Darts rules, for watching
Start with how a match works. Then the rules you see every few minutes, then the ones that change results.
Checked 14 October 2026
Settling an argument? Search all 13 rules
- How does a game of darts work?
- What is a bust in darts?
- When does a dart count in darts?
- What counts as a foul throw in darts?
- How many legs are in a darts match?
- What are the official dartboard measurements?
- How heavy can a dart be?
- How far is the oche from the dartboard?
- Who can stand near a player in darts?
- How is it decided who throws first in darts?
- Can a darts referee tell you what to aim for?
- How many practice darts do you get before a match?
- What can get a darts player disqualified?
Where these rules come from
| Tag | Document |
|---|---|
| WDF with rule number, for example WDF 2.05 | World Darts Federation, Playing and Tournament Rules, twentieth revised edition (28 February 2018). Read in full |
| WDF Definition | The definitions on page 3 of the same document |
| R | "Why the rule exists", or a point reasoned from the rule, not stated in it |
| C | Common usage or general knowledge, not a rule |
| Not saved | A document that exists and is not in research/ |
Checked on 14 October 2026. The board setup drawing on page 8 was not read; the measurements are in the text.