How to Read a Dart Board: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Dart board, also known as the Bullseye or ten-dolly, is a circular arrangement of numbers and small objects used for shooting at bullseye targets on a dartboard. Understanding how to read a Dart board can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. However, with this guide, you’ll be able to learn how to identify and aim at different sections of the board.
Before You Start
Before you begin, make sure you have a clear understanding of the Dart board layout and the scoring system. Familiarize yourself with the numbers and symbols on the board, and practice identifying different sections and scoring areas.
Understanding the Board Layout
A standard Dart board consists of 20 sections, arranged in a circular pattern. The sections are numbered from 1 to 20, and some sections are marked with special symbols. Here’s a breakdown of the board layout:
| Section | Number | Symbols |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Circle | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | triple 20, triple 16 |
| Middle Section | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 | 1-2, 3-4 |
| Inner Section | 12, 13, 14, 15 | 3-4, 5-6 |
| Inner Quarter | 17, 18, 19 | 5-6, 7-8 |
| Inner Quarter | 20 | triple 10 |
Scoring System
The Dart board is scored in a standard 301-carry format, where each section is worth the number of bullseyes it contains plus any doubles, trebles, or singles awarded by the scorer. Here’s a breakdown of the scoring system:
- Triple 20: Three 20s in a row
- Triple 16: Three 16s in a row
- Double Treble: Double the score of a bullseye
- Treble 20: Three bullseyes in a row
- Single Bullseye: One bullseye in a row
- Single 20: One 20 in a row
- Single 16: One 16 in a row
Reading the Board
Now that you understand the board layout and scoring system, let’s move on to how to read the board.
Recognizing Different Sections
Here are some tips to help you recognize different sections on the board:
- Single and Double Section: These sections contain a single number or a double (2, 3, 4, etc.) with a triple space.
- Triple Section: These sections contain a triple space (3 x 20) and any numbers within the triple space.
- Inner Quarter: These sections contain a special section that awards 1 point for each double and 3 points for each triple.
- Outer Circle: These sections contain the highest-scoring options (Triple 20 and Triple 16).
Dart Board Sections
Here’s a table summarizing the different sections and their corresponding scoring:
| Section | Number | Scoring |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Circle | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | triple 20, triple 16 |
| Middle Section | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 | 1-2, 3-4 |
| Inner Section | 12, 13, 14, 15 | 3-4, 5-6 |
| Inner Quarter | 17, 18, 19 | 5-6, 7-8 |
| Inner Quarter | 20 | triple 10 |
Aiming for the Bullseye
To aim for the bullseye, look for the highest-scoring section on the board, which is the triple 20 or triple 16. These sections award the highest scoring for a single shot. To place your dart on the bullseye, aim directly at the center of the circle.
Dart Board Aiming and Shot Planning
Here are some additional tips for aiming and planning your shot:
- Use the Hand Positioning Chart: A specific chart is available online or on the wall of most bars and pubs. This chart shows the most effective throwing positions for each section.
- Consider Your Opponent’s Shot: If you’re playing against an opponent who has placed a dart in a hard-to-reach section, you may want to aim for a different section to take advantage of the scoring opportunity.
- Manage Your Lines: Keep a clear plan of your shot lines to avoid unnecessary throws or balls missed.