Darts Tournament Rules Every Player Should Know

Transitioning from playing casually with friends to competing in an official setting requires a solid understanding of darts tournament rules. At Darts Club, we adhere to international standards to ensure fair and competitive play across all our events. Knowing these rules inside and out not only prevents embarrassing mistakes but also helps you focus entirely on your performance.

Whether you are entering our weekly local tournament or aiming for the grand championship, these are the essential official darts rules and darts throwing rules you must follow.

Board Distance and Height (7'9¼" Regulation Setup)

Before a single dart is thrown, the playing environment must meet strict dimensions. According to standard darts tournament rules, the dartboard must be hung so that the center of the bullseye is exactly 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor. This height remains consistent regardless of the player's height.

The throwing line, commonly known as the oche (pronounced "ockey"), must be positioned exactly 7 feet 9 and a quarter inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard. This distance is measured horizontally from the front face of the board to the back edge of the oche line where a player stands. Accuracy in these measurements is non-negotiable in competitive play.

Dart Weight Rules (18–26g)

While players have a lot of freedom in choosing the design, barrel shape, and flight style of their darts, there are limitations on the physical specifications of the equipment. Official rules dictate that a dart cannot exceed a certain length and weight, typically capped at 50 grams and 30.5 centimeters.

However, in practical terms, most professional players use darts weighing between 18g and 26g. The darts must have a needle-shaped point fixed to a barrel. Soft-tip darts, used for electronic boards, are generally not permitted in traditional steel-tip tournaments unless specifically stated.

Throwing Order and Turns

A standard turn consists of throwing three darts consecutively. Darts must be thrown one at a time by the player's hand. If a player drops a dart before actually making a throwing motion, they are usually permitted to pick it up and throw it. However, if a dart is thrown and bounces out of the board, it cannot be thrown again and scores zero points.

To determine who throws first in a match, players typically "throw for the bull." Each player throws one dart at the center, and the player whose dart is closest to the exact center of the bullseye earns the right to throw first in the opening leg.

Standard Game Format (501, Double-Out)

The vast majority of competitive tournaments utilize the 501 darts format. Both players start at 501 and subtract their scores from that total. The most crucial rule here is the double-out requirement. A player must hit a double ring (or the inner bullseye) to reduce their score exactly to zero and win the leg.

If a player scores more points than required, or reaches a score of 1, they have "busted." Their turn ends, and their score reverts to what it was at the start of that turn. For a more detailed look at scoring, read our guide on how darts scoring works.

Fouls and Infractions (Toe-Line, Distractions)

Darts foul rules are strictly enforced to maintain fairness. The most common infraction is a foot fault. A player's foot may not cross over the front edge of the oche during the act of throwing. If a foot crosses the line, any darts thrown during that stance may be declared void.

Furthermore, players must exhibit good sportsmanship. Distracting an opponent who is at the oche—whether by making noise, moving abruptly in their line of sight, or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct—is a serious foul. Respecting the opponent's space and focus is paramount in professional darts.

Etiquette Expected at Darts Club Events

Beyond the strict written rules, there is an unwritten code of etiquette that all players are expected to follow. At Darts Club events, we expect players to shake hands before and after a match. When your opponent is throwing, you should stand well behind them, remain quiet, and avoid making sudden movements.

When retrieving your darts from the board, do so promptly to keep the game moving, and never pull your opponent's darts from the board. Adhering to these etiquette guidelines ensures a respectful and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.