A dartboard is a circular target used in the game of darts, a popular recreational activity and competitive sport. It is typically mounted on a wall at a standard height and is divided into numbered sections that correspond to different point values. Here's an overview of the key aspects of a dartboard:

1. Design and Structure

  • Material: Traditional dartboards are made of compressed sisal fibers, while electronic ones use plastic with small perforations to capture soft-tipped darts.
  • Dimensions: The standard dartboard has a diameter of 18 inches (457 mm) and is divided into 20 radial segments.
  • Scoring Zones:
    • Single Areas: The largest sections of each segment.
    • Double Ring: The outer ring, worth double the segment's number.
    • Treble Ring: The inner ring, worth triple the segment's number.
    • Bullseye: The center of the dartboard, with the inner circle worth 50 points and the outer ring worth 25 points.

2. Mounting Standards

  • The dartboard is mounted so that the center (bullseye) is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the ground.
  • The throwing line, or oche, is placed 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard.

3. Gameplay

  • Players throw darts (typically three per turn) aiming to achieve the highest score or hit specific targets, depending on the game's rules.
  • Popular dart games include 501, Cricket, and Around the Clock.

4. Types of Dartboards

  • Bristle Dartboards: Made from sisal fibers, used in professional play.
  • Electronic Dartboards: Suitable for casual play, with built-in scoring and safety features for soft-tip darts.
  • Magnetic Dartboards: Child-friendly, using magnetic darts instead of sharp tips.

5. Competitive Use

  • Darts is a professional sport governed by organizations like the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the World Darts Federation (WDF), which set standards for tournaments and equipment.