Starting Darts at Home

Hit the Bullseye: Your Ultimate Guide to Starting Darts at Home

Inspired to pick up a dart after the thrill of the PDC World Championship? A staple in pubs, game rooms and homes worldwide, darts has taken the world by storm with Luke Humphries rapid rise to the top of the sport, and the surprise success of 16-year old Luke Littler making the final, showing just how accessible this sport is.

 

Darts combines skill, strategy, and a bit of friendly competition, making it perfect for anyone looking to start a new hobby from the comfort of their home or in their local community. Whether you're aiming to become the next World Champion or just looking for a fun way to entertain friends and family, darts is a game that offers something for everyone.

 

Why should I start playing Darts?

Darts is a unique sport that stands out for its accessibility and universal appeal. One of the best things about darts is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re 8 or 80, picking up a dart and aiming for the bullseye is an equally thrilling experience.

 

But it's not just about throwing darts at a board. Darts is a game that sharpens your mental focus and concentration, improves hand-eye coordination, and even offers a bit of light physical activity. Plus, it's a fantastic way to socialize. Gathering around the dartboard, cheering for good throws, and engaging in light-hearted competition creates lasting memories and strengthens bonds.

 

The sport also requires minimal setup and space, making it perfect for playing at home. Whether you have a spacious game room or a small corner in your living room, setting up a dart zone is easy and affordable. And with the range of equipment available at Red Dragon Darts, getting started is simpler than ever.

 

What do I need to start playing Darts at Home?

To start hitting the bullseye at home, you'll need a few essential items: a dartboard, darts, something to hold the board and some basic accessories.

 

Dartboard

You’ll want a standard sisal fiber board with excellent durability and ideal for beginners. The Red Dragon Razor Edge Dartboard is an excellent choice for its durability and design. Alternatively, the Winmau Blade 6 is the leading dartboard on the market.

 

Darts

You’ve got something to aim at, now you’ll need something to throw. The right set of darts can make a significant difference in your playing experience, especially as a beginner. You’ll want a dart that’s comfortable and not too heavy, ideally between 18 to 22 grams. The grip should allow control without sticking to your fingers, and Red Dragon Darts offers a variety of beginner-friendly darts that meet these criteria. The Red Dragon Amberjacks and Red Dragon Javelins are well-balanced and an excellent choice for beginners.

 

Dartboard Stand
Our Dartboards come with all the bits and pieces you need to mount your Dartboard to the wall, all you need are the tools.

If wall mounting isn't an option, the Winmau Extreme Dartboard Stand is a superb solution to hold your board in the right place, ready for you to hit those 180’s. For even tighter spaces and the ultimate portable solution try the Winmau Vertex Stand.

 

Accessories

There are plenty of affordable accessories at Red Dragon Darts to help ease you into the darting experience. A mat to protect your floors, and a surround to shield your walls are a great way to enhance your playing experience, but also help in maintaining the safety and integrity of your playing area. Consider the Red Dragon Surround for wall protection and the Red Dragon Dart Mat to protect your floors.

 

Setting Up Your Dart Zone at Home

Your home dart zone can be as simple or elaborate as you like. First, find a space that's safe and free of foot traffic. You'll need a clear area of about 11 feet in length – this allows for the official throwing distance plus some extra space for safety. When mounting the dartboard, ensure the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches off the ground, which is the regulation height.

 

Safety is key, so consider setting up your dart zone in a place where missed darts won't cause damage. Wall protectors or a simple DIY solution like cork tiles can prevent errant throws from marking your walls. Additionally, good lighting is crucial. Make sure the dartboard is well-lit, but avoid glare directly in the players' eyes.

 

Playing Darts in Your Local Area (UK)

Once you’ve got a grip on the basics at home, you might want to test your skills and meet other dart enthusiasts. The UK has a vibrant darts community for both young and adult beginners, with numerous pubs, clubs and local leagues offering darts. These clubs often welcome beginners and offer a great way to improve your game and make new friends.

 

In addition to local clubs and leagues, the UK is home to the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC), a great starting point for finding local clubs and leagues, providing coaching and competitive opportunities. Many JDC-affiliated clubs also have adult sections, welcoming players of all skill levels, offering a pathway for players to develop their skills, with coaching and competitive opportunities.

 

You can find out which of your local pubs has a dartboard using the Use Your Local, or find an Oche near you, providing a tech driven modern darts experience with fabulous food and distinctive drinks.

 

Practice makes perfect, and you can improve your game with 100+ training games, an online league, challenges and a virtual coach using Go Darts Pro.

 

Start playing Darts today!

Whether you're setting up a dartboard at home, joining a local club, or participating in community tournaments, the world of darts offers endless fun and the chance to be part of a welcoming and enthusiastic community. Darts is a game of skill, precision, and patience, accessible to everyone regardless of age, fitness, gender or location. Every throw is a step towards mastery, and with each game, you'll find yourself more immersed in the sport.

 

With the right equipment from Red Dragon Darts, setting up your dart zone is a breeze. So why wait? Gather your friends and family, set up your dartboard, and start playing. Who knows, you might just be the next darts champion in your local community!