Dart Rules & Etiquette

BEGINNING THE GAME

To decide whom plays first, each player or, in doubles, someone from each team throws one dart and the player closest to the bull begins the leg. The home team has the option of throwing for the bull first or second for the first leg, if a third leg is necessary the visiting team has the option. If the event of a tie, both players throw again.

THROWN VS DROPPED DARTS

Each player’s turn consists of throwing three darts and all thrown darts count. If a player raises his hand and arm in the beginning of a throwing motion toward the dartboard, the dart counts. If someone is preparing to shoot and drops a dart while standing at the line, regardless of whether or not the dart falls over the line, the player is allowed to pick up the dart and throw it. If a dart’s tip doesn’t stick within the scoring area of the board for whatever reason—falling out, knocked out, missing the board—it counts as a thrown dart but does not score. A dart that sticks in the back of another also does not score.

FOOT FAULTS

The toe line or oche (sounds like hockey) is 7’ 9 ¼” (2.37m) from a line dropped from the face of the board to the floor. See page Section 4 Appendix A. Each player throwing a dart during his turn must observe this distance. Stepping on or over the line while in the act of throwing is not allowed.

COURTESY AT THE LINE

Be sure to give your opponent ample room to shoot and stay behind him while he does. Do not walk across the dart line during play for any reason. Treat other players courteously by refraining from loud noise and any other kinds of distractions that may affect someone’s game. While a certain amount of talking, laughing, music, etc. is to be expected as normal club conditions, excessive rowdy behavior is not condoned.

TIMELINESS

Take personal responsibility for being on time to your match and encouraging your team to be ready to play when the match is scheduled to begin. Once play has commenced, see to it that play is continuous without unnecessary interruptions or pauses to eat, drink or talk.

SAFETY FIRST

Darts can be dangerous projectiles in the wrong hands, and should not be considered toys. Keep in mind the safety of fellow teammates and those just watching you play. Never throw a dart in anger or at another person.