Darts is still pretty much considered a bar game. However, you’ll be surprised to find out how many different rules this game has, not only in terms of how you throw or score. From how you behave at the beginning and end of each match to when you remove your darts, there are plenty of etiquette rules you should respect. Here are some of the most important rules you should know if you practice darts.
Don’t Forget to Shake Hands!
If you’ve ever watched a professional darts match, you might have noticed that the opponents always shake hands at the beginning and the end of the game. Darts is by definition a friendly game, one that is based on mutual respect. The habit of shaking hands at the beginning and the end of the match only supports this good sportsmanship spirit. Moreover, at the end of the game, regardless of the result, players also thank each other for the fact that they’ve had the chance to play together.
Don’t Rush to Remove Your Darts
Anyone who has played this game by the rules knows that darts involves a lot of patience. It requires patience in order to be able to focus on each throw and aim, it requires patience when it comes to waiting for your opponent’s throw, but it also requires you to remain patient after you’ve made your throw. While the natural intention might be to go to the board and remove your darts right away, especially after a bad throw, the rule says you have to wait until your score has been calculated. While this might not be the case when you play with friends in a pub, in an official tournament, the scorer is the person in charge of calculating and announcing the points officially and players are not allowed to remove their darts before the scorer does so.
Don't Disturb Your Opponent
Darts is based on mutual respect, although it is a competitive game. One of the unwritten but most important rules of the game says you are not allowed to disturb your opponent when they stand at the toe line. After you've made your throw and removed your darts, step aside and let the other player focus. Don't stand next to them or anywhere in their line of sight as you might distract them. Keep quiet, don't talk or move around and simply wait for them to finish their throw. Don't play with your darts or accessories, as any noise can be distracting and affect the other player's throw. Show your opponents respect and you will benefit from the same treatment.
Don't Delay the Game
Whether you're thinking about delaying the game on purpose or you sometimes do it subconsciously, remember that the darts etiquette rules don't allow you to do this. It is normal and absolutely understandable that you might sometimes need a few more seconds before or after it's your turn to throw. However, taking too much time all the time as a strategy to annoy or make your opponent lose their focus is not ok.
Doing a “phantom dart”, which is throwing an imaginary dart when you step on the oche line, before the actual throw, for exercise, is considered ok. However, repeating the phantom dart in a row is not.
These are just some of the main darts rules you should know about if you're a novice, wannabe, or even a casual player who has been practicing for a while. We hope you've found them useful and don't forget that there's plenty more we can help you with if you need affordable and reliable darts gear.
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