What is Dartboard and Darts?

What is Dartboard?

A dartboard is the circular target used in the game of darts. It's typically made from compressed bristles, sisal, or cork, and is divided into numbered sections for scoring throws. Here's a closer look at its key features:

Shape:

The classic dartboard is a circular board, usually around 17¾ inches or 45.1cm in diameter.

Construction:

Traditionally made from compressed bristles or sisal, a natural fiber derived from the agave plant. Cork dartboards are also becoming increasingly popular.

Scoring:

The board is divided into 20 numbered sections, with each section scoring a different value (1 to 20 points).

Thin metal wires separate these sections, with additional wires further dividing each section into single, double, and treble scoring areas. Hitting a dart within a wire doubles or triples the score of the section it's in.

Bullseye:

At the center of the board lies the bullseye, which is further divided into an inner and outer bullseye. The inner bullseye, also known as the "double bull" or "bull's eye," scores 50 points, while the outer bullseye, or "single bull," scores 25 points.

Placement:

The official dartboard height is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the center of the bullseye to the floor. This ensures consistency when playing on different boards.

Types of Dartboards

For Serious Players:

Bristle Dartboard (Steel-Tip): The pro standard. Made from sisal fibers, offering excellent grip for secure throws and minimal bounce-outs. Requires some maintenance (rotation) and isn't ideal for high humidity.

For Casual Play:

Electronic Dartboard (Soft-Tip): Modern and fun, featuring automatic scoring. Often plastic, so only use soft-tip darts to avoid damage. These can be pricier than bristle boards.

Cork Dartboard (Steel-Tip/Soft-Tip): A budget-friendly alternative to bristle, offering decent grip. Some cork boards may work with soft-tip darts, so check compatibility first.

Safety First:

Magnetic Dartboard (Magnetic Darts): Safe for children's play with blunt magnetic tips. Less durable and not ideal for serious play due to the weaker grip compared to bristle.

On-the-Go:

Paper Dartboard (Disposable Darts): The most affordable option, perfect for temporary use. Made from paper with printed scoring sections, but not reusable and easily damaged.

Here's a guide to help you choose the right dart for the right dartboard:

Dartboard Type	Compatible Dart Type	Reasoning
Bristle Dartboard	Steel-Tip Darts	Steel tips provide the best grip in the compressed sisal fibers, allowing darts to stick securely and minimize bounce-outs.
Electronic Dartboard	Soft-Tip Darts	Soft tips with blunt plastic ends prevent damage to the electronic scoring system and plastic playing surface.
Magnetic Dartboard	Magnetic Darts	Magnetic darts have blunt tips with a small magnet that adheres to the magnetic surface of the board. Safety is a key factor here, as steel-tip darts could damage the board and pose a safety risk.
Paper Dartboard	Blunt-Tip Darts (often disposable)	Paper is a delicate material, so blunt tips made of plastic or cardboard are ideal to avoid damaging the scoring sections. These darts are often disposable due to the paper's fragility.
Cork Dartboard	Steel-Tip Darts (usually)	Traditionally, cork dartboards use steel-tip darts for optimal grip similar to bristle boards. However, some cork boards may be compatible with soft-tip darts, so it's important to check the manufacturer's recommendations before using either type.

Additional Tips:

• When choosing steel-tip darts, consider weight. Heavier darts offer more control but may be trickier to throw for beginners.
• Soft-tip dart weight can vary too, but they tend to be lighter than steel-tip darts.
• If you're unsure about the compatibility of your cork dartboard, consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact them directly for clarification.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure you're using the appropriate darts for your chosen dartboard and maximizing your enjoyment of the game!

What is darts?

Darts is a fun and competitive game where players throw small, pointed missiles called darts at a round target on the wall. The goal is to hit specific sections of the board to score points. It's a game of skill and precision, often played in pubs, clubs, and at home.

THE ANATOMY OF A DART

While a simple tool, each part of a dart plays a vital role in its flight and overall performance. Let's delve into the key components:

1. Point:

This is the business end of the dart, featuring either a sharp Steel Tip for traditional sisal or cork boards or a blunt Soft Tip for electronic boards to prevent damage.

2. Barrel:

The Barrel is the main body of the dart, typically crafted from Brass, Nickel-Silver, Tungsten, or a combination of these materials.

It provides crucial Weight and Balance, directly impacting throwing feel and accuracy. Barrels come in a wide array of shapes and sizes to accommodate different gripping styles.

3. Shaft:

The Shaft acts as a bridge, connecting the Barrel to the Flight.

Usually made of Plastic or Nylon, Shafts come in various lengths and thicknesses. Some may even have grooves or rings for enhanced grip.

4. Flight:

The Flights are the thin fins positioned at the tail end of the dart, responsible for stabilizing its flight path.

Constructed from Plastic and available in different shapes and sizes, Flights significantly influence the trajectory and stability of the dart as it travels towards the board.

Types of Darts

There are indeed just two main types of dartboards that directly correspond to the two types of darts:

Bristle Dartboard (Sisal): This is the standard for professional and competitive games. It requires steel tip darts that can stick into the compressed sisal fibers.

Electronic Dartboard (Soft Tip): This is a popular option for casual play and features a plastic playing surface with holes for soft tip darts to register points electronically.

There are also other, less common dartboard types like magnetic dartboards (safe for children) and cork dartboards (affordable, for soft tip darts), but these don't directly correspond to separate dart types.