How to Play Darts: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide

So, you’ve decided to pick up darts. Maybe you saw someone effortlessly hitting bullseyes at a bar, or maybe you just like the idea of a game that’s equal parts skill, luck, and cold-blooded focus. Whatever brought you here, welcome—you’re about to have a lot of fun.

I remember my first time holding a dart. It felt awkward, like holding a pencil for the first time as a kid. I threw it, missed the board entirely, and immediately thought, "This is harder than it looks." But here’s the thing: every good player started exactly where you are right now. The difference between you and them? They kept throwing.

Let’s get you throwing—the right way.

1. The Basics: What You Actually Need

You don’t need fancy gear to start. A standard dartboard, three darts, and some space (about 7 feet 9.25 inches from the board) are all you need. If you’re playing at home, measure that distance (it’s called the oche, but nobody says that outside of tournaments).

Darts themselves? Don’t overthink it. A basic set of steel-tip darts (for traditional boards) or soft-tip (for electronic boards) will do. Weight? Start around 22-24 grams—not too heavy, not too light. Grips come in all shapes, but for now, just hold a few and see what feels natural.

2. How to Hold a Dart (Without Overcomplicating It)

There’s no "perfect" grip. Some players clutch it like a vice; others balance it on their fingertips. The key? Consistency.

• Find your balance point. Hold the dart lightly and let it rest where it wants to. That’s usually where you should grip it.
• Fingers matter, but not too much. Three fingers (thumb, index, middle) is a solid start. Don’t death-grip it—darts fly better with a little finesse.
• Relax. Tension kills accuracy. If your hand feels stiff, shake it out and try again.

Think of it like throwing a baseball. You wouldn’t white-knuckle it—same idea here.

3. The Throw: Simple, Smooth, Repeatable

This is where most beginners panic. They wind up like they’re pitching in the World Series, then hurl the dart like it owes them money. Don’t do that.

• Stance: Stand sideways, lead foot slightly forward (right foot if you’re right-handed). Keep your weight balanced—no leaning.
• Aim: Bring the dart up to your eye line. Focus on your target, not the dart.
• Motion: Elbow up, forearm back, then forward in one smooth motion. No jerking, no wild flicks. Think of pushing the dart toward the board, not throwing it.
• Release: Let it go like you’re handing off a delicate object. Fingers should open naturally—no flicking.

Biggest rookie mistake? Overthrowing. Darts don’t need force; they need direction.

4. Where to Aim (Hint: Not Always the Bullseye)

New players fixate on the bullseye. Don’t. It’s a small target, and unless you’re playing Cricket (a common game), it’s not always the best place to aim.

• Start with the 20. It’s the highest-scoring segment, and hitting it consistently builds confidence.
• Aim for the big spaces first. The thin "triple" and "double" rings are tempting, but focus on just hitting the 20 segment before worrying about precision.
• Grouping matters. If your darts land close together, even if they’re not in the 20, that’s a win. Consistency comes first; accuracy follows.

5. The Mental Game (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Darts is 50% mechanics, 50% mindset. You’ll have bad throws. Everyone does. The trick? Don’t let one bad dart ruin the next one.

• Breathe. Sounds obvious, but tension sneaks up on you. Take a breath between throws. Focus on the process, not the result. Instead of thinking "I need to hit this," think "Smooth throw, follow through.”
• Celebrate small wins. Hit three darts in the same general area? That’s progress.

6. Practice Like You Mean It (Without Burning Out)

You don’t need hours a day. Even 10-15 minutes of focused practice helps. Try these drills:

• 20s Only. Throw all three darts at the 20 segment. Goal? Consistency.
• Around the World. Hit every number from 1 to 20 in order. Teaches control.
• Bob’s 27. A scoring game that forces you to hit doubles (great for pressure practice).

Pro secret: Play games, not just drills. It keeps practice fun.

7. The Best Advice Nobody Tells Beginners

• Your first set of darts won’t be your last. As you improve, you’ll figure out what weight, grip, and shape work for you.
• Watch good players. Not to compare yourself, but to steal their rhythm. Smooth throws win.
• Nobody cares how you throw as long as it works. Unorthodox grips, weird stances—if it lands in the board, it’s valid.

Final Thought: You’ve Got This

Darts is a game of repetition, patience, and small victories. You’ll have nights where every dart feels perfect and nights where nothing lands. Both are part of the journey.

The only wrong way to play? Not playing at all. So grab your darts, take a deep breath, and throw. The board isn’t judging you—it’s waiting for you to hit it.

Now go stick one in the 20. I’ll be right here cheering when you do. 🎯