Inside the Mathematics of Darts

Regardless of how well a dart pro performed in math class, today’s top players normally have a solid grasp on basic addition, subtraction, and multiplication of variables up to 501. To be fair, not all players enjoy this aspect of the game, and would rather practice their hand-eye coordination and accuracy.

Still, darts come with a surprising amount of mathematical nuance. Because they’re responsible for multiplying between one and three with every throw, top players can spit out numbers at top speed without missing a digit. Additionally, they must also tabulate their MPR and other averages, which introduces many to statistics and percentages.

Unsurprisingly, darts isn’t the only profession that pairs well with mathematical probabilities. In some cases, such strategies are useful in gaming. For example, roulette is one of the most well-known casino games and is often considered one of luck.

However, roulette’s spread of numbers makes it easy to forecast odds before placing a chip—at least for those who are mathematically inclined. The game is known for blending mathematical complexities that include weighing odds and probabilities against the house edge.

In darts, it’s more about making accurate and quick additions and subtractions that incorporate the game’s terms. In other words, there’s no mathematical strategy that will make darts easier for the player, as with roulette. Instead, it’s about tabulating scores on the go while feeling out how a score will affect a player’s 3 dart average.

For example, what’s a treble nine plus a treble 18 plus a double 10 checkout? To outsiders, it’s nonsense. To a darts master, it’s a 101.

Counting Score

For the most part, outsiders are only aware of the bull’s eye’s worth of 50 points, or that the ‘outer bull’ is worth 25. In fact, very few may understand that worth isn’t evenly distributed around the dartboard’s 20 sections.

The most seasoned darts players, however, tend to have a mental map running at all times which helps them determine which throws they want to make, then how to calculate score depending on which mark they hit and its relation to the double, treble, and single section.

In other words, there are a lot of moving pieces. A throw’s final worth isn’t just dependent on where the dart lands, which means players must have an instant recall of what a double 19 is (38) or a treble six (18). As players advance in their training, they often spend time staring at multiplication tables.

Not only does this help them keep score for themselves, but also makes watching live darts more enjoyable, as they’ll understand the significance and value of a throw at every turn.

Inside the Mathematics of Darts

Calculating Outs

Here’s where dart math gets a bit more complex. Casual fans who’ve watched a few tournaments might realize that there are various types of dart games, with X01 (501) being the most popular format that’s played in tournaments worldwide.

The X01 format uses charts to help players calculate double-outs from 170 down to two. Players strive for a finish with a double out, with top pros calculating how to end the game from 170 with each turn. They may also strive to avoid certain numbers that can’t be finished in their next turn with three darts.

This is where darts has an oddly intimate relationship with math. Every player will do mental calculations to get their number down to a more familiar target; some players may even push to hit a certain number because of superstition or because they feel they’ll be able to hit a certain double or treble.

For example, if a player has 110, they can (theoretically) finish their X01 in two darts by hitting the bull’s eye (50) and a treble 20 (60). This is similar to golf scoring, in which players will push to hit a certain par as they approach a new hole that they may prefer to play. In the case of darts, it’s all about being able to finish with a double out.

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