How to Score in Darts

Scoring in darts is directly linked to your ability to win -- the higher you can score, the more likely you are to win a game of darts. When competing in the traditional '01 versions of the game, you compete against one other opponent with the aim of scoring downwards from 301 or 501 and be the first to reach zero. Work out your best scoring strategy and make your action as repeatable as possible to increase your accuracy and up your three-dart scoring average.

Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a routine for every time you approach the oche to throw three darts. Devise your perfect grip, which is different for each player and should focus on what gives you most control and feels comfortable. Work out a stance that allows you to align one of your eyes with the top of your hand and make sure your hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and eye are all aligned with the part of the board you intend to score on.

    • 2

      Practice your release of the dart before concerning yourself with where your darts finish on the board -- ideally they will hit good scoring zones. Make sure the darts feel smooth and fluent when leaving your hand and that they take the same trajectory to the board each time you throw. Your ability to repeat your grip, stance and release will help you increase your ability to score.

    • 3

      Introduce targeted darts to your regimen. While triple 20 (60) is the highest scoring part of the board, some players prefer to target triple 19 (57) or even triple 18 (54) when playing darts. Work out your favorite areas of the board and start by focusing on trying to hit them.

    • 4

      Practice your finishes, also known as "checkouts." Most formats of darts, such as any '01 game, requires you to finish by hitting a double to win. Aim for double 12, for example, if you have 24 left to score. Allow your opponent to throw three more darts if you exceed 24 with your three darts and return to the oche and try and hit 24 again. Much like scoring, many players have a favorite checkout, so, when playing darts, try and engineer your overall scoring to leave yourself one of your favorite doubles. Hit 20 then 20 if you start on 72 and your favorite finish is double 16 (32).

    • 5

      Keep a record of your three-dart average to monitor your improvement. A three-dart average is the average number of points you score per three darts thrown. Calculate your three-dart average of 55 if you score 20, 20, 15, for example. Return to the oche and throw 20, triple 20, 18 to increase your three-dart average to 76.5. Track the changes in your average over the long-term to see if you are improving, and, if you aren't, consider altering your technique.