How is it decided who throws first in darts?
I · Intermediate · Matches, officials and conduct · 2 of 2Before a match, each player, or one member of each side, throws one dart at the bull, in an order set by a draw or a coin. The nearer dart wins, and that player throws first in the match and in every odd-numbered leg or set. In pairs and teams, the order of throw is fixed on the scoreboard before play.
How it works
- Who throws for the bull first: decided by a draw or a coin toss.
- One dart each: it must stay in the board to count; otherwise it is thrown again.
- Clearing the bull: a dart in the 25 or the bull is removed before the opponent throws.
- Re-throws: if the referee cannot tell which is nearer, if both are in the bull or if both are in the 25; the order is reversed.
- The winner: throws first in the match and in every odd-numbered leg, including a deciding leg.
- Sets: the winner also throws first in odd-numbered sets.
- Pairs and teams: the order of throw is shown on the scoreboard before the match.
- World Cup: darts outside the 25 stay in the board and may be straightened on request.
The glossary has the bull throw, the bullseye, the order of throw (pairs and teams), the leg, the set and the match (darts).
Tricky cases
Both players hit the inner bull. Who wins?
Neither yet. They throw again, in reverse order.
The first player's dart is in the 25. Does it stay there?
No. A dart in the 25 or the bull is removed so the second player has a clear target.
A player misses the board in the bull throw. What happens?
They throw again until a dart stays in the board.
In a best of seven, who throws first in leg 7?
The bull-throw winner, as leg 7 is odd-numbered.
Why the rule exists
Throwing first is an advantage in a race to zero. A skill throw decides it, and alternating legs shares it out.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bull throw | Nearest the centre | WDF 12.01 to 12.03 |
| Order of legs and sets | Winner throws first in odd ones | WDF 12.02 |
| WDF World Cup | Darts outside the 25 left in; may be straightened | WDF 21 |
From the rule book
World Darts Federation, Playing and Tournament Rules (twentieth revised edition, 28 February 2018), Tournament Rules 12.01 to 12.05 and 21. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WDF Playing and Tournament Rules.