Dart Starter
Tips, guides, equipment deep-dives and top 10 lists for players of every level. New posts added regularly.
Dart Starter
Put what you've just read into action. Dart Starter has nine training games, Pub League Simulator, checkout tools and a Daily Challenge — all free.
Start Training →Welcome to the Dart Starter blog. We cover everything a UK pub darts player needs — from stance and grip to checkout strategy, equipment reviews, training drills and top 10 lists. Written for players of every level.
If you want to measure your progress as a dart player, you need more than just a feeling. The JDC Challenge, developed by the Junior Darts Corporation, is a comprehensive MOT for your darts game. It tests your scoring across segments 10–15, doubles under pressure, and bullseye accuracy. Throw 39 darts, score as many points as possible, and track your improvement over time.
The era of chalking by hand is becoming a thing of the past. In 2026, automatic scoring systems like Scolia, Target Omni, GranEye G2, Autodarts and Dartsmind allow cameras and AI to track your darts in real-time. We compare all five systems on accuracy, cost, and ease of installation to help you find the right one for your setup.
Cricket is the most tactical darts game you can play. Using only the numbers 15–20 and the bullseye, players race to open, score and close each segment. Strategy matters as much as accuracy — knowing when to point your opponent versus when to close is what separates good Cricket players from great ones.
Killer is the ultimate social darts game from British pub culture. Every player is assigned a number and must first hit their double to become a Killer. Then the hunt begins — knock out opponents by hitting their doubles. Last player standing wins. A game of politics, pressure and perfect doubles.
Understanding the scoring zones of a dartboard is essential. Singles, doubles, trebles and the bullseye all score differently. In 501 you start with 501 points and subtract your score each visit, aiming to reach exactly zero on a double. Busting resets your turn. The treble 20 is worth 60 points — the highest scoring area on the board.
Darts has a rich tradition of unwritten rules. Never talk while your opponent is throwing. Never face the thrower when chalking. Always shake hands before and after a match. Retrieve your darts only after your opponent has finished their visit. These customs define the character of the sport at every level.
Your stance, grip and release are the three foundations of a consistent throw. Place your dominant foot at the oche, keep your elbow as the pivot point, and follow through fully with every dart. There is no single correct technique — the best throw is the one you can repeat reliably under pressure.
A dart has four components: the point, the barrel, the shaft, and the flight. The barrel is the most important — tungsten barrels are slim and heavy, allowing tight groupings. Shaft length affects balance. Flight shape affects aerodynamics. Understanding each component helps you tune your setup for your throw.
Deliberate practice beats random throwing every time. Round the World builds a complete game across all 20 numbers. The JDC Challenge tests scoring. Catch 40 builds checkout knowledge. 121 simulates match pressure. 50-Bull develops bullseye accuracy. Use two of these per session and track your scores to measure improvement.
Integrated flight systems like the Condor Axe, Target K-Flex and Cosmo Fit Flight combine the shaft and flight into a single moulded unit. Benefits include perfect symmetry, fewer Robin Hoods, and much better durability than traditional separate flights. A worthwhile upgrade for any serious player.
The official dartboard height is 5ft 8in (1.73m) to the centre of the bullseye. The throwing distance is 7ft 9.25in (2.37m) from the face of the board. A dart mat, surround and good overhead lighting complete a proper setup. The diagonal measurement from bullseye to oche should be 9ft 7.5in.
Rotate your dartboard regularly to distribute wear evenly across all segments. Never use water — it destroys the sisal fibres. Keep dart points free of burrs and hooks using a sharpener. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources. A well-maintained bristle board lasts two to three years of regular play.
Dart Starter is a free UK pub darts training and community platform. We offer nine training games, Pub League Simulator, a daily challenge, checkout tools, equipment reviews and a growing blog. Everything here is free to use, aside from an optional one-off £4.99 unlock for the full Tour Mode. Based in Telford, United Kingdom.