THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING DARTS

14/11/2025 by Dylan Jones

Darts season is upon us. With the 2025 Darts Grand Slam underway and the 2025 Darts World Championships arriving in December, it has us all hooked this time of year. Darts is the ultimate mix of precision, focus, and community. Whether you’re battling friends at the pub or perfecting your throw at home, it’s a sport that combines social fun and exceptional skill. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know. From mastering the basic rules to sharpening your technique and choosing the right gear. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what makes darts one of the most exciting and accessible sports around. Ready? Let’s take a look.

DARTS AT A GLANCE:

First, we’ll get to grips with the core facts of darts, from setup to gameplay and origins.

BOARD SETUP

According to the official tournament standards…

• The bullseye should sit 5 feet 8 inches (1.73m) from the floor.
• Players must throw from a line 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37m) away from the board.

COMMON GAME MODES

• 501 is the professional standard. Each player starts at 501 points and aims to reach exactly zero, finishing on a double.
• 301 is a shorter version of 501, ideal for casual or quicker matches, but with the same “finish on a double” rule.
• Cricket is when players score by “closing” numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye before their opponent, combining accuracy and strategy.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF DARTS

Darts began as a medieval pastime, evolving from soldiers throwing short spears or arrows at barrel bottoms. By the early 20th century, the game had set rules and had become a fixture in British pubs. The sport’s professional era took off in the 1970s, with tournaments being televised on the global stage. Today, darts is a competitive sport that is quickly gaining traction across the world.

EQUIPMENT 101: WHAT YOU WILL ACTUALLY NEED

Whether you’re building a home setup or upgrading your current kit, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you actually need to play like the pros.

Boards

The dartboard is the centrepiece of your setup, and choosing the right one makes all the difference. Bristle (sisal) boards are the professional choice, with self-healing fibres for enhanced durability. Paper coil boards suit beginners or casual players, but wear out faster, while electronic boards offer easy digital scoring with soft-tip darts for safer, family-friendly play. It is best to opt for thin, staple-free wiring to reduce bounce-outs and increase scoring potential.

Our top pick is the Unicorn Dynamite Dartboard.

DARTS

When it comes to darts, it’s all about finding the right balance of feel, grip, and precision. Steel-tip darts are used on traditional bristle boards, and soft-tip darts pair with electronic boards for a safer, lighter option. Brass darts are budget-friendly and slightly bulkier, while tungsten barrels allow for slimmer profiles and tighter groupings. Most players start with darts in the 21–26g range, which is a comfortable middle ground for control and consistency. From smooth finishes for a clean release to deep ridges for extra traction, the grip is very much down to personal preference.

Our favourite is the Luke Littler 22G Brass Dart Set.

SHAFTS & FLIGHTS

Getting your shafts and flights right is key to having your darts fly true. Shafts come in materials like nylon, which are lightweight and flexible; aluminium, which adds durability and a firmer feel; and carbon, offering premium strength without extra weight. Shorter shafts create a faster, more direct throw, while longer shafts provide greater steadiness and a slower, more controlled arc.

Flights shape the dart’s path. Standard flights give maximum lift and suit heavier darts. Kite flights, on the other hand, balance stability and speed. Slim flights cut through the air for faster, flatter throws.

Whether you’re practising at home or competing, the Winmau Mega Standard Flights offer a great option and are compatible with most shafts.

MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES

The right accessories make your dart setup safer, smarter, and more enjoyable. Surrounds protect walls from stray darts, while mats or oches mark out the correct throwing distance and shield floors from bounce-outs. The Unicorn Non-Slip Black Darts Mat ensures you always throw from the correct distance, helping build consistency and muscle memory. A dartboard cabinet keeps your setup tidy and adds a professional look, and dedicated lighting ensures clear visibility without glare. For upkeep, repair tools like sharpeners and spare flights keep your gear in top condition, and dart cases make it easy to store and transport your setup safely.

NAIL THE BASICS: HOW TO GRIP, STAND, AND THROW

Next, we’ll break down the core techniques that shape a consistent and accurate throw. Getting these basics right will build the foundation for every dart you throw.

STANCE

Begin with a stable base. Feet shoulder-width apart, with your lead foot pointing towards the board and your back foot angled slightly for balance. Keep your shoulders aligned with the target so your throwing arm moves straight toward the board. Finally, placement. Standing in the same spot helps develop rhythm, accuracy, and muscle memory.

GRIP

You need to make sure to hold the dart lightly but securely. Firm enough to stay stable, yet relaxed enough for a smooth release. Most players use two to four fingers on the barrel, with the thumb supporting from underneath. Experiment to find what feels natural, but avoid gripping too tightly, as tension can throw off accuracy and rhythm.

THROW & RELEASE

Start with smooth acceleration, guiding the dart forward in one fluid motion rather than a jab. Keep your arm movement straight and steady, finishing with a clean follow-through that points directly at your target. Fix your eyes on the intended segment, draw back, and release naturally. Over time, build a simple pre-throw routine to reinforce muscle memory and focus.

PRACTICE PLANS THAT ACTUALLY WORK

Now, we’ll outline structured, effective practice routines designed to sharpen accuracy, consistency, and confidence. Whether you are a beginner or are looking to find a consistent structure, we’ve got a plan for you. From warm-up drills to targeted scoring exercises, these plans help you build real progress without losing the fun.

BEGINNER (20-30 MINS)

For new players, consistency matters more than chasing high scores. Start with a 20s grouping drill, focusing on tight, controlled groupings rather than hitting trebles. Next, play Doubles Round-the-Clock, aiming for each double on the board to improve finishing accuracy.

PROGRESSION (30-45 MINS)

Start with Shanghai 1–20, hitting a single, double, and treble on each number to build accuracy across the board. Move on to Bob’s 27 on doubles, a pressure-focused game that sharpens your finishing by rewarding precise double-hitting and punishing misses. Finish with 121-Down Checkouts, where you practice completing a 121 score in three darts or fewer. This routine strengthens consistency, finishing, and tactical awareness.

WEEKLY STRUCTURE

To make steady progress, structure your practice across the week with three focused sessions. Dedicate one session to Doubles Day, targeting finishing accuracy and double-hitting drills. Another session should be Scoring Day, honing consistency on trebles. The final session is Checkout Day, practising common checkout combinations. Rotating focus like this keeps practice engaging and helps you steadily improve all areas of your game.

With the right setup, solid technique, and consistent practice, anyone can improve their game from casual throws to confident checkouts. Whether you’re playing for fun at home or chasing higher averages, remember that every great player started by mastering the basics. So set up your board, grab your darts, and enjoy the process.