There are numerous dartboard models on the market for both steel and soft tip darts . It's easy for a layperson to lose track of which dartboard is best for them.
In this blog post, we'll explore the different versions of soft dartboards . Similar to steel darts, there are differences between the electronic dartboards available on the market.
Should you get a 2-hole or 3-hole dartboard? After reading this article, you'll be wiser and make the right decision.
But first, you should answer two questions . Do you want to participate in tournaments on a regular basis , or do you only need the electronic dartboard for occasional dart throwing with a roommate in a shared apartment? Depending on your answer, we'll show you which electronic dartboard is right for you.
2 hole or 3 hole dartboard?
Let's start this blog post by explaining what is meant by 2-hole and 3-hole E dartboards. First of all, these terms refer only to electronic dartboards . This distinction doesn't exist for steel darts—which is actually quite logical.
Everyone is familiar with an electronic dartboard. The holes into which the darts fly create contact with the board . This contact ensures that a throw is scored.
The terms "electronic 2-hole" and "3-hole" dartboards refer to the size and number of these holes . Specifically, this applies to the double and triple areas on the board.
This is because an electronic dartboard with 3 holes offers more space in the otherwise small double and triple areas than usual. On the 3-hole dartboard, these areas have three rows of holes , while the 2-hole version has only two rows.
In plain English, this means that it's significantly easier to hit the double and triple spots on an electronic 3-hole dartboard. So far, so good. However, many players still prefer the 2-hole E-dartboard.
And there's a reason for that: With an electronic 2-hole dartboard like this, you can be sure you're playing on a board that meets the specifications of the official associations. And that's precisely the crux of the matter. The 3-hole dartboard, on the other hand, is not used in official tournaments run by the dart associations .
What are the biggest differences between a 3-hole and a 2-hole dartboard?
The main fundamental difference was already mentioned in the previous chapter. However, there are other differences you should be aware of. We personally prefer the 2-hole dartboard because, as already mentioned, it is also used in official tournaments .
This way you have an electronic dartboard that you can practice on at home to perfectly prepare for tournaments.
The 3-hole dartboard, on the other hand, is more intended for recreational use . You often see these electronic dartboards hanging at home . For someone who occasionally throws a few darts, it's certainly the more sensible solution . It's significantly easier to hit the desired targets.
Which players should prefer which variant?
Experienced readers of the myDartpfeil blog can probably guess which board is intended for which player. However, there are a few tricks you can use these boards to your advantage .
For beginners, the version with three rows of holes in the triple fields is probably the most suitable. This way, you can try it out at home and see if darts is something you'll be able to play long-term. A classic board for "casual players," so to speak.
However, if you're serious about darts and have long dreamed of participating in an official tournament , you should consider the electronic dartboard with two rows of holes . This is the only way to practice under perfect competitive conditions .
There are several models of dartboards on the market for both steel darts and soft darts.
Electronic 3 hole dartboard for self-confidence
Nevertheless, we would like to give an example here of how even more professional players can make use of the 3-hole E dartboard.
Imagine you're generally a good darts player. You're satisfied with your game and even win competitive matches from time to time. Every amateur darts player reaches a point where their skill level drops over a certain period of time .
At this point, many players begin to struggle with themselves. Their self-confidence steadily declines, and their enthusiasm for darts fades.
We know: darts is a mental sport .
And that's precisely why it's sometimes so difficult to break out of a negative spiral. Now, as an electronic dart player, you have the opportunity to purchase a 3-hole electronic dartboard to regain that self-confidence .
Because, as we now know, triple and double fields are somewhat larger and therefore easier to hit . To regain self-confidence and a certain degree of self-assurance, ambitious players can certainly take advantage of this opportunity.
The exotic variant – the 5-hole dartboard, also called Bullshooter
We've now introduced you to the two most common types of electronic dartboards in detail. But that's not all. There's another, let's call it more "exotic" version.
We're talking about the so-called bullshooter . Bullshooter darts ultimately have relatively little to do with serious competition . The crux of the matter is that these so-called bullshooters are actually also called 5-hole dartboards .
In plain language, this means that the triple and double fields ultimately have 5 rows of holes and are therefore twice as large as a normal tournament board.

Advantages of the Bullshooter Dart Machine
However, there is one small advantage to this 5-hole electronic dartboard. And that is that these electronic dartboards offer the opportunity to play against other players online .
Of course, this is also possible with machines. However, these are often significantly more expensive than the so-called Bullshooter Board. In this case, we only need to recall the legendary match between Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld .
The players competed against each other online on Bullshooter during the coronavirus pandemic. Again, this board makes little sense for players who enjoy participating in tournaments.
As a fun pastime , it's certainly a good option to duel online with up to four players from home. However, the Bullshooter also costs a considerable amount, which we don't want to hide here.
Ready to upgrade your darts game? Discover everything you need to know about the best dart equipment and how it can boost your accuracy:
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