What counts as a foul throw in darts?
I · Intermediate · The game · 1 of 2A throw is up to three darts, each thrown deliberately, one at a time, by hand and point first. A dart not thrown that way makes the throw a foul throw, which does not count. Touching a dart already in the board ends the throw, and damaging the board when retrieving brings warnings and then a forfeit.
How it works
- Three darts: a throw has at most three.
- How: deliberately, one at a time, by and from the hand, point towards the board.
- Foul throw: a dart not thrown this way voids the throw for that leg, set or match.
- Touching the board's darts: touching any dart in the board during a throw ends the throw.
- Abusing the board: a first and second warning, then forfeit of the leg, set or match.
- Feet: behind the raised oche or its imaginary line on either side.
- Foot faults: a warning first, then darts thrown in breach do not score.
- Consulting: a player at the oche may ask the referee the score made or needed at any time.
The glossary has the throw, the foul throw, the oche, the dart, the referee (darts) and the conduct and disqualification (darts).
Tricky cases
A player throws two darts together. What happens?
It is a foul throw, and that throw does not count.
After two darts, the player reaches out and straightens the first one. Can they throw the third?
No. Touching a dart in the board ends the throw.
A player keeps stepping over the oche. When does it cost them?
After a warning, given in front of their captain or team official, any dart thrown in breach does not score.
Can a player ask the referee what they need?
Yes. A player at the oche may ask the score made or needed during the throw.
Why the rule exists
Throwing one dart at a time, point first, keeps the game a test of aim, not of tricks. Ending the throw when a dart is touched stops players adjusting darts already thrown.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Throw | Three darts, by hand | WDF 1.02, 1.03 |
| Touching darts | Ends the throw | WDF 1.04 |
| Board abuse | Two warnings, then forfeit | WDF 1.08 |
| Foot faults | Warning, then no score | WDF 6.04 to 6.06 |
From the rule book
World Darts Federation, Playing and Tournament Rules (twentieth revised edition, 28 February 2018), Playing Rules 1.02 to 1.04, 1.08 and 6.04 to 6.06 and Tournament Rule 14.08. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WDF Playing and Tournament Rules.