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Darts: Essential Rules

Darts is enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a game that requires concentration and skill, and it’s both fun and social. However, what often holds new players back is the fear of not understanding the intricacies of scoring. Yet there’s nothing particularly complicated about darts: the essential rules are simple and accessible to everyone. 

1 - Understanding the target and the points

Darts is a game in which players throw a series of three darts at a board divided into segments numbered from 1 to 20. All you need to get started is a dartboard and at least three darts! 

On your target, each numerical sector is further divided into several zones: 

– Single-target attacks: These are the two largest areas within a sector. They simply deal the damage associated with the target. 

– The double: this is the outer ring of the sector. It doubles the value of the segment.

– The triple: this is the center ring. It is located halfway between the edge and the center and triples the score. This is where you score the most points!

– The center of the target (the bullseye) is a special section. It is worth 25 points on the outside and 50 points on the inside. 

2 - Darts: Rules for Playing Like a Pro

To play by the rules, there are a number of standards to follow regarding distances and target regulations. 

When it comes to the dartboard, particularly for international competitions, the World Darts Federation sets the rules. 

Officially, a 45-centimeter-diameter target must be hung so that the center of the target is 1.73 meters above the ground. 

The shooting distance is 2.37 meters. 

It should be noted that we are referring here to the standards for traditional dartboards, which are played with steel-tip darts. 

The rules are different if you're playing with an electronic dartboard designed for plastic-tipped darts.

To master darts, good posture is essential. Stand sideways to the target, with your front foot flush against the throw line. Your body should remain steady: only your forearm should be moving. 

The grip is a matter of personal preference, but the key is to hold the dart with at least three fingers to ensure a stable flight path. 

3 - Different types of darts: rules you need to know

Now that you're familiar with the basics, here are the different dart games and their rules for the most popular formats.

  1. The 501 

First, 501 (or 301) is the official format used in tournaments. Each player starts with a total of 501 points, and the goal is to reduce that total to exactly zero. 

A golden rule: to win, you must end your turn on a double. If you exceed the required score, your turn is void (this is called a “bust”). 

If you understand how the dartboard is set up, you’ll realize that the area worth the most points isn’t the center, but the triple 20! 

     2. The Locust

A popular form of the game is Cricket. The goal is to close specific segments (15 through 20, as well as the bullseye) by hitting each one three times. Once a segment is closed by a player, they can score points on it until their opponent closes it in turn. 

    3. Around the World 

Around the World is a great game for beginners who want to practice. The goal is to hit each segment in chronological order, from 1 to 20, and then finish with the bubble. The first player to complete the full lap wins the game. 

4 - Playing darts in Paris

As you can see, darts offers exciting rules and strategic depth that combine skill and composure. If you want to try your hand at darts or test out new game modes, you don’t have to worry about the rules or the distance to the target when you visit Les Petites Flèches. 

Les Petites Flèches is a chain of three dart bars in Paris equipped with state-of-the-art technology and 12 different mini-games. 

The fun interface lets you enjoy a great time with friends, family, or coworkers playing darts: simple rules, tips from the team, and replays of your best throws. 

All of this paired with delicious tapas and great cocktails. 

Now there’s no reason not to give darts a try. With clear rules, a solid grasp of how to throw, and knowledge of the different game modes, darts holds no secrets for you anymore. Plus, you know the best place in Paris to get started with this exciting sport! 

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Paris 09
PIGALLE

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Paris 10
Strasbourg-Saint-Denis

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Paris 11
Parmentier