Master Golf Darts: Your Ultimate Guide To How To Play Golf Darts

How To Play Golf Darts
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Master Golf Darts: Your Ultimate Guide To How To Play Golf Darts

Golf Darts is a fun dartboard game. It mixes the skill of darts with the strategy of golf. People often ask, “How do you play dartboard golf?” You play by aiming for specific numbers on the dartboard, acting as “holes.” Your goal is to finish 9 or 18 holes with the lowest score. Yes, anyone can play Golf Darts! It is easy to learn for beginners. Yet, it offers a real challenge for expert dart players.

The Game of Golf Darts: A Quick Look

Golf Darts is an exciting dart game. It takes the idea of golf and puts it on a dartboard. You move through 9 or 18 “holes.” Each hole is a number on the dartboard. You throw darts to hit these numbers. Like real golf, you want a low score. The player with the fewest points wins. This game is great for friends. It is also good for practice. It sharpens your aim and your game plan.

Getting Ready: Equipment for Golf Darts

You do not need much to play Golf Darts. Here is a simple list of what you will need:

A Standard Dartboard: This is the main part. It must be a regular dartboard. It has numbers from 1 to 20. It also has bullseyes and doubles/triples rings.
A Set of Darts: Each player needs three darts. Make sure your darts are in good shape. Choose darts that feel good in your hand.
A Way to Keep Score: You can use a pen and paper. Or, you can use a small whiteboard. Many apps also help with Golf Darts scoring.
A Measuring Tape: This helps you set up your playing area. It makes sure you stand at the right distance.

Setting Up for Success: Golf Darts Setup Guide

Proper setup makes a big difference. Follow these steps for the best game:

Dartboard Height: Hang your dartboard so the center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor. This is a standard height. It is used in most dart games.
Throwing Line (Oche) Distance: Measure 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard. This is your throwing line. Make a clear mark on the floor. This line is called the “oche.” All players must stand behind this line when throwing.
Good Lighting: Make sure the dartboard is well-lit. Good light helps you see your target clearly. Avoid shadows.
Clear Playing Area: Keep the area around the dartboard clear. Remove anything that could get in the way. This keeps players safe. It also helps them focus.

The Core of the Game: Golf Darts Rules Explained

The rules for Golf Darts are simple. They help the game flow well. Here is a breakdown of the Golf Darts rules:

The Course: Your “Holes”

Holes 1 to 18: In Golf Darts, you play 18 “holes.” Each hole is a number on the dartboard.
Order of Play: You start with Hole 1. This is the number 1 segment on the dartboard. Then you move to Hole 2 (the number 2 segment), and so on. You play from 1 up to 18.
The Goal: For each hole, your goal is to hit the current “hole” number. For example, on Hole 1, you want to hit the number 1 segment. On Hole 5, you want to hit the number 5 segment.

Taking Your Shots

Darts Per Hole: Each player gets three darts for each hole.
Scoring Your Shots: This is where it gets interesting.
- Hitting the Single Segment: If your dart lands in the large single segment of the current hole number, you score 1 point. This is like getting a “par” in real golf.
- Hitting the Double Ring: If your dart lands in the thin outer ring (the double ring) of the current hole number, you score 2 points. This is like getting a “bogey.”
- Hitting the Triple Ring: If your dart lands in the thin inner ring (the triple ring) of the current hole number, you score 3 points. This is like getting a “double bogey.”
- Hitting Any Other Number: If your dart lands on a different number segment (not the current hole number), it is a miss. You get 5 points for this shot. This is a big penalty!
- Missing the Board Entirely: If your dart misses the board completely, it is also a miss. You get 5 points for this shot.
- Hitting the Bullseye: The bullseye area (inner or outer) is a miss in Golf Darts. It counts as 5 points.

Finishing a Hole

Once You Hit It: The moment you hit the current hole number (in the single, double, or triple part), your turn for that hole ends. You do not throw your other darts for that hole.
No Hit After Three Darts: If you throw all three darts and do not hit the current hole number, you get 5 points for each dart thrown. So, if you miss with all three, you get 15 points for that hole (5 points x 3 darts).

Winning the Game

Lowest Score Wins: After all 18 holes are played, add up your total score. The player with the lowest total score wins the game.

Keeping Score: Golf Darts Scoring Made Easy

Keeping track of scores is key. It helps you see who is winning. Here is how Golf Darts scoring works:

Points for Shots

Dart Lands On…	Points Scored	Golf Term	Notes
Single segment of current hole	1	Par	Best possible score for a single dart.
Double ring of current hole	2	Bogey	Still hitting the number, but a higher score.
Triple ring of current hole	3	Double Bogey	A harder hit, but a higher score.
Any other number segment	5	Penalty	This is a miss.
Outer Bullseye (25 ring)	5	Penalty	This is a miss.
Inner Bullseye (50 ring)	5	Penalty	This is a miss.
Misses the board	5	Penalty	This is a miss.

Scoring Example

Let’s say you are on Hole 1. Your goal is to hit the “1” segment.

Shot 1: You throw your first dart. It lands in the single 1 segment. Your score for Hole 1 is 1. Your turn ends.
Shot 1 (Example 2): You throw your first dart. It lands in the double 1 ring. Your score for Hole 1 is 2. Your turn ends.
Shot 1 (Example 3): You throw your first dart. It lands in the triple 1 ring. Your score for Hole 1 is 3. Your turn ends.
Shot 1 (Example 4): You throw your first dart. It lands in the single 5 segment. This is a miss. Your score for this dart is 5. You have 2 darts left.
Shot 2 (Continuing Example 4): You throw your second dart. It lands in the double 1 ring. Your score for this dart is 2. Your total for Hole 1 is 5 (from first dart) + 2 (from second dart) = 7. Your turn ends.
Shot 1 (Example 5): You throw your first dart. It lands in the single 15. Score 5. (2 darts left)
Shot 2 (Continuing Example 5): You throw your second dart. It lands in the single 17. Score 5. (1 dart left)
Shot 3 (Continuing Example 5): You throw your third dart. It lands in the single 10. Score 5. (0 darts left).
Total for Hole 1 (Example 5): You missed the 1 with all three darts. Your score is 5 + 5 + 5 = 15. Your turn ends.

Recording Scores

It is helpful to use a simple table to keep track:

Hole	Player 1 Score	Player 2 Score	Player 3 Score
1	1	7	15
2
3
…
18
Total	X	Y	Z

Step-by-Step: Dart Golf Instructions (A Golf Darts Tutorial)

Here is a full Golf Darts tutorial on how to play the game from start to finish.

1. Choose Who Starts

Each player throws one dart at the bullseye.
The player whose dart lands closest to the bullseye goes first. If there is a tie, those players throw again.
The player who starts will throw first for Hole 1. Then, players take turns in clockwise order.

2. Playing Hole 1

The first player steps up to the oche.
They aim for the number 1 segment on the dartboard.
They throw their darts, up to three.
As soon as a dart hits the 1 (single, double, or triple), their turn ends.
They record their score for Hole 1.
The next player then takes their turn for Hole 1.

3. Moving to the Next Hole

Once all players have finished Hole 1, you move to Hole 2.
Players now aim for the number 2 segment.
The same rules apply for scoring and ending the turn.
You continue this process for Hole 3, Hole 4, and so on, all the way to Hole 18.

4. Finishing the Round

After all players have completed Hole 18, the game ends.
Each player adds up all their scores from Hole 1 to Hole 18.

5. Calculating Total Score

The player with the lowest total score wins the game of Golf Darts!
If there is a tie, players can have a “playoff” hole. They choose one hole (e.g., Hole 18) and throw again. The player with the lower score on that hole wins.

Boost Your Game: Best Golf Darts Strategy

Playing Golf Darts well means thinking ahead. Here are some ideas for the best Golf Darts strategy:

1. Accuracy Is Key

Aim for the Single Segment: Your best friend is the large single segment of the target number. A score of 1 point is excellent. It is better to get a sure 1 point than to risk a 5-point miss trying for a double or triple.
Focus on Consistency: Try to hit the target number often. Do not worry too much about hitting doubles or triples right away. Get good at hitting the single first.

2. When to Go for Doubles or Triples

Only When Necessary: If you are far behind, you might need to take a risk. Hitting a double (2 points) or triple (3 points) means a higher score for that hole. But it lets you finish the hole with fewer darts if your first dart misses.
Consider Your Skill: If you are very good at hitting doubles, you might aim for them. But for most players, aiming for the single is the safest bet.

3. Playing Safe vs. Risky Shots

Safety First: If your first dart hits the single segment, that is a great score (1 point). Do not throw your other darts. Just take your 1 point.
Minimize Penalties: The biggest scores come from missing the target number (5 points per dart). Try your best to avoid these misses. Even if you hit the single segment of a number near your target, that is still 5 points. Try to hit any part of the correct number.

4. Practice Tips for Golf Darts

Practice Each Number: Do not just play full games. Pick a number, say 7, and throw 9 darts at it. See how many times you can hit the single 7. This builds your aim.
Play Short Games: Play 3-hole or 9-hole games instead of 18 holes. This makes practice faster. It helps you focus on different numbers.
Focus on Your Throw: Make sure your stance is steady. Keep your arm motion smooth. Release the dart gently. These things help your aim.

5. Playing Golf Darts Tips for New Players

Do Not Rush: Take your time before each throw. Look at the board. Focus on your target.
Learn from Misses: If you miss, think about why. Did you throw too hard? Was your arm straight? Use misses to get better.
Have Fun: The most important tip is to enjoy the game! Golf Darts is meant to be fun.

Mix It Up: Golf Darts Game Variations

You can change Golf Darts to make it more exciting. Here are some Golf Darts game variations:

1. Shortened Courses

9-Hole Game: Instead of playing 18 holes (1-18), just play 9 holes (1-9). Then add up scores. This is quicker. It is great for short breaks.
Specific Holes: Agree to play only certain holes. Maybe just the odd numbers (1, 3, 5, etc.) or the even numbers (2, 4, 6, etc.).

2. Match Play vs. Stroke Play

Stroke Play (Standard): This is the normal way. You add up all your scores from every hole. The lowest total wins.
Match Play: Instead of adding up total scores, players compare scores hole by hole. The player with the lower score on a hole “wins” that hole. The player who wins the most holes wins the game. This can be very tense!

3. Handicaps

Even the Playing Field: If you have players of different skill levels, you can use a handicap.
How it Works: Give the weaker player a “head start” by subtracting points from their final score. For example, a beginner might get a -20 point handicap. This makes the game fairer for everyone.

4. Team Play

Two Teams: Divide players into two teams.
Alternate Shots: On each hole, team members can take turns throwing. Or, each team member throws their own darts.
Team Score: Add up the best score from each team for each hole. Or, combine both scores. Decide on rules before starting.

5. Challenge Variations

One-Dart Challenge: On each hole, players only get one dart. If they miss, they get a high penalty (e.g., 10 points). This makes the game very tough!
Bullseye Bonus: Add a rule where hitting the bullseye on any dart for the current hole gives you 0 points for that dart. (This is a change from the normal 5-point penalty.)
Only Doubles/Triples: For advanced players, make a rule that only hitting a double or triple of the target number counts. If you hit the single, it is a miss. This makes the game much harder.

Advanced Play: Honing Your Golf Darts Skills

If you want to get really good at Golf Darts, focus on these areas.

1. Throwing Techniques

Stance: Find a comfortable and stable stance at the oche. You can stand sideways or face the board. Make sure your weight is balanced.
Grip: Hold the dart firmly but not too tight. Each person has a unique grip. Find what works best for you. It should allow for a smooth release.
Follow-Through: After you release the dart, your arm should follow through towards the target. Do not drop your arm immediately. This helps with accuracy.
Practice Your Release: The release of the dart is very important. It should be smooth and consistent. Practice releasing the dart at the same point in your throw each time.

2. The Mental Game

Stay Focused: Each dart counts. Try to block out noise and distractions. Focus only on your target.
Stay Calm: If you make a bad throw, do not let it upset you. Stay calm. Focus on the next throw. Darts is a game of control, even when things go wrong.
Visualize Success: Before you throw, picture your dart hitting the exact spot you want. This mental image can help your body make the right movements.

3. Practice Drills

“Around the Clock” for Golf Darts: Instead of just playing the game, practice hitting each number in order. Throw 3 darts at 1, then 3 darts at 2, and so on. See how many darts it takes you to hit each number in the single segment. This improves your accuracy on every part of the board.
Target Practice: Pick a small area on the board. For example, aim for the 1-segment, then the 5-segment, then the 20-segment. This helps you quickly adjust your aim to different parts of the board.
Pressure Practice: Simulate game pressure. For example, play a full 18-hole game by yourself. Record your score. Then try to beat it. This helps you perform better when playing with others.

By putting these tips and strategies into practice, you will see your Golf Darts game get better over time. Remember, consistency and accuracy are your best tools for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How many darts do you throw in Golf Darts?

A: You throw up to three darts for each hole. As soon as you hit the current hole number (in the single, double, or triple segment), your turn for that hole ends. You do not throw any remaining darts.

Q: What happens if I miss the board completely?

A: If your dart misses the board entirely, it counts as a 5-point penalty for that dart.

Q: Can I hit the bullseye in Golf Darts?

A: Hitting the bullseye (inner or outer) in Golf Darts is counted as a miss, like hitting any other number segment. It scores a 5-point penalty.

Q: What is a “par” in Golf Darts?

A: In Golf Darts, hitting the single segment of the current hole number with your first dart is like getting a “par.” It gives you the best possible score for that hole: 1 point.

Q: Is Golf Darts only for 18 holes?

A: No, you can play a shorter game. Many people play a 9-hole version. You can also make up your own course with specific holes.

Q: How do I win Golf Darts?

A: The player with the lowest total score after all 9 or 18 holes wins the game.

Q: Is Golf Darts a good game for beginners?

A: Yes, Golf Darts is excellent for beginners. The rules are simple. It helps new players learn how to aim for specific numbers on the board. It is also fun for all skill levels.

Q: Do I have to hit the number with my first dart?

A: No, you do not have to hit it with your first dart. You get up to three darts per hole. You keep throwing until you hit the target number or you run out of darts.

Q: What if I accidentally hit a double or triple of the current hole number?

A: If you hit a double or triple of the current hole number, that dart counts as 2 points (for a double) or 3 points (for a triple). Your turn for that hole still ends. These are higher scores than a single (1 point) but still count.