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Darts Equipment: Dartbards Every dartboard has the same layout. It is a circle divided into twenty different wedges, each wedge belonging to a number between 1 and 20 (see picture below). Each wedge is further divided into four segments, which form rings that go around the board. Going from the outside to the inside, these segments are known as the double, large single (or just large), triple, and small single (or just small) rings. Scoring will be explained in more detail in Chapter 3, but generally the double ring counts for double the normal number of points or hits on a number, and the triple ring counts as three times normal. For notation purposes, double, large, triple, and small are often shortened to D, L, T, and S. For example, hitting the double ring in the 17 wedge can be written "double 17" or "D-17." And a dart that lands in the small, inner segment of the 5 would be said to be in the "small 5" or in "S-5." (In most games, there is no effective difference between the small single and the large single—in those cases "single 5" would suffice.) At the center of the board are two small rings, which together constitute the bull's-eye. The small inner ring is known as the double bull's-eye, and the outer ring is called the single bull's-eye. All of the areas described thus far—the twenty wedges and the bull's-eye rings—are considered part of the "scoring area" of the board. There is also an outer black ring (where the numbers are written) that is considered a nonscoring area; it is outside the area of play. Any dart that lands in a scoring area is considered a "hit" and any dart that lands outside of the play area, bounces back from the board, or misses the board entirely is considered a "miss." As mentioned above, dartboards come in two main types, bristle boards and soft tip/electronic boards. Bristle boards are the more traditional board made of a fibrous material that steel tip darts are designed to stick into. Bristle boards have a mesh of steel on top of the board (often called a spider web or just web) that separates the segments. The basic board is fairly inexpensive. Soft tip boards are made of plastic and have a grid of holes for soft tip darts to stick into. The non-electronic version of these boards are very inexpensive. The electronic versions cost more, but have the advantage of doing the scoring for you. Which board you choose is mostly a matter of personal taste. Both varieties are popular. Often the choice primarily comes down to the area of play. Soft tip darts will do less damage to surrounding walls, floors, and anything else that might be within range of a dart that bounces back. If putting holes in the wall or breaking nearby items is a concern, soft tip may be the better choice. On the other hand, steel tip darts require fewer replacement parts (soft tips break occasionally) and may carry a stronger appeal for a player who enjoys the tradition of the game. With a backboard and a floor mat, the potential for damage should be greatly reduced. Return to the home page, order now or see more samples from the book: Hanging a dart board The Equipment Chapter: Darts Dartboards Other Darts Equipment Dart Game: Killers Dart Game: Baseball