The biggest difference between soft darts and steel darts is that with steel darts, you have to add up the points yourself . With electronic darts, however, the machine conveniently adds up the points for you .
It usually even shows the most popular checkout method . But that's precisely what makes steel darts so special. In steel darts , calculation errors by professionals often lead to exciting moments or even a chuckle.
Incidentally, adding things up also promotes mental arithmetic . Many newcomers to darts are always impressed by how quickly the pros can do the math in their heads—it's all a matter of practice .
That's why today we'll show you our advantages and disadvantages of dart counters, calculators or apps.
What dart counters are there?
There are various darts calculators. One is the scoreboard, which is the classic way of writing things down by hand . The other is the automatic dart counter , which, as the name suggests, counts automatically, so you don't have to do all the calculations yourself.
There are two other online dart score counter options . In addition to a dart calculator for your computer, there's also a steel dart score counter for your mobile phone .
Dart scoreboard – classic handwriting
The scoreboard is as much a part of steel darts as the caller. The scoreboard is one of the most important tools in PDC tournaments.
Why is this so? If, for example, the caller calls a number incorrectly, but the scorer writes the correct number on the scoreboard, what is written on the scoreboard always counts . What is written on the scoreboard is therefore sacred.
The scoreboard usually has specific rules for recording the numbers. Players are meticulous in ensuring that these rules are followed.
Newbies are quickly caught out if they make a spelling mistake. Nevertheless, the scoreboard is the oldest method of recording or noting the numbers in steel darts.
Advantages and disadvantages of a scoreboard
Advantages:
- Mental arithmetic is no longer necessary as an electronic scoreboard adds up the points itself
- The Dart Counter makes suggestions for the next throws
- With the dart score counter the points are saved automatically
- The darts scoreboard also shows the score and averages
Disadvantages:
- If an incorrect point value is given, the score on the scoreboard always counts, even if the caller has given the correct points
- The writer must always concentrate on not making any mistakes , as the points are entered by hand
- The players do not have a quick overview like with a dart machine , but must always look at the scoreboard first
Automatic Dart Counter
If you don't want to resort to the old-fashioned method of writing by hand, you can also use a dart counter. These dart counters are available for purchase. All you have to do is type your number into a display.
Tip: You can hang the counter next to the steel dartboard , for example. This way, both players can always see the remaining scores. More expensive models also display checkout paths or the number of previous shots.
Visually, the numbers are usually displayed in the same way as on an electronic dart machine. However, the player has to add up the points themselves. This will probably never change with steel darts and is somehow part of the game.
Nevertheless, the electronic dart counter is a good option if you want to avoid mental arithmetic . Even though the dart computer isn't the most expensive model, it definitely makes things easier and allows you to play more relaxed without constantly having to take breaks to add up the scores.
If you choose a higher-quality model, you even have the option of using a dart counter with voice control .
Advantages and disadvantages of an automatic dart counter
Advantages:
- The points are quickly and easily entered into the steel dart counter
- The electronic dart counter is available in different versions and can be selected with voice control or checkout ways
- With the automatic steel dart counter , every player can see their score , as it can be hung directly next to the dartboard. This way, everyone has an overview of their scores.
Disadvantages:
- Here too, the points must be entered manually
- Cheap models offer little comfort
- Points must also be added up here
Dart calculator on the PC – programs like N01
Dart calculators like N01 are also frequently used. N01 is a software that works on almost any laptop or PC because its requirements are extremely low.
Once you've installed the program, you can get started. In addition to the remaining score , you'll also see the scores for the last five shots .
N01 has the advantage that you can connect your PC to a Bluetooth keyboard . This way, you don't have to enter the score near the board. Instead, a scorekeeper can do it conveniently with a keyboard out of reach of both players.
In general league play, N01 is the most frequently used program. Almost every tournament darts player is familiar with the program or has used it themselves.
Advantages and disadvantages of a dart calculator on the PC
Advantages:
- With this darts score counter, the points are automatically added up. However, they must also be entered manually .
- The software can be connected to a Bluetooth keyboard
- Remaining score as well as the last 5 games are displayed in the software
- The software is used in almost every tournament and is free
Disadvantages:
- The dart counter is still manual and must be entered manually
- Here, too, each player must view his score on the screen or the scorer will communicate it – the screen is not visible to every player
- A laptop must always be available
Dart Counter App – Big on the app market
The trend toward steel darts hasn't gone unnoticed by app developers either. To make things as easy as possible for players, there are now a whole range of dart apps available. Some cost a few euros, while others are free.
One very good app, for example, is the "Dart Scoreboard," but it's only available for Android devices . Apple users have to use a different app.
The darts scoreboard provides both players with all the important information at a glance . In addition to the remaining score, you'll also see the checkout method , if available.
Infobox: If you stop on a boogie number, the number will be highlighted in red. This indicates that you can't bring the remaining score down to zero with three arrows.
You also get a constant overview of your average, which is automatically updated after each recording.
There's another huge advantage : If you don't have room to hang a counter or laptop next to the board, you can simply place your phone with the app on the table .
Advantages and disadvantages of a dart counter app
Advantages:
- The app can be installed on any device and players can connect with each other
- Here too, the points are entered by hand but automatically added together
- Depending on the app, there are numerous features and you can display the perfect checkout. But the app offers many other advantages.
Disadvantages:
- Of course, the app needs to be the same on every device . This could be difficult, as Dart Scoreboard is only available for Android phones. Players need to find a common denominator here.
- Apps with many features usually cost a few euros
- Nothing works without a smartphone. If you forget it, you'll have to resort to pen and paper as a dart scorer.
Choosing a Dart Counter: This is what matters
Of course, it all depends on your preferences and budget . Additionally, if you're looking for an electronic dart counter, you should have a power supply near the dartboard.
- User-friendliness: When it comes to user-friendliness, you should make sure that the software is easy to use and, if possible, that it's a proper darts calculator that automatically adds up the points. This will save you a lot of work.
- Power supply: If you're looking for an electronic dart counter, perhaps with voice control, you'll want to make sure you have a power outlet near the dartboard . You should also consider that with an automatic dart computer, everyone can immediately see where they're standing. This is a huge advantage and should always be considered when choosing a dart counter.
- Features: No matter which darts calculator you choose, consider the different features available, such as a dart counter with voice control , automatic totaling , checkout suggestions , and much more.
- Reviews and experiences: Once you've chosen a favorite, you shouldn't just buy the first steel dart counter you see. Check out the reviews and experiences of other players , and also pay attention to the disadvantages listed.
- Price: Price obviously plays a big role. There are free options, such as dart software or various apps, and there are paid programs and apps . Furthermore, the various dart scoreboards are not available for free. Think carefully about what's important to you and then set your budget to find the perfect dart counter.
What is the best dart counter?
Essentially, it's impossible to say what the best dart counter is. Everyone has different needs and preferences , which means there really isn't a perfect dart counter.
While Player A absolutely loves the Darts 3D app and can't imagine a better one, Player B has serious problems with it. For example, he prefers the Flame app, which Player A can't handle. That's why we've listed a few apps here to help you find the perfect one for you.
- Darts 3D App: With the Darts 3D app, you can throw in real time as well as in multiplayer mode . It also offers statistics and rankings, and you can compete against the computer. In addition to cricket, you can also choose between the 501 and 301 game modes. The app is available for free in the Google Play Store .
- Flame App: If you don't want to keep score, the Flame App is a great option. The darts counter is clear and calculates the remaining points you have to throw. It also offers suggestions for possible throw combinations. This app is also available in the Google Play Store.
- Darts 1 App: A darts app for iOS, however, is the Darts1 app, which originates from the website of the same name, where fans get information. The software contains numerous features, including player profiles, tournament calendars, and a live ticker. The app also automatically calculates your scores and shows you finish paths. The app is available for iOS and Android .
- Darts Score Free: Another iOS app is Darts Scorer Free. It offers Cricket, 101, and 201 game modes. If you want to compete against a computer or play the 301, 501, 701, and 1001 modes, you'll need to upgrade to the paid version . However, your name and score will be announced, meaning you have an electronic darts scorer with this app. You can even share your score on Facebook and Twitter .
Build your own dart counter: Is that possible?
Of course, you can also build a steel dart counter yourself . However, you'll definitely need to be handy .
Hobbyists will have a lot of fun with it, but a layperson who is not very familiar with electronics would be better off investing the money for the accessories in an electronic dart counter to avoid frustration.
Conclusion
Whether it's a dart app, dart counter, or PC software, today's technological possibilities make it significantly easier to calculate scores and evaluate statistics.
This is fundamentally a positive development . Initial designs that allow even a steel dartboard to automatically detect where darts have landed are also under development.
In a few years, it could happen that even steel darts won't require any calculations . This will be done via sensors.
However, every darts player who has been playing for a while is skeptical of this development. Technical aids are fine as long as they don't change the original sport of darts.
And in steel darts , mental arithmetic is just as important as the caller , the scorer, or the oche . Apps and dart counters are perfectly acceptable as aids. But you shouldn't overdo it with technical aids.
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