Steel dart rules, dimensions & distance - the ultimate darts guide

In this blog post we would like to go into the exact rules of steel darts in more detail. At the end there is also a small distinction to the rules in soft darts. We will put another separate blog post online about this. Precisely because there are crucial differences between steel darts and soft darts, which require that two different contributions be put online. With this guide you should be well prepared for your first game of steel darts. Regulations and important rules of conduct should not be underestimated, especially when dealing with the opponent.

Basic steel dart rules

First of all, we would like to go into the basic rules for the sport of steel darts . At this point we start from the beginning. The following standard rules have always applied to steel darts. The bulls-eye , i.e. the center of the steel dart board , is hung at a height of 173 centimeters. It is important to note that it is the center that must be fixed at this height. Another of the many steel dart rules states that the throwing line, i.e. the oche , must be exactly 237 centimeters away from the dartboard.

A good way to check whether you are adhering to these steel dart dimensions is the diagonal from the launch line to the center of the dartboard. If the diagonal distance here is exactly 293 centimeters, then the height of the board and the distance to the board are correct. You should definitely check this, because in competition it can have fatal consequences if, for example, you stand 2 centimeters closer or further away during training.

Good to know: As a player in a regular competition, you have the right to have these steel dart dimensions checked at any time before the start. It is not uncommon for players to say that they feel significantly closer or further away from the board when playing in unfamiliar venues. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case. To be on the safe side, a check is definitely not the worst idea.

Important information about steel darts

The steel dart has a few special features that are handled differently compared to the soft dart. This starts with the tips of the steel darts. In principle, both steel and plastic tips can be thrown at a steel dartboard. This may surprise some readers at this point, but it is not that rare, as the plastic tips also hold in a steel dartboard. However, depending on the strength of the board, you may have to throw the arrows with such tips a little harder, which can cost a lot of strength in the long run. Nevertheless, it is possible in principle and not forbidden.

Normally, of course, arrows are used whose tip is made of steel. It's not for nothing that the sport is called steel darts. And of course there is another crucial factor that contributes to the fact that steel darts use arrows that stay safely in the board. The reason is that with steel darts, only those arrows that get stuck in the board and are pulled out by the thrower count. So if you throw three times into the T20 and one of your arrows ricochets or falls out, in the end you only get 120 points - extremely annoying!

It is therefore important to sharpen your steel dart arrows regularly to ensure that they stay stuck in the board.

Weight and length of the darts

As with soft darts, steel darts also have a weight limit for the arrows. In this case this is a whopping 50 grams. Logically, no player actually plays with such “javelins” because they are difficult to control and far too heavy. For comparison: At the PDC , Ryan Searle plays by far the heaviest darts, weighing 32 grams each. The number of grams of 50 grams is actually just a basic limit in order to have a rule at all. All that remains is the length of the arrows. There are clear restrictions here too. The maximum length from the tip to the flight may be 30.5 centimeters. Again, there is no player who comes close to this length.

The development of the sport and the differentiation around e-darts

Overall, the history of the sport of steel darts is still relatively young. It must be clearly stated that, especially in Germany, e-darts are still in the foreground today and are practiced by significantly more athletes. However, this has changed dramatically in recent years. The PDC World Cup , where steel darts are played, has been broadcast on television for around 15 years. This has also led to a small darts boom breaking out in Germany. While the e-darts players were a bit surprised about this, more and more new players have found their way to steel darts. Even though e-darts are currently clearly ahead, it must be noted that steel darts will catch up significantly in the long term.

Overall, the history of the sport of steel darts is still relatively young. It must be clearly stated that, especially in Germany, e-darts are still in the foreground today and are practiced by significantly more athletes. However, this has changed dramatically in recent years. The PDC World Cup , where steel darts are played, has been broadcast on television for around 15 years. This has also led to a small darts boom breaking out in Germany. While the e-darts players were a bit surprised about this, more and more new players have found their way to steel darts. Even though e-darts are currently clearly ahead, it must be noted that steel darts will catch up significantly in the long term.

In addition, the sport tries to clearly differentiate itself from the “pub sport” of soft dart and appear more serious. The soft dart players often smile about this, which is why it is not uncommon for differences of opinion to arise when discussing the two sports.

The behavior of darts players during competition

A final point is actually almost more important than the established steel dart rules. It's about the behavior of the dart players on stage or at the oche. Steel Dart consciously wanted to differentiate itself from soft darts, which is why alcohol was banned on stage. A dress code was also introduced to ensure that players practice their sport well dressed. This is exactly where some rules come into play that are just a given in darts.

The so-called handshake after every game is very important. It's just a good idea to wish you good darts before the game and to extend your hand to your opponent for a good game of darts after the game. But that's not all. It is also inappropriate to disturb the opponent during his concentration phase when throwing. This primarily refers to background noise or something similar. A noticeable cough or something similar is often used.

The high five as a gesture of respect

Last but not least, there would also be high-fives for good shots or high check-outs. Here, too, it is appropriate to hold out your fist to the opponent for a high five - simply as a gesture of respect. You will notice: If you don't follow these unwritten rules in a competition, you will quickly get dirty looks!

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