinations to finish with precision is a significant part of professional darts strategy.
The Mental Game: Pressure and Accuracy
The scoring system in darts adds pressure on players, particularly as the game nears its end. A single mistake, such as aiming for the wrong double, can lead to a loss. This mental aspect of the game, where a player has to remain calm and focused, is what differentiates professional players from amateurs.
Darts Scoreboard and Digital Tools
For those who are serious about tracking their darts scores, digital scoring tools and apps have become popular in recent years. These tools allow players to input scores and track their progress over time, making it easier to analyze performance and adjust strategies. Popular apps like DartConnect allow players to play remotely with others, record match results, and practice against computer opponents.
FAQs
What is the scoring system in 501 darts?
In 501, each player starts with 501 points and subtracts the points scored by their darts in each turn. The game continues until a player reduces their score to zero. However, to win, the player must end the game by landing on a double or the bullseye. For instance, if you have 32 points left, you must hit double 16 to finish the game.
The strategy is to aim for high-scoring areas like the treble 20 to reduce the score quickly. Knowing how to “finish” (end the game with a double) is a crucial skill in 501.
What are the best darts to use for scoring high?
The best darts for scoring high are typically well-balanced and of the correct weight for the player’s style. Professional players often use darts weighing between 22g to 26g. Lighter darts offer greater control, while heavier darts provide more stability during flight. However, personal preference plays a significant role, and players should experiment with different weights and materials (steel vs. soft-tip) to find what works best for them.
What is a ‘double’ in darts scoring?
A double in darts refers to hitting the outer ring of a number, which is worth twice the value of the number. For example, hitting the double 20 scores 40 points, while hitting the double 16 scores 32 points. The game of 501 requires players to “check out” by hitting a double, meaning they finish the game with a dart landing on a double area of the dartboard.
Understanding doubles is critical in finishing a game efficiently and accurately, especially during the last few darts.
What is a treble 20 in darts, and why is it important?
A treble 20 is the most valuable scoring area on the dartboard, worth 60 points. It’s located in the smaller ring within the 20 section. Hitting a treble 20 is considered crucial because it allows players to quickly reduce their score in 501 games. Professional players often target this section to maximize their points per turn.
Aiming for treble 20 is essential for competitive players because it can drastically improve their chances of winning games.
What are the main differences between steel-tip and soft-tip darts?
Steel-tip darts are used in traditional tournaments, such as those governed by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). They feature metal tips that puncture a traditional bristle dartboard. Soft-tip darts, on the other hand, are typically used in electronic dartboards, and they feature plastic tips that are safer and prevent damage to the board.
While steel-tip darts allow for more precision and are often used in professional play, soft-tip darts are a good option for casual players or beginners practicing at home.
In Summary
Understanding darts scores and how to strategically approach a game can elevate your performance, whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing in a professional tournament. The beauty of darts lies in its simplicity: the rules are easy to learn, but the depth of strategy and skill required to master the game is immense. From 501 and Cricket to Around the Clock and Killer, darts provides a variety of ways to play and enjoy the game.
By practicing your scoring techniques, focusing on precision, and using strategy to outplay your opponents, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient dart player. Whether you’re aiming for the bullseye or mastering the treble 20, the right approach to darts scores can make all the difference in your game.
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