Darts dictionary 0-9

1

The number 1 in darts, a humble digit with more nicknames than your weird uncle who insists on being called “Captain Sparkles.” Hitting a 1 is famously known as Annie’s Room, which is actually just a fancy way of saying, “Oops, I messed up.” Scoring a total of 1 is called a Nail, probably because it feels like hammering your dignity into the ground. But wait, it gets better! In the UK, the number 1 is also called Kelly’s Eye, a term inspired by the Australian folk hero Ned Kelly. Legend has it, Ned only had one eye, though his other eye has always denied this rumor. Ned Kelly and his gang were known for their… unique fashion sense, wearing mailboxes on their heads as makeshift helmets to protect themselves from bullets. Because nothing says “bulletproof” like a hunk of metal shaped like the number 1. And let’s be real: even the best dart players throw a 1 every now and then. It’s like a rite of passage. For you and me, though, hitting a 1 isn’t a rare occurrence, it’s practically a hobby. So next time you nail that single point, just remember: you’re not bad at darts, you’re paying homage to Ned Kelly and his mailbox-wearing gang.

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1,73 m

Alright, let’s talk about hanging a dartboard, because apparently, it’s not as simple as just slapping it on the wall and hoping for the best. According to the official rules, the center of the board, aka the bullseye, needs to be 1.73 meters (or 5 feet 8 inches) above the floor. Why 1.73 meters, because darts is a sport that demands precision, even in the height of your wall decor. So whether you’re hanging your dartboard in a man cave, a garage or your neighbor’s living room (with permission, of course), just remember: 1.73 meters is the magic number. And if you get it wrong, don’t worry, darts is all about second chances and third chances and maybe a fourth.

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2x 9-darters

Darts legend Phil Taylor, aka “The Power,” once pulled off a feat so legendary it could’ve caused another power failure. On May 24, 2010, at Wembley Arena in London (a Monday, because the electricity decided to take Sunday off), Taylor decided to show James Wade who’s boss, twice. In the final of the Premier League, Taylor threw not one, but two 9-darters in a single match. That’s like scoring two hat-tricks in a football game, but with more beer and fewer fans running onto the pitch.

The first 9-darter sent Wembley into a frenzy, though thankfully the electrical cabin held its nerve. Wade, meanwhile, stood there like a man who’d just been told his pizza delivery was canceled. But Taylor wasn’t done. In the 15th leg, with the score tied at 7-7, he unleashed his second 9-darter of the night. Wade cracked harder than a dartboard after a particularly aggressive throw. Taylor went on to win 10-8, cementing his place in darting history and probably leaving Wade wondering if he should’ve just stayed home and played Scrabble instead. Legendary? Absolutely. Electric? Well, except for Sunday.

In 2017, Michael Van Gerwen decided to show off in Wigan at the Coral UK Open Qualifier 4 and by “show off,” I mean he basically turned darts into a magic show. He became only the second player in history to throw two perfect 9-darters in a single match. That’s like baking two perfect soufflés in one go, except with more tungsten and less chance of collapsing.

In the 4th leg, he casually tossed a 9-darter against Ryan Murray to go 3-1 up, leaving Murray wondering if he’d accidentally wandered into a world record attempt. But MVG wasn’t done. Oh no. In the final leg, he decided to rub it in by throwing another 9-darter to seal the deal with a 6-2 victory. It was like watching someone win a marathon by sprinting the last mile while everyone else was still tying their shoelaces.

Murray probably left the arena questioning his life choices, while Van Gerwen just shrugged like, “Yeah, I do this on Tuesdays.” History was made, darts were thrown and Ryan Murray’s ego was gently placed in the “to be repaired” pile. Legendary? Absolutely. Humble? Not even a little.

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2-darter

Ah, the perfect leg in 101, a darting miracle so absurd it makes unicorns look downright ordinary. This is when a player checks out 101 points in just two darts. Yes, two darts. It’s like winning the lottery, but with more skill and less chance of your relatives suddenly calling for loans.

Here’s how it goes down: the player steps up, throws a triple 17 (because obviously) and then, with the confidence of someone who’s never missed a double in their life, nails a bullseye to finish. Boom. Game over. The crowd goes bananas, the opponent starts questioning their entire darting career and you’re left wondering if you just witnessed magic or a very lucky fluke.

But let’s be real, most of us struggle to hit the bullseye even when we’re aiming for it. So, if you ever see a perfect leg in 101, cherish it. It’s rarer than a quiet night at a darts pub and twice as impressive. Just don’t try it at home unless you’re ready to explain why there’s a dart stuck in the ceiling fan.

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2,37 m

Ah, the oche (pronounced “hockey,” because darts players love a good linguistic curveball). It’s the magical line where dreams are made and arrows are launched into tiny slices of cork. The official distance from the oche to the front of the dartboard is 2.37 meters (or 7 feet 9 1/4 inches for those who still measure things in “how many stacked baguettes” that would be). But here’s the kicker: because dartboards can vary in thickness (thanks, manufacturing inconsistencies), every official match requires a tape measure to ensure no one’s pulling a fast one.

You never know when some sneaky rascal might’ve glued an extra backboard to the dartboard to shave a few millimeters off the throw. Imagine the audacity! It’s like showing up to a marathon with a hidden scooter. If the measurement reveals the distance isn’t up to code, the oche gets moved faster than a pub patron sprinting to the bar during happy hour. Everything must be regulation-perfect, because darts is a game of precision, not creative carpentry. So, next time you’re lining up your throw, remember: the oche is sacred, the dartboard is suspiciously thick and cheating is for amateurs (and people who glue things to dartboards).

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2,934 m

Want to know if your dartboard setup is as precise as a laser-guided missile? There’s a sneaky little trick: measure the diagonal line from the bullseye to the oche. If everything’s perfect, this magical line should be exactly 2.934 meters long. It’s like the Pythagorean theorem, but with more beer and fewer math nerds.

But here’s the catch, if the diagonal doesn’t measure up, you’re left playing detective. Is the board hung too high? Is the oche too close? The diagonal won’t snitch on which one’s the culprit. So, you’ll have to whip out the tape measure again and double-check both the height and the distance. It’s like trying to figure out why your Wi-Fi isn’t working. You know something’s wrong, but you’re not sure if it’s the router, the password, or the universe conspiring against you.

So, measure once, curse twice and remember: darts is a game of millimeters, not miracles. Unless, of course, you’re Luke Humphries, then you can probably just eyeball it.

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3

Oh, the dreaded moment when all three of your darts somehow conspire to land in the single 1, giving you a grand total of 3 points. Congratulations, you’ve just scored what’s known as a “Bag of Nails” (because apparently, your darts are now construction tools). Some folks call it a “Bucket” (as in, you’ve hit the bottom of it). Others call it a “Lollipop” (sweet, but not in a good way). And then there’s the ultimate roast, it’s called an “Eric Bristow,” named after the darts legend who probably inspired this level of chaos.

No matter what you call it, one thing’s for sure: it’s comedy gold. Your mates will be howling, the crowd will be chanting and you’ll be standing there wondering if you should’ve taken up knitting instead. It’s the kind of moment that makes darts the greatest sport on earth, where even failure is hilarious. So, embrace the Bag of Nails, wear the Eric Bristow badge of shame and remember: it’s not a disaster, it’s a punchline.

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3 in a bed

If all three of your darts land in the same section of the same number, whether it’s the single, double, or triple, you’ve officially created a “bed.” Yes, a bed. Because apparently, darts has its own version of interior design and it involves cramming as many arrows as possible into one tiny space.

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5

Ah, the infamous Irish Ton, a score of 5 that’s as ironic as it is disappointing. Here’s how it works: the player steps up to the oche, dreams big and aims for a glorious 100 points by hitting two single 20s and a triple 20. But instead, the darts have other plans. They land on two single 1s and a triple 1, adding up to a grand total of 5 points.

Why “Ton”? Because the player was hoping for a century (100 points), but ended up with something closer to pocket change. And why “Irish”? Well, let’s just say it’s a nod to the luck of the Irish, except in this case, it’s the opposite of luck. It’s the kind of score that makes your mates howl with laughter while you stand there wondering if you should’ve taken up tiddlywinks instead. So, next time you score an Irish Ton, just remember: it’s not a failure, it’s a punchline. Sláinte!

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6-darter

The perfect leg in 301, a darting masterpiece so rare it makes Bigfoot look like a regular at your local pub. This is when a player checks out 301 points in just six darts. That’s right, six darts. It’s like solving a Rubik’s Cube in under 10 seconds, but with more beer and less patience.

You start with a flurry of triple 20s (because where else would you even aim?), then somehow keep your nerve as you navigate the minefield of the checkout. And when that final dart hits the double, the crowd erupts, your opponent questions their life choices and you feel like the darting equivalent of a rock star.

But let’s be honest, most of us are lucky to check out in 20 darts, let alone six. So, if you ever witness a perfect leg in 301, savor the moment. It’s rarer than a quiet night at a darts tournament and twice as impressive. Just don’t try it at home unless you’re ready to explain all the holes in the wall.

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8 in a row

Phil “The Power” Taylor didn’t just dominate darts, he owned it. One of his most jaw-dropping records? Winning 8 world titles in a row from 1995 to 2002. That’s not just a streak; that’s a full-on dynasty. It’s like he showed up every year, pointed at the trophy and said, “Mine. Again.” And honestly, it’s a record so ridiculous it might never be broken, unless someone invents a dart-throwing robot and even then, it’d probably short-circuit under the pressure.

But wait, there’s more! The only guy who’s ever done better (sort of) is a Belgian legend named Raymond Ceulemans. No, he wasn’t a darts player—he was a three-cushion billiards wizard who won 11 world titles in a row between 1963 and 1973. By the early 70s, his competitors had basically given up. Some switched to artistic roller skating (because why not?), others opened macrobiotic chip shops (healthy fries, anyone?) and a few apparently considered hanging themselves from a sisal cord. Harsh, but you can’t blame them, imagine showing up to work every year just to lose to the same guy.

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9-darter

Ah, the perfect leg in darts, 501 points checked out in just nine darts. The holy grail. The unicorn of tungsten. The moment every player dreams of but only the darting gods ever achieve. No messing about, no faffing on doubles, just pure, unadulterated brilliance. Pulling it off is like threading a needle while riding a unicycle… blindfolded. You start with a flurry of seven triple 20s (because, obviously) then somehow keep your cool as you navigate the treacherous waters of the treble 19. And when that final dart thwacks into the double 12? (if you take the classical tour, there are many more ways…) The crowd erupts, your opponent quietly questions their life choices and you ascend to darting deity status.

But let’s be real, most of us mere mortals are lucky to check out in 27 darts, let alone nine. A perfect leg is rarer than a sober darts fan on a Saturday night. Which is why when Fallon Sherrock nailed hers at the 2023 Modus Super Series, the darting world lost its collective mind. Sherrock, already a trailblazer as the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship, added another historic moment to her legacy by demolishing Adam Lipscombe with a nine-darter. No big deal, just another day at the office for the Queen of the Oche. Sherrock’s feat is a reminder that greatness comes in all forms. And if you ever feel bad about your own skills? Just remember, at least you’re not the guy who quit billiards to sell kale chips.

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10

Ah, the Cockney rhyming slang, a linguistic rollercoaster that turns everyday phrases into a game of “guess what I’m actually saying.” Take, for example, the humble five. In Cockney, it’s not just a number, it’s a Bee-Hive. That’s right, two fives become two Bee-Hives. Why? Because Cockney logic is a beautiful, chaotic mystery, like trying to explain darts to someone who’s never seen a dartboard.

And let’s be honest, there’s always a bit of laughter when Cockney slang gets involved. It’s like the language itself is having a laugh at your expense. One minute you’re talking about numbers, the next you’re discussing beehives, apples and pears (stairs), or dog and bones (phones). It’s a linguistic circus and everyone’s invited to the show.

So, next time someone mentions two Bee-Hives, just nod along, pretend you understand and maybe chuckle at the absurdity of it all. After all, if you’re not laughing with the Cockney, you’re probably just confused. And that’s half the fun!

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12-darter

Ah, the perfect leg in 701, a darting feat so mind-blowing it makes juggling chainsaws look like child’s play. This is when a player checks out 701 points in just twelve darts. That’s right, twelve darts. It’s like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded, but with more beer and less patience.

Here’s how it goes down: the player steps up, unleashes a relentless barrage of triple 20s (because where else would you even aim?) and somehow keeps their cool as they navigate the minefield of the checkout. And when that final dart hits the double, the crowd erupts, the opponent questions their life choices and you feel like you’ve just witnessed darting history.

But let’s be honest, most of us are lucky to check out in 30 darts, let alone twelve. So, if you ever witness a perfect leg in 701, savor the moment. It’s rarer than a quiet night at a darts tournament and twice as impressive. Just don’t try it at home unless you’re ready to explain why there’s a dart stuck in the neighbor’s cat.

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16x world champion

Who else but the one and only Phil “The Power” Taylor, the man, the myth, the dartboard-destroying legend. He didn’t just break records; he obliterated them, set them on fire and then threw a 180 on the ashes. The crown jewel of his ridiculous career? Sixteen world titles. Yes, SIXTEEN. That’s not a typo; that’s Taylor flexing so hard he probably pulled a muscle.

He started his reign of terror with two BDO world titles in 1990 and 1992, just to warm up. Then, like a dart-throwing Terminator, he moved to the PDC and went on a rampage, snatching fourteen more titles between 1995 and 2013. It’s like he looked at the competition and said, “You can have the years I’m not playing.”

To put it in perspective, most players dream of winning one world title. Taylor won so many he probably used a few as doorstops. It’s a record so absurd, so untouchable, that even if someone tried to break it, they’d need a time machine, a cloning device and maybe a deal with the devil. So, hats off to Phil Taylor, the GOAT of darts, the Sultan of Sticking Darts and the man who made “The Power” more than just a nickname. It’s a warning.

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17-darter

Ah, the perfect leg in 1001, a darting marathon so epic it makes running a 5K look like a leisurely stroll. This is when a player checks out 1001 points in just seventeen darts. That’s right, seventeen darts. It’s like climbing Everest, but with more tungsten and less frostbite.

Here’s how it unfolds: the player steps up, unleashes a relentless barrage of triple 20s (because what else are you gonna aim for?) and somehow keeps their cool as they navigate the labyrinth of the checkout. And when that final dart hits the double, the crowd erupts, the opponent collapses in despair,and you feel like you’ve just witnessed darting history.

But let’s be honest, most of us are lucky to check out in 50 darts, let alone seventeen. So, if you ever witness a perfect leg in 1001, savor the moment. It’s rarer than a quiet night at a darts tournament and twice as impressive. Just don’t try it at home unless you’re ready to explain why there’s a dart stuck in the neighbor’s cat.

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17 years and 102 days

Reaching the top in darts is like trying to climb Mount Everest, except instead of snow and ice, you’ve got flights, doubles and the occasional pint. It takes blood, sweat, tears and a whole lot of practice until your arm feels like it’s about to fall off. Oh and a sprinkle of natural talent helps too, because let’s face it, not everyone can throw a dart straight after three beers.

But sometimes, talent doesn’t just float to the top, it rockets there like a firework. Enter Luke Littler, the teenage darting sensation who, on May 23, 2024, became the youngest ever winner of a major tournament at just 17 years and 102 days old. That’s right, while most of us were still figuring out how to do our laundry at that age, Littler was busy defeating Luke Humphries 11-7 in the Premier League final. And just to flex, he threw a 9-darter along the way, because why not?

Humphries probably left the stage wondering if he’d just been schooled by someone who still gets ID’d for energy drinks. Littler, meanwhile, was likely like, “Cool, I’ll celebrate with a pizza and maybe some homework.” The kid’s a legend in the making and the rest of us are just here trying not to hit the wall behind the board.

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18 misses in a row

Ah, the tale of John Part and his 18 missed match darts, a story so tragic it could make a grown dart player cry into their pint. Picture this: it’s 2013, the Players Championship Finals and Part, a three-time world champion, is cruising along with a 5-1 lead against Andy Hamilton. Life is good. The crowd is buzzing. Then, like a darting horror movie, things take a turn for the worse.

Part’s checkout percentage was already a grim 13% (ouch), but what followed was pure nightmare fuel. He missed 18 match darts in a row. EIGHTEEN. That’s not just bad luck; that’s the darting gods playing a cruel joke. It’s like trying to hit a bullseye while blindfolded, riding a unicycle and being chased by bees.

Meanwhile, Andy Hamilton, probably pinching himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, stepped up and finished with a 158 checkout to win 6-5. Part was left staring at the board, wondering if he’d accidentally been playing with lawn darts instead.

It’s a record no one wants, but it’s a reminder that even the best can have a day so bad it becomes legendary. So, next time you miss a double, just remember: at least you’re not John Part in 2013. Cheers to that and maybe a stiff drink to wash away the memory.

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19 perfect darts

Hold onto your pints, folks, because Michael Van Gerwen (aka The Green Machine) once pulled off a darting masterclass so ridiculous it should come with a warning label. In the fourth round of the 2016 UK Open, MVG faced Rob Cross and decided to show the world what “perfect darts” really means. Spoiler alert: it’s not fair.

First, he casually checked out a leg in 10 darts, because why waste time when you can just flex? But he wasn’t done. Oh no. The man then unleashed a 9-darter, because apparently, he thought the first leg was just a warm-up. In total, he threw 19 perfect darts in a row, setting a world record that left everyone, including Rob Cross wondering if they should just hand him the trophy and go home.

It was like watching a wrecking ball in green form, demolishing everything in its path. Cross probably left the stage thinking, “Wait, was I even supposed to be here?” Meanwhile, Michael Van Gerwen was likely like, “Just another Tuesday.” Legendary? Absolutely. Humble? Not even a little.

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20

Ah, the Cockney rhyming slang strikes again, turning perfectly normal numbers into a farmyard adventure. Two tens? Nope, in the world of Cockney, it’s two hens. Because why say “ten” when you can talk about poultry instead? It’s like the English language decided to have a laugh and never stopped.

So, next time you’re at the oche and someone mentions two hens, just nod along and pretend you’re in on the joke. It’s all part of the charm of Cockney slang, a linguistic rollercoaster where numbers become birds, stairs become apples and pears,µ and phones become dog and bones. It’s chaos, but it’s fun chaos.

And let’s be honest, if you’re not laughing at the absurdity of it all, you’re probably just confused. But hey, that’s half the fun! So, embrace the hens, chuckle at the Cockney and remember: darts is a game of skill, but understanding the slang? That’s a whole different level of mastery. Cheers to that!

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22

It might sound like it’s for toddlers, but in darts, a score of 22 is called Dinky-Doo. Got it? No? Listen closely: Twenty-Two Dinky-Doo. Told you it was childish, didn’t I? If you want a less babyish name and you’re a romantic or a Tchaikovsky fan, you can also call it Swan Lake. After all, a 2 kinda looks like a graceful swan. And finally, for the Cockney crowd, it’s also known as Plenty Too. Because why not make darts sound like a secret code?

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24 x 180

In the 2022 World Championship semifinal, Peter Wright threw the most 180s in a single match: a whopping 24. But then Michael Smith showed up in the final and matched that number like it was no big deal. Oh and ‘Bully Boy’ didn’t stop there, he smashed the record for the most 180s in the entire tournament. The Englishman racked up a jaw-dropping 83, leaving Gary Anderson’s previous record of 71 in the dust. Guess you could say Smith really 180’d his way into the history books.

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25

The only way to score 25 with a single dart is by hitting the single bullseye, that’s the outer ring of the bull, which is always green. The inner ring, the actual bullseye, is red and worth 50 points. (For the math whizzes out there, that’s 2 times 25.) But heads up: if you need 50 to finish and you hit 25 twice, you’re busted. So, no cheating your way to victory with double greens, darts doesn’t work like that!

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26

When you score 26 points in darts, you might hear someone shout Two & Six, a nod to an old English coin term, the half-crown, which was worth 26 pence. Back in the day, that was the price of breakfast in London, hence it’s also called Half a Crown. Another nickname? Murphy. And believe it or not, there are tons of other names for 26, all of which you’ll find later in this dictionary. Who knew darts could double as a history lesson?

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29 x 9darter

Michael Van Gerwen has absolutely lapped the field when it comes to hitting 9-darters, racking up a whopping 29 of them. Meanwhile, Phil Taylor’s sitting there with 22, probably wondering if he left a few in his other pants. MVG’s not just playing darts,he’s rewriting the record books, one perfect leg at a time.

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30

A score of 30 after three darts is called a “Turkey.” Sometimes, the origins aren’t that deep. One day, after downing a pint or thirty, someone decided that “thirty” sounded a bit like “turkey.”

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31

A score of 31 is called a Baskin-Robbins. Now, you might be wondering, “What does ice cream have to do with darts?” Well, let me break it down for you. Baskin-Robbins is an American ice cream chain founded in California by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins right at the end of World War II. It quickly became a massive success, with over 5,500 stores worldwide today. But here’s the scoop (pun intended), their logo is a big hit among darters. Why? Because the second half of the “B” and the first half of the “R” are colored pink and when you squint just right, they magically form the number 31.

So, the next time you score a 31, just imagine you’re celebrating with a double scoop of mint chocolate chip instead of crying over your terrible aim.

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32 or 41 mm

The modern dart, a four-part masterpiece of engineering designed to make you look either like a pro or a complete amateur. From front to back, we’ve got the tip, the barrel, the shaft and the flight. Think of it as a tiny, pointy superhero squad, each with its own job description. First up, the tip, the sharp little overachiever at the front. It comes in two sizes: 32mm or 41mm, because apparently, darts believe in options. Some tips are even grooved or coated, like they’re wearing tactical gear, to stick to the board like glue and avoid the ultimate dart humiliation: the bouncer. 

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33

A score of 33 is known as Fish, Chips and Peas or sometimes just Feathers. And if that’s not enough, it’s also called Bull’s Calf, which, as you’ll read later, is a story with some balls to it. There’s even a lesser-used but equally amusing term for this score: Lord Sherborne. Yes, darts has more nicknames than your weird uncle at a family reunion.

So, why all these quirky names? Well, “Fish, Chips and Peas” is a classic British nod to a hearty meal, while “Feathers” might make you think of a plucked chicken. And “Bull’s Calf”? Let’s just say it involves a bull, a calf and a whole lot of imagination. As for “Lord Sherborne,” well, that one’s a mystery wrapped in a riddle, dipped in dartboard lore.

The bottom line? Darts isn’t just a game, it’s a treasure trove of bizarre nicknames and stories. So, the next time you hit a 33, feel free to shout, “That’s a Fish, Chips and Peas!” Or just call it 33. Your choice.

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40 Legs

The highest number of legs thrown in a single match without sets? Gary Anderson pulled that off in 2018 during the World Matchplay final, in what was one of the greatest and longest matches ever televised. This epic showdown also set the world record for the most legs thrown in a single match. Why? Because in this tournament, you have to win by a margin of 2 legs. After a nail-biting battle against Austria’s Mensur Suljovic, Anderson finally clinched the title with a 21-19 victory. That’s right, folks, 40 legs of pure darting drama. It was like a marathon, but with more arrows and less running. Anderson didn’t just win the trophy; he earned a lifetime supply of arm ice packs.

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42 x 180

The record for the most 180s in a single match was smashed during the 2017 PDC World Darts Championship semi-final, where Gary Anderson and Michael Van Gerwen turned the oche into a fireworks display. These two darting titans racked up a jaw-dropping 42 maximum 180s between them. That’s 42 times the crowd went absolutely bananas, 42 times the board got bullied and 42 times the poor treble 20 probably wished it could call in sick. It wasn’t just a match, it was a full-blown 180 bonanza, proving that when these two play, the only thing hotter than their darts is the crowd’s energy. Forget darts; this was a treble-20 demolition derby!

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44 matches won in a row

Michael Van Gerwen’s world records are as impressive as they are ridiculous. Poor Raymond Van Barneveld has been on the receiving end of MVG’s dominance more times than he’d probably care to admit. But hey, even superheroes have their kryptonite! In 2017, in the Premier League, Barney finally decided enough was enough and put an end to Mighty Mike’s insane 44-match winning streak. That’s right, 44 wins in a row, basically the darts version of an unbeatable boss level. Van Gerwen’s streak was so long, it probably had its own fan club and a Netflix documentary in the works. But Barney, the ultimate party crasher, showed up, threw some killer arrows and said, “Nope, not today, Mike.” And just like that, the streak was toast. Legendary stuff!

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45

In the wild and wacky world of darts, scoring a 45 isn’t just a number, it’s a whole vibe. Players call it “Bag o’ Nuts,” which sounds like something you’d buy at a carnival or snack on during a road trip. But where does this nutty term come from? Blame rhyming slang, the same linguistic chaos that gave us phrases like “apples and pears” for stairs. Apparently, “nuts” rhymes with “45,” and darts players ran with it like a squirrel with an acorn. But wait, it gets weirder! Some folks also call it “Brimful of Asha,” a nod to the Corner Shop song that famously name-drops the number 45. And if that’s not enough, there’s “Fish and Globe,” which sounds like a rejected pub name or a bad seafood restaurant. Honestly, darts terminology is like a secret code for people who love puns, pints and pointing sharp objects at a board.

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45,1 cm

Alright, let’s dive into the thrilling world of dartboard regulations, because apparently, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has very strong feelings about circles and numbers. According to these dart detectives, a regulation dartboard must have a diameter of exactly 45.1cm. Not 45cm, not 45.2cm, 45.1cm. Because, you know, that extra millimeter is what separates the pros from the amateurs.

Now, here’s where it gets spicy: the board is divided into 20 radical sections. Not 19, not 21, but 20. Why 20? Because the DRA clearly thought, “Let’s make this confusing enough that people have to count it twice.” And if you’re sitting there staring at your dartboard, wondering if it’s regulation-approved, here’s a pro tip: count the sections. If you end up with 19 or 21, congratulations, you’ve accidentally bought a knockoff from the Dartboard Black Market. So remember, folks: 45.1cm, 20 sections and a whole lot of counting. The DRA doesn’t mess around.

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50

The only way to score 50 points with a single dart is by hitting the bullseye. It’s also the number that can win you the match because, surprise surprise, the bullseye counts as a double. The bullseye is always red… unless it’s black. So, aim for the bullseye, win the game and try not to overthink why it can’t decide on a color.

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51

In the first round of the 2008 European Championshit (yes, you read that right), Dutchman Roland Scholten faced off against Mensur Suljovic. Now, Scholten wasn’t exactly a nobody, he’d won the PDC UK Open back in 2004, so he had some serious darts cred. But on this particular day, he was about as sharp as a marshmallow. In fact, saying he wasn’t “in his day” is the understatement of the century. Scholten threw the lowest average ever recorded in a match, a whopping 51.60. To this day, he’s still the proud (?) holder of that dubious record. Somehow, against all odds and probably the laws of physics, Scholten managed to win one leg. How? Nobody knows. It’s one of darts’ greatest mysteries, right up there with “how did that dart even land in the board?” and “why do players always look so serious when they’re throwing tiny pointy things?” Scholten’s performance that day was less “champion” and more “champ-ion’t,” but hey, at least he gave us a story to laugh about for years to come.

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57

We call a score of 57 ‘Varieties,’ named after the famous Heinz 57 Varieties. If you thought Heinz only makes ketchup, think again! In the States and the UK, they also sell white beans with pork in tomato sauce. Creamy mashed patatoes, roasted garlic and 54 more of those delightful concoctions. All conveniently packed in cans, obviously. Scoring a Varieties might just be a recipe for a serious case of indigestion.

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61 cm

According to the rules, the oche should be at least 61 centimeters wide (that’s two feet for my non-metric friends) and between 3.8 and 6 centimeters tall. That’s just high enough to trip over if you’ve had a few too many Budweiser beers (or five or six… no judgment). It’s like the universe’s way of saying, “Hey, buddy, maybe slow down on the brews before you attempt to hit that triple 20.” One wrong step and you’re not just missing the board, you’re introducing your face to the floor. It’s not just a line; it’s a challenge. And if you fail that challenge, well, at least you’ll give everyone at the pub a good laugh. 

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63 years and 364 days

For the first time in his career, Martin “Wolfie” Adams finally nailed a 9-darter on camera and it only took him 63 years! It happened during the Icons of Darts 2020, just one day before his 64th birthday. Talk about a belated birthday gift!

Wolfie now holds the title of the oldest player to hit a televised 9-darter, beating Steve “The Bronzed Adonis” Beaton, who was 55 years and 21 days old when he did it at the German Darts Open 2019. Beaton, in turn, had edged out Phil “The Power” Taylor, who was a sprightly 55 years and 9 days old when he hit his 9-darter at the Sydney Darts Masters 2015. (Though Taylor did manage another one a few months later—because of course he did.)

But the real granddad of 9-darters is John Magowan, who, at the ripe age of 66 years, 10 months and 24 days, threw a perfect leg during a Players Championship in 2008. Clearly, darts is the only sport where getting older just means you’re leveling up! 

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501

Imagine each player or team starting with a whopping 501 points, that’s where the game 501 gets its name (creative, right?). The mission is simple, work your way from 501 down to zero points. Sounds easy? Think again. You’ll need precision, strategy and maybe a little bit of luck. The first team to hit that magical zero point total wins the leg of 501 and gets bragging rights. It’s a race to zero, folks, ready, set, dart!

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