The game where skill meets banter, and one lucky throw can turn you into a pub legend. Imagine the dart leaves your fingers, sails through the air, and lands with a satisfying thunk. Your mates erupt in cheers. The bar staff nod in approval. You? You just became the reigning darts champion of The Bierkeller.
Whether you’re wondering how to play darts for the first time or brushing up on the rules before your next pub showdown, we’ve got everything you need, from dartboard setup and throwing techniques to game rules and fun variations.
Dartboard Setup: How to Set Up Your Darts Game Properly
Before you learn how to play darts and start throwing darts like a pro, you need to get the setup right.
Official Dartboard Measurements:
- Dartboard height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) from the floor to the bullseye.
- Throwing distance: 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 m) from the front of the board to the oche (the throw line).
Dartboard Layout:
- Bullseye: The small red centre worth 50 points. Outer bullseye (green ring) scores 25 points.
- Triple Ring: The thin inner ring, where a triple 20 scores the highest possible 60 points.
- Double Ring: The outermost ring, used for finishing games like 501 or 301.
- Numbers 1–20: Arranged to reward precision and punish inaccuracy.
Now that you know the battlefield, it’s time to step up to the oche!
How to Play Darts: Basic Rules and Game Types
The Classic Games: 501 and 301
These are the standard darts games played in pubs and tournaments alike.
Objective: Count down from 501 (or 301) to exactly zero, finishing on a double.
How to Play:
- Start with a score of 501 (or 301).
- Each player throws three darts per turn. Subtract the total from your score.
- You must finish on a double. For example, if you have 40 left, a double 20 wins the game.
- Go over your score or land with 1 left? That’s a bust, and your turn ends with your score unchanged.
Darts for Beginners: Fun Game Variations
Around the Clock
Perfect for new players. The aim is to hit each number from 1 to 20 in order, finishing on the bullseye. No doubles or triples, just good aim.
Cricket
Hit numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye three times each. Extra hits on closed numbers earn points. First to close all and lead in score wins.
Other Pub Favourites:
- Killer: Knock out your mates by hitting their number after getting yours three times.
- Shanghai: Hit a single, double, and triple of the same number in one round.
- Baseball Darts: Score runs by hitting specific numbers each inning.
How to Throw a Dart: Techniques, Stance & Grip for Accuracy
Even if your first few throws end up closer to the floor than the bullseye, you’re in for a night of laughs, and with the right technique, a better score too.
1. Perfect Your Stance
- Lead foot forward: Your dominant foot should point toward the dartboard.
- Stay balanced: Distribute weight evenly and avoid leaning too much.
- Minimal movement: Keep your body steady and let your arm do the work.
2. Master Your Grip
- Three-finger hold: Thumb, index, and middle finger is the standard.
- Relaxed grip: Don’t squeeze too tight, or your throw will wobble.
- Stay consistent: Find a grip that feels natural and stick with it.
3. Nail the Throw
- Straight arm motion: Like a pendulum, keeping the elbow stable.
- Aim with your eyes: Focus sharply on your target.
- Smooth release: Flick the wrist slightly and follow through.
4. Practice Like a Champ
- Target different numbers: Don’t just chase the bullseye.
- Play regularly: The more you throw, the more natural it becomes.
- Friendly competition: Challenge friends at Bierkeller for fun and skill-building.
How far should you stand from the dartboard?
For standard steel-tip darts, stand 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard. For soft-tip darts (electronic boards), the distance is typically 8 feet.
Darts at The Bierkeller: Social, Competitive and Always Fun
At The Bierkeller, darts isn’t just a pub game, it’s a full-on experience. Whether you’re playing casually over beers or entering a friendly tournament, we’ve got the boards, the atmosphere, and the beer steins ready.
- High-quality dartboards in every venue
- Spacious lanes for playing and spectating
- Regular tournaments and themed events
- Delicious German beers and pub grub to fuel your throws
- We also show the darts live on our huge TV screens – discover where to watch the darts here with a breakdown of the dart tournaments coming up in 2025
Book Your Darts Session
Now you know how to play darts, are you ready to throw some arrows and take on your mates? Book a darts session at The Bierkeller today and let the games begin.
Click here to book your darts spot at The Bierkeller Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Saltaire, or Grantham.
Eins, Zwei, Drei, G’SUFFA and may the bullseyes be ever in your favour!
FAQs About How to Play Darts
How do you play darts for beginners?
Start with easy games like Around the Clock or 301. Learn how to score, practice your stance, and aim for accuracy.
What’s the distance from the dartboard to the oche?
7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 m).
Do I need to finish on a double in darts?
Yes, in games like 501 or 301, you must land your final dart on a double to win.
What is the oche in darts?
The oche (rhymes with “hockey”) is the throw line you must stand behind when throwing darts.
How do you throw a dart correctly?
Stand with your lead foot forward and body balanced. Grip the dart lightly with three fingers, aim with your dominant eye, and use a smooth, pendulum-like arm motion to release. Flick your wrist gently on release and follow through in the direction of the dart.