The history of darts dates back to the 18th century and it became especially popular in England during the 1800s and early 1900s. Introduced and spread by British soldiers as a game of skill and dexterity, darts grew in popularity across many countries during the 20th century and is now a familiar pastime in pubs and clubs around the world. For a concise overview of the sport’s history, see the Darts article on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darts.
Equipment Needed to Play Darts
Dartboard
The standard dartboard—often called a bristle board—is usually made from sisal (compressible fibers), which self-heals after the dart is removed. Some boards are made of wood, metal, or plastic: for example, electronic soft-tip boards use plastic segments. The aim is to score points by landing darts in numbered segments, with the center bull’s-eye giving high value. For details on board layout and numbering, refer to the dartboard overview https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartboard.
Darts
Darts are small, thrown projectiles consisting of a tip (steel or soft), a barrel (where you grip the dart), a shaft, and a flight. Barrels are commonly made from brass or tungsten; tungsten is popular for higher-density, slimmer barrels that allow tighter groupings on the board. Darts come in different weights (typically 18–26 grams for adults) and types—steel-tip for bristle boards and soft-tip for electronic boards. If you’re shopping for darts, many retailers offer a wide selection to match different grips and throwing styles—see a selection of darts here https://www.dartsonline.com.au/collections/darts.
Foam (Soft) Darts for Beginners
Foam or soft-tip darts are excellent for beginners and young players because they are safer and typically used with electronic boards or toy sets. They have a shorter range and reduced penetration compared with steel-tip darts, which can help beginners focus on accuracy and consistency without the risk of injury or damage.
Different Types of Dart Games
There are many dart game variations, from traditional pub games like 501 to novelty and target challenges. Below are several creative or recreational variants you might encounter:
i. Darts with a Frisbee
A novelty variant where a suspended or ground-placed frisbee serves as an unusual target or scoring zone. Players aim darts at the frisbee or attempt to land darts within marked regions on or around it. This is an informal, fun game rather than a standardized competition format.
ii. Wall-Mounted Dart Play
Some players set up dartboards directly on walls or build custom surrounds for practice. The key considerations are proper mounting height and a secure backboard or surround to protect the wall from missed darts.
iii. Floor-Based Dart Games
Floor-based setups place targets on the ground for a different angle and challenge—useful for parties, kids, or physics-based demonstrations of trajectory and motion. This variation can be playful and educational, especially for younger players.
iv. Dart Games with Bags
In some casual formats, players throw darts at hanging or placed bags (such as beanbags or padded sacks) to score points based on where the bags are hit. This creates a different visual and tactile target than a conventional board and is often used in backyard or festival setups.
v. Darts with 3D Targets
Three-dimensional targets—cones, spheres, or sculpted shapes—add depth and complexity to aiming. These games challenge players to strike different faces or zones on a 3D object, emphasizing spatial judgment and consistency.
vi. Darts with Moving Targets
Moving-target games increase difficulty by placing targets on rotating, sliding, or motorized mechanisms. These formats require precise timing and are used for entertainment or advanced training to improve reaction and adjustment skills.
3 Tips for Better Accuracy When Playing Darts
Darts is a skill game that rewards deliberate practice and consistent technique. Here are three practical tips to improve your accuracy:
1) Practice consistently and with purpose. Regular sessions that focus on specific aspects (stance, grip, release, aiming) produce better results than long, unfocused practice. Drill common targets—trebles, doubles, and the bull—until you can hit them reliably.
2) Keep your eyes on the target and develop a consistent pre-shot routine. Fix your gaze on the exact spot you want to hit, take the same stance and grip, and use a repeatable throwing motion. Small, repeatable habits reduce variability in your throws.
3) Check your distance and stance. Playing from the correct throwing line (the oche) makes a big difference—standard distances are usually 2.37 m (7 ft 9 1/4 in) to the face of the dartboard for steel-tip, with slightly different standards for soft-tip play. For official rules and measurements, consult the World Darts Federation rules https://www.dartswdf.com/rules/.
With proper equipment, consistent practice, and attention to fundamentals, players of all ages can enjoy darts—whether as a casual pub game or a more competitive pursuit.
