What does 'ton' mean in darts?

A 'ton' refers to scoring 100 points in a single turn with three darts. A 'ton 80' means scoring 180 points (three triple 20s), which is the maximum possible score in one turn. The term comes from British slang for the number 100.

Why is the throwing line called the 'oche'?

The oche (pronounced 'ockey') is the line players stand behind when throwing. The origin is debated, but it likely comes from Old Flemish or refers to the notches cut into floors in pubs to mark the throwing distance. It's also called the toe line or throw line.

Guide to darts terms and terminology

Introduction

Darts has developed a rich vocabulary over centuries of play, blending technical terms with colorful slang. Whether you're watching a professional match or playing at your local pub, understanding darts terminology enhances your appreciation of the game and helps you communicate effectively with other players.

Quick Reference

Bullseye: Center of the dartboard worth 50 points
Oche: The throwing line players stand behind
Checkout: Finishing a game by hitting the exact score needed
Leg: A single game within a match

Scoring Terms

Basic Point Values

The dartboard contains specific scoring zones that every player should understand. The outer thin ring is the double ring, which doubles the segment's value. The inner thin ring is the triple ring, tripling the point value. The single refers to the main segment area between the double and triple rings.

The bullseye consists of two parts: the outer bull (green section) worth 25 points, and the inner bull (red center) worth 50 points. The inner bull is also called the bull or double bull.

Common Scores

A ton means scoring 100 points in one turn. A ton 80 is the maximum possible score of 180 points, achieved by hitting three triple 20s. A high ton refers to any score between 151 and 180 points in a single turn.

Breakfast or bed and breakfast describes scoring 26 points by hitting a 5, 20, and 1—supposedly the cost of breakfast in old British currency. A bag of nuts means scoring 45 points (typically 5, 5, and triple 15).

Checkout Terms

A checkout is the final throw that wins a game by reducing your score to exactly zero. The last dart must land in a double to finish. A bogey number refers to scores that are difficult or impossible to checkout in three darts, such as 169 or 168.

Bust or bust score occurs when a player exceeds the exact score needed or fails to finish on a double, returning them to their previous score. A nine-darter is the perfect game—finishing a 501 game in just nine darts, the minimum possible.

Game Format Terms

Match Structure

A leg is a single game, typically starting from 501 or 301 points. A set consists of multiple legs, usually first to three or five legs wins. The match is the overall competition, often played as best of a certain number of sets.

501 and 301 are the most common starting scores in competitive darts. Players must reduce their score to exactly zero, finishing with a double. The straight start means you can begin scoring immediately, while double in requires hitting a double before your score counts.

Game Variations

Cricket is a popular game where players aim to "close" numbers 15 through 20 and the bullseye by hitting each three times. Around the clock requires hitting each number from 1 to 20 in sequence. Killer is a multiplayer elimination game with various rule sets.

Throwing Terms

Dart Trajectory and Placement

A grouping refers to three darts landing close together, showing consistency. The robin hood occurs when one dart sticks into the shaft or flight of another dart already in the board—an impressive but frustrating occurrence that doesn't count for points.

Covering or blocking happens when one dart obscures the target area for subsequent throws. A bounce out is when a dart hits the board but fails to stick, falling to the ground. Most leagues don't count these for points.

Throw Quality

A lipstick describes a dart that just barely catches the desired scoring area, often wobbling in the board. The arrow is another term for a single dart. Your arrows collectively refer to your set of three darts.

Bagging means a player is throwing particularly well, consistently hitting high scores. Punishing refers to taking advantage of an opponent's mistakes by scoring heavily.

Player Slang and Expressions

Performance Terms

Being on fire or in the zone describes exceptional playing, hitting intended targets consistently. Choking means failing under pressure, especially during crucial checkout attempts.

A mugs away rule means the player who lost the previous leg throws first in the next one. Diddler is British slang for the number one on the dartboard.

Etiquette Terms

The oche (pronounced "ockey") is the line players stand behind when throwing, positioned 7 feet 9.25 inches from the board. Chalking means keeping score, either on a traditional chalkboard or electronic scorer.

Good arrows is a respectful compliment given to an opponent after a good throw. Madhouse refers to the double 1, often the last target in around-the-clock games and notoriously difficult to hit.

Professional Circuit Terms

Tournament Vocabulary

The walk-on is a player's entrance to the stage, often accompanied by personalized music and crowd interaction. Averages track a player's scoring performance, calculated as points scored per dart thrown.

Checkout percentage measures how often a player successfully finishes when given the opportunity. A whitewash means winning a match without the opponent winning a single leg.

Broadcasting Terms

The cam or DartCam provides close-up views of where darts land. Freeze frame shows the exact moment darts hit the board. Pressure shot refers to crucial throws, especially checkouts that can win or save a leg.

Conclusion

Mastering darts terminology transforms you from a casual observer to an informed participant in the sport's rich culture. These terms connect players worldwide and add depth to your understanding of strategies, techniques, and the social aspects of darts.