2006 Ó DFA - All rights reserved.
Dart Board Set Up Dimensions
|
|
From floor to centre of bull
|
1.73 metres (5ft 8in)
|
Throwing distance
|
2.37 metres (7ft 9.25in)
|
Diagonal Measurement-:
Centre of the bull to back of the oche
|
2.93 metres (9ft 7.5in)
|
Height of raised oche
|
25mm
|
Length of raised oche
|
1 metre
|
Dart Board set-up and equipment
DARTBOARD SETUP
The dartboard is hung so that the centre of the bullseye is 1.74m (5'8") from the floor.
The throwing line, which is also referred to as the Oche (pronounced "ockey"), is located 2.37m (7'9.25") from the face of the dartboard measured horizontally. This is the recognized world standard asset by the World Darts Federation and is played as such in most areas.
When hanging the dartboard, care must be taken to ensure that the floor does not slope away from the wall. If it does, the height of the bullseye will not be located the correct height from the floor in relationship to where the player is standing. If this is the case, the location of the dartboard on the wall will have to be adjusted either up or down whichever the case may be. If a backboard is used to protect the wall around the board, this will also have to be centred around the board.
When measuring the distance from the dartboard to the toe line along the floor from the wall, care must be taken to include the distance from the wall to the front surface of the dartboard in the measurement to ensure proper placement. This procedure can be facilitated by tying a weight such as a large nut to a length of string and using it as a plumb bob by placing the other end of the string on the board's surface and letting the weight dangle near the floor. Place a mark on the floor with a piece of chalk and use this as the starting point for measuring the distance to the toe line.
An easier method is to measure diagonally from the centre of the bullseye to the floor 2.931m (115-3/8"). This will reduce the margin of error as long as the bullseye has been placed at the correct height and the floor and the wall make a right angle.
Be warned darts can bounce a good distance off the board with this in mind the area selected should be a low-traffic area to decrease the risk of injuries. Breakable items should be removed from an area 1 metre on either side of the board and preferably nowhere near the board at all.
The floor should be considered in several ways:
- A concrete, stone or tile floor will break darts and dull the points.
- A wood floor will get lots of holes in it around the front of the board.
- Vinyl flooring will also get a lot of holes.
- Carpet will show wear from the traffic between the board and the line.
- You will need to mark the throw line with either tape or a screwed down wood or metal bar.
Proper lighting of the dartboard is essential. It is important to be able to see exactly where the dart has landed without moving from the throw-line. The main objective is creating little or no shadow at all.
DARTING EQUIPMENT
Darts
Considering these are the most important aspect of the game and what you're most likely to buy first, we'll start with them.
The only way to choose a set of darts is to throw them first. Until you've been playing a few years and have developed a completely consistent throw, you will need to try many different styles, weights, lengths, grips, etc. before you find the dart that's right for you. Most dart stores will allow you to throw many sets of darts until you find the one that suits you the best.
Flights
There are many different shapes that flights come in. The bigger the flight the more stable the dart travels through the air. Generally beginners should start with a large standard flight and experiment with different shapes and sizes after their throw has developed. Advanced players tend towards the smaller flights because their throws are more accurate and do not need the extra stability a large flight offers.
The Board
Bristle boards are what you'll find in just about every modern darts venue. They are made from tightly packed nylon bristles and can last many years if they are rotated often. Bristle boards can be purchased from approximately $40 and upwards, which makes them very affordable. Dart venues may have second hand boards for sale.
SAFETY
Darting equipment may cause serious injury when used other than as recommended.
Players should be warned that extreme caution should be exercised at all times.
All sessions are to be conducted in a safe environment and the rules of conduct obeyed. E.g.
- The only person permitted in front of the Oche is the "chalker".
- When a player is throwing the chalker must stand still until the shot is completed.
- Players must retrieve their darts without undue delay.
- The next player must not approach the Oche until the previous player is clear.
Buying the Dartboard
There are all different types of dartboards. I suggest buying a dartboard with the metal embedded into the board. This will decrease the number of "bounce-outs" (your dart hits the metal, bounces off and falls). An example of this type of board is 'The Bandit' Dartboard made by Puma. It's more expensive than your typical dartboard. But in the long run, worth it.
Caring for your Dartboard
You must remember to rotate your dartboard. This will only work if your dartboard has the removable metal ring with the numbers on it. If the numbers are painted on the board, you will not be able to rotate it. Rotating the board will make it last longer.
Scoring
Below is an example of a dartboard with the points scored detailed.
There are two "rings" on your board. The outside ring will be worth double your points. The inside ring is worth triple the points. Between those two rings, is worth the value of the box. For example.....if you look at the picture above, lets use number 20, you will see the outside ring's value is 40, the inside ring's value is 60. If your dart goes anywhere between the outside ring and inside ring and the inside ring to the bullseye, you will get 20 points
