Darts etiquette

While your opponent throws

• Stand behind the thrower, at least a step back, never in their line of sight
• No talking, no moving, no phone calls
• No comments on throws, neither mockery nor unsolicited tips
• Don't put drinks or bags down in the throwing area

Your own darts

• Only pull them out once the Scorer has noted the points or your opponent has seen the result
• After pulling them, clear the throwing area promptly
• Darts that fall out or bounce off don't count; no re-throws
• Let the scorer or your opponent decide on unclear hits, don't correct them yourself

Scoring and calling

Whoever is scoring calls the visit out loud (“Sixty”, “One hundred and eighty”) and the remaining score; on checkouts, don't call the route unless the player asks. The scorer stays neutral, even when a club mate is playing. At tournaments the loser of the previous match or an assigned player usually does the scoring.

Before and after the game

• Before the game, throw for bull or settle who starts, and confirm the format (“Best of 3, Double Out”)
• A handshake before and after the game, whatever the result
• Congratulate without overdoing it; lose without excuses
• Free up the board for the next players, enter or report the result

In the pub

At public boards the rule is: if you're waiting, ask about the next game or put your name on the list; house rules (coin slot, time limit) are respected. Alcohol is part of pub life in many places, but keep it moderate at the board: if you're swaying, you'll hit neither the Double nor the right tone.

At tournaments

If your name is called, go to the board straight away; tournament officials only wait a short while, then you risk losing by default. After the game the winner reports the result or enters it in the app. Darts, jackets and drinks stay outside the throwing area. Don't argue with the scorer; if there's a disagreement, fetch the tournament director, not your club mate.

Online darts

Etiquette applies on screen too: camera on before the game starts, stay quiet while your opponent throws, enter results honestly and say a quick goodbye at the end. Quitting a game without a word costs you not just the Leg, but your reputation in the community.

One last point: congratulate the winner and say thanks for the game, even after a heavy defeat. Darts thrives on meeting again at the next tournament and still enjoying the match.

These rules aren't in any rulebook, but every club and every venue lives by them. Follow them on your first visit and you'll be taken seriously as a player.

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