There are many different dart games, for both Steel-Tipped and Electronic play, which are popular today, including the 01 games (i.e. 301, 501), Cricket, High Score, Round the Clock, Overs and Unders, and Shanghai. While each game has its own set of rules, as well as local league and tournament rules that apply, there are general rules and etiquette guidelines that are recommended in all games.



To decide who plays first, each player or someone from each team throws one dart and the player closest to the bull has the option of starting the game or letting his opponent go first. In the event of a tie, both players throw again. (note: a single bull is beat by a double bull and you do not measure when both players hit either a single bull or both players hit a double bull, you throw over.)



Each player's turn consists of throwing three darts and all thrown darts count. If a player raises his hand and arm in the beginning of a throwing motion toward the dartboard, the dart counts. If someone is preparing to shoot and drops a dart while standing at the line, regardless of whether or not the dart falls over the line, the player is allowed to pick up the dart and throw it. If a dart's tip does not stick within the scoring area of the board for whatever reason (falling out, knocked out, missing the board) it counts as a thrown dart but does not score. A dart that sticks in the back of another also does not score.

For steel-tipped play, the toe line is marked by taking a plumb line from the face of the dartboard straight down to the floor, and then measuring 7' 9 1/4'' (or 2.37m). For electronic play or soft tip darts, the distance is 8' or 2.43m. This distance must be observed by each player throwing a dart during his turn. The line should be marked on the floor and no stepping over the line is allowed.