Darts Etiquette & Scoring Fairness

Why Darts Etiquette Matters

Darts is usually friendly, but tension appears quickly if people don’t agree on basic etiquette and scoring rules. A few simple habits stop arguments before they start and keep matches flowing.

Use this as a quick guide for pub nights, home games and local league matches.

Behaviour at the Oche

• No movement in front of the thrower, including walking past or reaching for drinks.
• Minimal talking during a throw, especially for deciding legs or doubles.
• Wait behind the oche until the scorer has confirmed the score.
• Retrieve darts only when safe – don’t step in if the scorer is still counting.

In casual games you don’t need silence, but players should always feel able to concentrate on important throws.

Fair Scoring & Avoiding Disputes

• Call each dart (e.g. “single 20, treble 20, 5”).
• Repeat the total after three darts and wait for agreement.
• Do not change a score after the darts have been removed.
• If there’s a disagreement, check the board with both players present.
• Use a neutral scorer (“chalker”) where possible in league or money games.

A simple rule that solves most arguments: if the score wasn’t challenged before the darts were pulled, it usually stands.

Agree House Rules First

Before starting, quickly agree the basics so everyone is on the same page:

• Game type and format (e.g. 501 best of 5 legs).
• Whether double-in or double-out is required.
• How bull is treated (25/50, sudden-death bull, etc.).
• Who throws first and how you decide (bull-off, coin toss, alternate starts).

In pubs and home games, this 30-second chat avoids most “we don’t play it like that” moments.

Pub Games vs Local League Matches

• Pub nights are usually relaxed, but the same fairness rules still help.
• League darts tends to follow stricter written rules – always check your handbook.
• In league matches, arguing with the chalker or opponent mid-leg is poor form.
• If there’s a serious dispute, stop, call a captain or organiser, and restart calmly.

Etiquette for Online & Digital Scoring

• Show the board clearly if you’re using video for remote matches.
• Announce scores out loud so your opponent hears them as well as seeing them.
• Press undo only for genuine mistakes and explain what happened.
• Use a neutral, consistent scorer like Darts Score to keep both sides aligned.

Online and remote darts work best when scoring is transparent and both players can see how each leg is tracked.

Darts Etiquette FAQ

• Can I stand beside the thrower?
  It’s better to stand behind the oche and off to the side to avoid distraction.
• What if we disagree on a score?
  Check the board together. If darts are still in, agree based on what is clearly visible.
• Is joking or banter allowed?
  Yes, as long as everyone is comfortable and it doesn’t interrupt throws.
• Do I have to stay quiet?
  Not completely, but lower voices and no sudden noises when someone is on a finish.