Whether you play darts for recreation or at a professional level, you need to be aware of the rules that are set by the governing bodies. Just like when playing other games, understanding all the dart rules will be the most important thing that will help you to succeed in the game. For example, most dart players find it difficult to determine how high is a dartboard.
A standard dartboard has an 18-inch diameter and it comprises of 20 numbers which are created uniformly across the board.
It also features an inner bullseye, an outer bullseye, a triple ring, and a double ring. Mounting a dartboard may seem to be a straightforward exercise but it can be tricky if you have never done it before. In this article, we shall discuss various dart requirements you should know before you mount your dartboard.
Dartboard Height
Before you set up your dartboard, you need to know that there is an international standard measurement for darts which is also referred to as the “clock” board.
These measurements are implemented by three major bodies which are;
- The World Darts Federation(WDF)
- Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)
- The British Darts Organization (BDO)
Whether you are using an electronic or a classic board, the actual height of the dartboard should be 5 feet and 8 inches (1.73 meters) from, the floor up to the center of the bull’s-eye. You also need to ensure that there is enough distance from the throwing line to the front of your dartboard. This will depend on whether you are using soft tip or steel tip darts.
Throwing Line/ Distance from the Board
The throwing line is a line on the floor where you should not cross when throwing the darts. You can use tape to mark it or just draw a line on the floor. You can also use a raised wooded bar which commonly referred to as the” hockey” or “Oche”. The bar should be at least 2 feet long and about one inch high. The good thing about using hockey is that it blocks the foot of the player which means reduces any chances of overstepping.
Horizontal Throw Line
Unlike the dartboard height, the horizontal distance will depend on the type of dartboard you are using. For example, if you are using a steel tip dartboard, you need to ensure that it is 7 feet and 9.25 inches away from the oche. When using a soft-tipped dartboard, you should ensure that it is exactly 8 feet away.
When taking the measurements, you should consider the distance from the face of your dartboard and not from the wall. You can use a string to measure the distance from the face of the dartboard to the floor.
Diagonal Throw Line
This measurement is considered as a secondary measurement and people use it to verify the horizontal and the vertical measurements. This measurement depends on the type of dartboard you are using just like the horizontal measurement. If you are using a steel tip dartboard, the distance should be 9 feet and 7 3/8 inches or 2.93 meters. On the other hand, the diagonal distance for soft-tipped dartboards should be 9 feet and 9 ½ inches or 2.98 meters.
How to Mount the Dartboard
When mounting the dartboard, you need to ensure that it doesn’t lean forward. Instead, it should be flat to the wall. You also need to ensure that number 20 is at the top. You will find that all boards come with a clip for easier mounting.
Wheelchair Measurements
We have already discussed the recommended dartboard height for an average standing adult but what happens if someone is playing dart on a wheelchair? The game of dart should be friendly to everyone including the disabled players. According to recommendations presented by Russ Strobel to the Australian Dart’s Board, the dartboard height for a person seated on a wheelchair should be 4 feet and 6 inches.
After review, Russ’s recommendations were approved by the organization. In October 2012, the World Darts Federation also approved his recommendations. The initial measurements were 136.5cm but Russ added 0.5 cm which made the readings to be 137 cm. This was very easy to read.
Hanging Instructions
Since you now have the measurements, the final step will be mounting the dartboard on your wall. You can mount it on the basement, garage, attic, hallway, living room or bedroom depending on your requirements.
- When attaching the dartboard to the wall, request a friend to trace the circular shape of the dartboard. This should be the first step before you measure the correct height of the board from the floor. This height should be 8 feet and 8 inches.
- After this, you can now apply the mounting feet at the back of the dartboard in a triangular format. Screw the mounting feet tightly around the perimeter of the dartboard. Ensure that the stabilizing screws are positioned in their proper spots.
- Drive the mounting screw of the dartboard into the hole located at the center. Remember to leave a space for hanging the dartboard on the mounting bracket.
- Using two mounting bracket screws, install the mounting bracket on the wall. You can use wall anchors in case it is not positioned over a stud.
- You can now place your dartboard onto the mounting bracket and confirm if it is tight against the wall. In case it is wobbling, you can loosen or tighten the dartboard mounting screw as required.
Conclusion
If you have been thinking of installing a dartboard in your home or anywhere else, we hope now you know the requirements after reading this article. You need to consider the vertical height, the diagonal distance, and also horizontal distance. You also need to ensure that the dartboard is suitable for players seated in a wheelchair. We understand that mounting a dartboard may not be very easy but we have highlighted all the steps you should follow.