... continued from above.
The Game of Darts
There are many games that can be played on a dartboard, but darts generally refers to a game whereby the player throws three darts each with the goal of reducing a fixed score, commonly 501 or 301, to zero, with the final dart landing in a double segment. A game of darts is contested between two players, or two teams, who take turns in throwing up to three darts.
Creating the right atmosphere for the dart board.
Where you set up your dartboard is of utmost importance. The dartboard should be placed on a wall that doesn't have anything else around it and where you don't mind if it gets banged up a bit (a dart can fly at least eight feet in any direction if it doesn't hit the board).
You have to be very careful where you decide to put the board if you plan to play in your home. You don't want it to be in a place that is heavily trafficked because darts are made of metal and are extremely dangerous if they hit anything but that board. You might want to consider hanging a scoreboard on the same wall as the dartboard.
Another important factor is the floor on which you will stand while playing the game. Darts can damage wood and linoleum surfaces. If you play on carpet, be prepared for a lot of wear-and-tear. Concrete, tile, and other hard surfaces can damage the darts. So what kind of flooring should you use?
The best thing to do is to buy a dart mat. These mats are rubberized and darts will bounce lightly off their surface. This is the best route to go if you plan to play the game often. Leave ample space for spectators also—there's always some that won't be playing, but will enjoy watching the match.
You'll also need proper lighting to play Darts. Not only do you want to be able to see the board to make your best shot, but you'll also want to be able to read the board once your dart hits it. The best way to light the board is to hang two lights on either side of it—one on the left and the other on the right. If you don't like this look, try hanging one of those tiny “piano lights” over it—the same kind of light that people use to light paintings.
When you look at the dartboard, it may seem a bit confusing at first, but it's really pretty simple. There are numbers around the board and metal rings. There's an outer ring, a middle ring, and an inside ring. The goal is to throw your darts in the number and ring corresponding with the amount of points you need to score in a given game. The outer ring is made up of single points, the middle ring doubles your points, the inner ring triples your points, and the center is the bull's-eye. Which game you are playing and how many points you require to win the game determines where you aim your darts.