A dartboard hangs with the centre of the bull 1.73 m above the floor, and the oche (throw line) is 2.37 m from the face of the board; the diagonal from the bull to the oche at floor level is 2.93 m. In 501 you count down from 501 and must finish exactly on a double or the bull. A dart may be at most 30.5 cm long and 50 g heavy.
How high should a dartboard hang?
The centre of the bull is 1.73 m above the floor. Check it with the diagonal: from the bull to the back of the oche at floor level is 2.93 m.
How far is the oche from the board?
2.37 m, measured along the floor from the back of the throw line to a plumb line at the face of the board.
How does 501 work?
Each player starts at 501 and throws three darts per turn; the score of the three is subtracted.
You must finish exactly on zero with a double (the outer ring) or the bull, which counts as a double 25.
Bust: if a turn would take you below zero, to exactly zero without a double, or to 1, it does not count and your score goes back to what it was.
How heavy may a dart be?
At most 50 g and 30.5 cm long. Almost all darts sold weigh far less: in the DartFit catalogue the median is 23 g.
Frequently asked questions
How high is a dartboard?
1.73 m from the floor to the centre of the bull.
How far do you throw in darts?
2.37 m from the face of the board to the back of the oche.
What is a bust in darts?
A turn that would leave you below zero, on 1, or on zero without a double. It does not count.