Dartboard Setup & Regulation Guide

A proper dartboard setup is crucial for fair play, consistency, and getting the most out of your practice sessions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of official regulations, mounting instructions, and tips for creating the perfect darting environment.

Official Measurements: Steel-Tip vs. Soft-Tip

While the height is the same, the throwing distance differs slightly between traditional steel-tip and electronic soft-tip dartboards.

Height

The height from the floor to the center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) for both steel-tip and soft-tip boards. If you have a raised oche, you DO NOT measure from the top of the platform; always measure from the floor.

Throwing Distance (Oche)

The "oche" (pronounced "Ach-EE") is the line from behind which players must throw.

Steel-Tip Dartboards: The horizontal distance from the face of the dartboard to the front of the throw line is 7 feet 9 ¼ inches (2.37 meters).
Soft-Tip Dartboards: The horizontal distance is slightly further, at 8 feet (2.44 meters).

Diagonal Measurement

If you were paying attention in geometry class, you will know that you can calculate the diagonal measurement using the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²), where 'a' is the height from the floor to the bullseye (68 inches), 'b' is the horizontal throwing distance, and 'c' is the diagonal. To ensure perfect accuracy, you can measure the diagonal distance from the bullseye to the throw line:

Steel-Tip: 9 feet 7 ⅜ inches (2.93 meters)
Soft-Tip: 9 feet 9 ½ inches (2.98 meters)

Defining the Oche (Throw Line)

The oche is a critical component of a proper dart setup, as it ensures every throw is from the correct distance. While a simple line on the floor is acceptable, there are several types of oches to consider for a more permanent or professional setup:

Stickers and Mats: The most common solutions for home use. A simple sticker can mark the line, or a full dart mat can protect your floor and provide a clearly defined throwing area.
Raised Oches: Often seen in pubs and professional venues, a raised oche is a small platform or bar (typically wood or metal) that provides a physical barrier, ensuring you do not cross the line.
Laser Oches: For a high-tech approach, a laser oche projects a precise line on the floor without requiring any physical markers.

No matter which type you choose, the measurement remains the same: from the face of the dartboard to the front of the oche.

Mounting Your Dartboard

Most dartboards include a mounting kit with a bracket and screws.

Find a Stud: Whenever possible, locate a wall stud to ensure a secure mount. Use a stud finder for this.
Mark the Height: Measure 5' 8" from the floor and mark the spot for the bullseye. This is your center point.
Install the Bracket: Align the mounting bracket so that the center of the bracket is on your mark. Use a level to ensure it's straight and secure it to the wall with the provided screws.
Prepare the Board: Screw the central mounting screw into the back of the dartboard, leaving it sticking out about ¼ inch.
Hang and Secure: Lift the dartboard and slide the central screw into the bracket. Some kits include additional "feet" or stabilizers to screw into the back of the board to prevent it from wobbling.

Lighting

Good lighting is essential for visibility and reducing eye strain.

Shadowless Lighting: The goal is to eliminate shadows cast by the darts. We cover this topic in detail in our Comprehensive Dartboard Lighting System Review, but the best solution is a modern, 360-degree lighting system.
Avoid Glare: Position lights so they don't create glare on the board's surface.
Dedicated Spotlights: If a full lighting system isn't an option, use two spotlights positioned on either side of the board to cancel out shadows.

Protecting Your Surroundings

Darts can cause damage to walls. A surround or cabinet is a wise investment.

Dartboard Surrounds: These foam rings protect your walls from stray darts. For a detailed look at the best options, check out our Guide to Dartboard Surrounds.
Cabinets: A wooden cabinet not only protects your wall but also provides storage for darts and a scoreboard.
DIY Backboards: You can create your own backboard from cork, soft plywood, or other materials.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measuring from the Wall: Always measure the oche distance from the face of the dartboard, not the wall.
Ignoring the Level: An unlevel board can affect where your darts land.
Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting leads to shadows and makes it difficult to see where your darts have landed.
Unstable Board: A wobbling board is distracting and can cause darts to fall out.

Board Maintenance

Rotate Your Board: To ensure even wear, especially on a bristle board, rotate the board regularly. The number ring is usually detachable for this purpose. Move the "20" segment to an adjacent black segment.
Keep it Dry: Avoid exposing your board to moisture, which can damage the sisal fibers of a bristle board.
Use Sharp Darts: Dull or burred dart points can damage the board.

By following these guidelines, you can create a professional-level dart setup in your own home, ensuring every game is played by the rules.